Rickey Kamai Wins Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search Competition
After an extensive review of submissions from across the Hawaiian Islands, the Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search committee announced four finalists to play for a coveted month-long contract to jam at the home of Hawaiian music, Kani Ka Pila Grille at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. The final four; Rickey Kamai, Kekoa Lopes-Torres, Tevita Lisiate Apina-Pacheco and the band, Maluhia; performed live in front of a prestigious panel of Hawaiian music industry professionals at the 30th Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival on Saturday, August 24, at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
The esteemed panel of judges included 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); and Bobby Moderow Jr. (award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, slack key award winner).
With Bruddah Wade serving as emcee, each performer played for 20 minutes, and after the judges scorecards were tallied, it was Rickey Kamai who received the top score and will receive a contract to perform four times at Kani Ka Pila Grille within a month in 2025. Additionally, Ricky will 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.
After the contest was over, last year’s winner, Kahiau Lam Ho, played an awesome set with his mentors – Kawika Kahiapo and Bobby Moderow Jr. – to the delight of the audience.
“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,” said Luana Maitland, OUTRIGGER’s Area Director of Cultural Experience.
Kani Ka Pila Grille & Henry Kapono Join Forces to Nurture Next Generation
OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels and the Henry Kapono Foundation (HKF) recently announced the expansion of the transformative “ON THE RISE” musician program, which launched September 3, 2024 when Anthony Pfluke (pictured below with a young fan) took to the Cyril Pahinui Stage at Kani Ka Pila Grille.
The initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of Hawai‘i’s musical talent, providing invaluable mentorship, high-profile performance opportunities and a robust support network that equips emerging artists with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive music industry.
The ON THE RISE program’s expansion includes a significant new venue – Kani Ka Pila Grille at newly transformed OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort – offering emerging artists the chance to perform at one of Honolulu’s premier live music venues. Renowned as Waikiki’s home for Hawaiian music, the recently upgraded Kani Ka Pila Grille will now serve as a launchpad for the careers of up-and-coming artists, offering them a unique platform to display their talents to both local audiences and international visitors. The name “Kani Ka Pila” translates from Hawaiian to mean “Let’s Play Music” and was bestowed on the venue by legendary slack-key guitarist Cyril Pahinui – who performed there regularly.
“We are honored to collaborate with the Henry Kapono Foundation to bring the ON THE RISE Program to life at Kani Ka Pila Grille,” said OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Manager, Tomo Hikichi. “Our commitment to fostering the local music community is at the heart of this initiative. By supporting the next generation of Hawaii’s musicians, we are not only preserving the rich traditions of our islands, but also inspiring innovation and creativity that will carry this cultural legacy forward.”
The Henry Kapono Foundation has long been a cornerstone in the development and success of local musicians, providing them with the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive. This collaboration with OUTRIGGER marks a significant expansion of HKF’s mission, allowing for even greater impact within the music community. The program’s inclusion of workshops and seminars covering critical aspects of the music industry—such as songwriting, marketing, self-promotion, stage presence and performance skills—ensures that participating artists are well prepared to navigate the complexities of a professional music career.
September is Henry Kapono Month. An icon in Hawaii’s music scene and founder of the Henry Kapono Foundation, he shares a deep and personal connection with OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort. His iconic “Duke’s on Sundays” concerts have become a beloved tradition, drawing both locals and visitors to celebrate the Aloha spirit through music.
“Mahalo to OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels for always supporting everything Hawai‘i,” said Henry Kapono, Founder of the Henry Kapono Foundation.
“OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort has been a big part of my life since I was a kid and for the last 30 years of my concert on the beach at Duke’s on Sunday. It’s truly a place where locals and visitors gather to share the Aloha and the music of Hawai‘i. I’m excited to see the ON THE RISE Program flourish at Kani Ka Pila Grille, providing a platform for the next wave of Hawai‘i’s musical talent.”
The evolution of the ON THE RISE Program to include OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels and Kani Ka Pila Grille marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to support and elevate Hawai‘i’s music community. This collaboration not only provides musicians with an esteemed venue to hone their craft but also ensures that the vibrant musical traditions of Hawai‘i continue to thrive for generations to come.
ON THE RISE Artists Performing at Kani Ka Pila Grille (First Tuesday of each Month from 5-7pm)
- October 1, 2024 – Nick La’a
- November 5, 2024 – Kosuke
- December 3, 2024 – Ninamarie Bell
For Reservations Call 808-924-4990 | Kani Ka Pila Grille | 2169 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
For more information about the ON THE RISE Program, including how to participate, please visit www.henrykaponofoundation.org/on-the-rise. Follow along on social media at @KaniKaPilaGrille and @HenryKaponoFoundation
42nd Annual Slack Key Guitar Festival was Electric
OUTRIGGER Resorts and Hotels was a proud sponsor of the 42nd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival at the world famous Waikīkī Aquarium on August 31. The event featured 15 of Hawaiʻi’s favorite slack key artists alongside shave ice, giveaways and prizes.
Up next:
27th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Kona Style
OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels and the Kī Hō‘alu Foundation will host the 27th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Kona Style on October 13, 2024 from 1- 5pm. Synonymous with local music and culture, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels offers guests a distinctive sense of live slack-key guitar performances by 12 – 15 of Hawaii’s favorite artists. Tickets to the festival are $20 at the door and proceeds will benefit the Kī Hō‘alu Foundation.
32nd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Kaua‘i Style
This annual festival makes its way to the Garden Isle to feature 12-15 of Hawaii’s favorite artists in the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Genre in the beautiful ballroom of the Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa in Lihue. Attendees will enjoy local fare and refreshing beverages at three bars and restaurants located on the resort property. Local crafters will provide unique gifts from Kaua‘i during the festival during the event. Live music will go on Sunday, November 24 from 1-5pm.
Links to Musical Line-ups:
Kani Ka Pila Grille Music Calendar, HERE
Hula Grill September Music Calendar, HERE
Duke’s September Music Calendar, HERE