Pacific Media Group radio stations KQMQ – HI93 Oahu, KLHI – HI92 Maui, KSRF – HI95 Kauai and KAPA-FM Hawaii Island are thrilled to announce the return of Hawaii's Finest Talent Contest, a statewide competition dedicated to discovering and showcasing Hawaii's emerging musical talents. Contestants from across the islands have submitted their entries online, and after a rigorous selection process, we are excited to reveal our semi-finalists: Semi-Finalists:
- Maui: Juss Press from Wailuku
- Kauai: Local Boy Hittah from Lihue
- Hawaii Island: Kepa Revelle from Hilo
- Oahu:
- King Kai of Manoa Valley
- Noah Chee of Honolulu
- MJ Fuata & Ohana from Waianae
- Kalei from Waipahu
- Hazel Nahienaena from Waianae
- Candice Kealohi from Papakolea
- Caroline Luga from Waipahu
- Makamae Hao from Makakilo
- Jioji Suguturaga from Kahaluu
- Hillside Islanders from Makakilo
- Inaloi from Kaimuki
Semi-finalists will compete in live performances at the HB Social Club on Thursdays from June 20 to August 1 and will have the honor of opening for renowned headliners including Kapena, B.E.T., Malino, Opihi Pickers, and more. Neighbor island artists will be flown to Oahu, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, and will enjoy accommodations provided by The SurfJack Hotel & Swim Club
“We’re excited to provide a platform for local artists to shine and gain exposure,” said Chris Riofta, Program Director of HI95 Kauai. Kelsey “K-Smooth” Yogi, Program Director of HI93 Oahu continues, “Our community has an abundance of talent, and this contest is a fantastic opportunity for these musicians to take the next step in their careers.”
“As the only statewide audio platform in Hawaii, Pacific Media Group is in a unique position to create promotions of this magnitude.” said Joshua Mednick, Regional Vice President for Pacific Media Group. Mednick continued, “Our radio stations across the state are dedicated to serving the communities on every island. Working with Hawaii’s Finest to provide a stage to undiscovered talent is just one of the ways we fulfill on that promise. A Big Mahalo to Paulele for his participation and ongoing support of this program!”
“Hawaii’s Finest thrives to represent and support all things Hawaii. Through hard work and the Aloha spirit, we promise to never give up or forget where we come from,” says Paulele Alcon, CEO of Hawaii’s Finest. Alcon continues, “Our brand was born on Molokai and opening this contest up to a statewide audience with Pacific Media Group was extremely important to me.”
The overall grand prize winner will receive $1,000, a professional recording session, and a performance slot at a future Hawaii’s Finest concert, setting the stage for them to become the next big act from Hawaii. Reflecting on the success of previous contests, 2022 winners Hui Pu have seen tremendous growth in their career, booking numerous performances and gaining widespread recognition.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned to HI93 Oahu for updates and to join the excitement at HB Social Club to cheer on their favorite local artists. The journey to finding Hawaii’s next big star promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with incredible music and talent. The schedule of events is as follows:
June 20:
Contestants: King Kai from Manoa Valley and Noah from town
Headliners: BET and Kapena
June 27
Contestants: Kalei from Waipahu and MJ Fuata & Ohana from Waianae
Headliners: PeniDean and Keala
July 4
Contestants: Hazel from Waianae and Candice from Papakolea
Headliners: Spawnbreezie and Chardonnay
July 11
Contestants: Caroline from Waipahu and Makamae from Makakilo
Headliners: Micah G and Pohaku
July 18
Contestants: Jioji from Kahaluu and Local Boy Hittah from Lihue
Headliners: Malino and Hammah House
July 25
Contestants: Kepa from Hilo and Hillside Islanders from Makakilo
Headliners: High Watah and Hui Pu
Aug 1
Contestants: Inaloi from Kaimuki and Juss Press of Wailuku
Headliners: Opihi Pickers and Miah