Entertainment

Pōʻai Lincoln wins Carmen Hulu Lindsey falsetto contest

Pōʻai Lincoln was crowned champion of the fifth annual Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Haʻihaʻi Falsetto Contest on Friday at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

Lincoln, who is originally from Hawaii Island, earned 384 points for her performance of "Kimo Hula," finishing ahead of eight other contestants from Hawaii, the mainland and Japan.

Eva Kapaleʻiliahiokauʻilani Adolpho Kaʻōnohi of St. George, Utah, finished second with 381 points and four tiebreaker points for her performance of "Eclipse."

Avyanna McPeek-Batlin of Honolulu placed third with 381 points for her performance of "Alika."

The competition honors the traditional Hawaiian vocal technique known as leo haʻihaʻi, characterized by the expressive breaking of vocal notes. The annual contest is part of Festivals of Aloha, which features more than 20 events throughout Maui Nui this year celebrating Hawaiian music, language and cultural traditions.

Lincoln received a commemorative ʻumeke award, a handcrafted lei hulu by Leo Meyer of Hulunani, $600 and several other prizes, including a Kanileʻa koa tenor ukulele with a travel case valued at $2,600 and the opportunity to perform at the Festivals of Aloha Winter Showcase at Keauhou Shopping Center on Hawaii Island.

Lincoln and McPeek-Batlin also tied for the Hawaiian Language Award, each earning a perfect score of 120 points in the category.

The nine contestants included Pōmaikaʻi Mailani Me Kealoha Jones, Allegra Alohilani Althea Kauo of Kihei, Namaka Cosma of Makawao, Brittney Latayada of Kahului, Eva Kapaleʻiliahiokauʻilani Adolpho Kaʻōnohi of St. George, Utah, Maki Rickard of Pukalani and Japan, Jazlyn Noelani Dawn Miyamura of Mililani, Avyanna McPeek-Batlin of Honolulu and Pōʻai Lincoln of Honolulu.

"It was incredibly exciting to welcome nine contestants from across Hawaiʻi, the continent and Japan to Maui to celebrate the beautiful art of Hawaiian wahine falsetto," said Daryl Fujiwara, executive director of Festivals of Aloha.

"The level of talent this year was truly remarkable. You could see just how competitive the field was, with scores separated by only a few points and two contestants earning perfect scores in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. That speaks volumes about the dedication, preparation, and deep respect these performers have for our language, music, and culture."

The panel of judges included Carmen Hulu Lindsey, who served as overall judge; Raiatea Helm and Nāpua Silva, who judged musical presentation; and Kahulu Maluo Pearson and Carlson Kamaka Kukona III, who evaluated Hawaiian language.

Luana Kawaʻa served as emcee.

The contest is named for Lindsey, a Hawaiian entertainer and recording artist who has represented Maui as a trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs since January 2012. Lindsey received the 2014 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for female vocalist of the year for her album "A He Leo Wale Nō E."

The event is part of the 2026 Festivals of Aloha celebration, whose theme is "Ea Mai Ke Kai Mai -- Rise Up from the Sea," selected by Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata.

For information about upcoming Festivals of Aloha events, visit festivalsofaloha.com.