BY LUANA MAITLAND – After listening to dozens of submissions from across the Hawaiian Islands, the 17th Annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search committee is delighted to announce the four finalists who will play-off for a month-long contract to jam at the home of Hawaiian music, Kani Ka Pila Grille (KKPG) at the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.
Kekoa Lopes-Torres, Rickey Kamai, Maluhia and Tevita Lisiate Apina-Pacheco were the four finalists chosen to perform live at the 30th Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival on Saturday, August 24, from 3-6 p.m. at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, in front of a panel of renowned Hawaiian music industry professionals.
The judges are Kawika Kahiapo, award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, slack key award winner; Milton Lau, CEO of Ki-Ho‘alu Foundation and Founder of the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festivals; Bobby Moderow Jr., award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, slack key award winner; and Eric Lagrimas, Assistant Professor, Music & Entertainment Learning Experience (MELE).
With Billy V and Bruddah Wade as emcee’s, each performer will play three songs or 20 minutes, after which last year’s winner, Kahiau Lam Ho, will perform a short set while the judges tabulate their scores. The winner, once announced, will then play a final performance for the audience.
In addition to the contract to play at KKPG, which includes four performances within a month in 2025, the winning artist or band will also receive a personalized social media marketing package featuring an electronic press kit and promotional audio/video clips recorded at Honolulu Community College’s Mike Curb MELE Studios.
OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels is proud to continue its support of Hawai‘i musicians through its annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search, which is now in its 17th year. It’s my honor and privilege to support our up & coming musicians, provide them with an opportunity to fulfill their dreams and sing Hawaiian music professionally.
Located poolside at the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, KKPG is Honolulu’s home for nightly live Hawaiian music. The restaurant offers delicious dining in a relaxed and open atmosphere from 11am – 9pm. A regular line-up of award-winning musicians kick-off each evening at 6 p.m., including Kawika Kahiapo, Sean Na‘auao, Ho‘okena, Nathan Aweau, Kala‘e Camarillo, Ei Nei and Ka Hehena with occasional special guest appearances, and of course, impromptu kanikapila! For reservations or restaurant information, call (808) 924-4990 or visit: www.outrigger.com/events/music/kani-ka-pila-grille.
About the Four Finalists
Kekoa Lopes-Torres
Kekoa hails from Maunalaha Valley in Makiki, O’ahu, and is a product of Hawaiian immersion and Hawaiian culture-based charter schools. This Kanaka Maoli/Puerto Rican comes from a line of experienced Hawaiian entertainers, and learned to play ukulele, guitar and sing from his tutu kane as a child. His forte is mele o Hawaii (Hawaiian songs), although he also plays reggae, country, contemporary music, and oldies.
Rickey Kamai
Rickey Kamai’s musical journey traces back to the heart of Hawai`i, where he inherited a profound love for music from his family deeply engrained in the industry. With Familial ties reaching back to the renowned band Hulili and contributions to The Palasades, music was not just a passion but a legacy for Rickey. His musical palette blossomed with old-school Hawaiian melodies and church hymns. Driven by an unwavering passion, Ricky aspires to become a successful recording artist & producer.
Maluhia
Acoustic Guitar – ‘Elia Akaka
‘Ukulele – Kyle Moriguchi
Electric and Steel Guitars – Remington Tang
Electric Bass – Liki Tavete
Maluhia, a Hawaiian music band deeply rooted in nostalgia and tradition, transports listeners throughout generation of Mele Hawai’i through their enchanting melodies and harmonies. Formed by a group of passionate musicians who share a profound love for the music of their upbringing, Maluhia embodies the spirit of aloha in every note they play. With each member having been on their respective musical journeys for some time, these four gentlemen have banded together with one goal in mind: perpetuating and upholding the musical legacies of Hawai’i. Together, Elia, Kyle, Remington, and Liki form a musical synergy that captures the essence of tranquility, “Maluhia.”
Tevita Lisiate Apina-Pacheco
Tevita has been singing traditional Japanese music professionally for 12 years and has been a student of Craig Shimizu for 16 years. He has been singing Hawaiian music for five years now and his dream is to sing Hawaiian music professionally. His life goal is to keep traditional Japanese and Hawaiian music alive.