The Maui News

WAILUKU–On Saturday, the 22nd annual Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Contest graced the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua with a night of captivating performances.

Six talented vocalists enthralled the audience with their heartfelt renditions, but it was Antonio Robles who claimed the top honor with his performance of Hawaii standard ‘Waikaloa.’ The event was a vibrant celebration of Hawaiian culture and the cherished tradition of falsetto singing, creating lasting memories imbued with the spirit of aloha.

Antonio began singing in the third grade, inspired by Hawaiian artists like Hui Ohana, The Ho’opi’i Brothers, and Na Palapalai. Growing up surrounded by uncles who sang and entertained, he learned much from his kupuna as well as YouTube. A proud Maui native, he currently works as a musician with Tihati.

“We haven’t had this many contestants in years,” shared Daryl Fujiwara, coordinator of the contest. “The scores were incredibly close as well. I was told by many of the contestants that they were urged by friends and family to enter. Please keep encouraged these talented individuals to enter the contest in the future!”

Jonathan Honda, a Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Hawaiian Language teacher, was awarded the Hawaiian Language Award–presented by The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.

The Sheldon Keahiawakea Brown Music Award was awarded to Kepa Revelle Aikala of ‘A’apueo, Maui.

First place–Antonio Robles who took home a A lei hulu by Hulunani, Leo Meyer, an Aloha Collection Bag, $600 Cash from Honua Consulting, an opportunity to perform at the Festivals of Aloha Winter Showcase at Keauhou Shopping Center on the island of Hawaii, A Maui Divers Jewelry piece, (2) roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines, and a Premium Grade Koa Tenor with Black Sand Rosette from Madeira Portugal in the style of a Maile and Mokihana lei valued at $2,800.

Second place–Jonathan Honda. He took home A wood award, an Aloha Collection Bag and $400.00 Cash from Honua Consulting.

Third place–Kepa Revelle Aikala, A wood award, an Aloha Collection Bag and $300 Cash from Honua Consulting.

The contest in its entirety can be viewed on the Festivals of Aloha Facebook–https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/videos

The purpose of this event is to provide a championship opportunity for amateur falsetto singers, as well as to provide a dynamic platform for the preservation and perpetuation of Hawai’i’s unique falsetto traditions. Additionally, it is designed to honor and uphold the cultural and entertainment ideals and integrity as modeled by the late Uncle Richard Ho’opi’i–Hawaiian falsetto legend, member of the renowned musical duo, The Ho’opi’iBrothers, a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award co-recipient, a National Endowment of the Arts Folk Heritage Fellowship co-recipient, a Grammy Award co-recipient, and the founder of the Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Contest.