How to Nā Hōkū: Inside on Fashion, Program

May 23, 2016, 4:06 PM HST
* Updated May 23, 4:12 PM

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The star-studded 39th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards takes place this Saturday evening May 28, 2016 at the Hawaii`i Convention Center on Oʻahu. Whether a first timer or a seasoned attendee, the fashion, program and entertainment lineup are all highlights that deserve some attention of their own.

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The Program: The big night features final ballot nominees in 33 categories vying for the coveted `Ka Hōkū Mua `Loa trophy, the “star of distinction.” Guest registration begins at 3:30 p.m. The cocktail hour is from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by a Hawaiian blessing at 5:05 p.m., with the awards dinner at 5:15 p.m. The live broadcast on KFVE (channel 9, UHF digital channel 22) will begin at 7 p.m. The formal dress code for the night is black tie to Hawaiian couture.

The Fashion: The Style Contest will take place in the foyer of the Kalākaua Ballroom also during the cocktail hour from 4 to 5 p.m. Attendees can model their outfits in front of an expert panel of judges including Georja Skinner, Chief Officer of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism/Creative Industries Division, designer Allison Izu, and Carol D’Angelo & Dexter Doi of Ecolicious. Prizes from Ala Moana Hotel, Manaola, Allison Izu, Reyn Spooner, DADA Salon, and KoAloha ʻUkulele go to the most stylish Wahine and Kāne. The guest host this year is McKenna Maduli, a local girl who now calls Los Angeles home. She has worked the red carpet in Hollywood for clients that include Access Hollywood, Billboard Live, and MTV.

The Entertainment: The entertainers that will take part in one-of-a-kind collaborative performances on the Nā Hōkū stage include: Maui’s own Lily Meola, Aidan James, Ben & Maila, Blayne Asing, Chad Takatsugi, 82Fifty, Erin Smith, Jake Shimabukuro, Kahulanui, Kimie, Mark Yamanaka, Maunalua, Natalie Ai Kamauu, Nathan Aweau, New Hope, Rough Riders, Sean Na`auao, and Taz Vegas. Hawai`i ‘s legendary super group, Kalapana, will close out the evening.

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The Artists: After each category is announced, the winners will move into the foyer of the Kalākaua Ballroom for a short period of time to conduct interviews at the step-n-repeat. Guests are welcomed to mix and mingle with other fans, meet their favorite artists, take photos, and get autographs.

The Hotel: Ala Moana Hotel, aka the “Official Hotel of the 39th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards,” is the place to relax after the event. Special room rates are extended to guests of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Kona Tower, $135. per night, maximum 2 guests per room; Waikīkī Tower, $159. per night, maximum 4 guests per room). Rates are for single/double occupancy, plus taxes, and rooms are subject to availability. To receive the special rate, call (808) 955.4811.

About Mele Mei: In 2011, officers of The Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts developed the Mele Mei (Music in May) program to promote and perpetuate Hawai`i‘s music, composers, and culture on a global level. The festival is highlighted with the annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards at the end of May, designed to honor and acknowledge outstanding artists, compositions and performers in Hawai`i’s music industry. The program celebrates the signature sounds, diverse talent and genre of Hawai`i‘s music.

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The 39th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards is the grand finale to the Mele Mei celebration that begins mid-April. Due to its growing popularity, the original month-long program now stretches through to June. This premiere music festival, sponsored by HARA and the Hawai`i Tourism Authority, begins with an exciting kick off concert in Japan. It is followed with numerous events, attractions, and musical performances by multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning and Grammy nominated artists, held at venues throughout Honolulu, Waikīkī, and neighbor islands.

Nā Hōkū Hanohano Tickets: The annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards is considered one of the biggest nights of the year in Hawai`i. Tickets for the elegant affair are: $165 General Admission; $145 Kama`āina; $135 HARA Members; and $225 Premium Seat. Call (808) 593.9424 to purchase or simply visit the Nā Hōkū Hanohano website.

About The Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards: The Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards trace their origins to 1978 and KCCN-AM Radio, then the world’s only all-Hawaiian music radio station. Conceived as a radio station promotion by Krash Kealoha (Victor `Ōpiopio), and with the support of KCCN owner Sydney Grayson and Kealoha’s original deejay team including Kimo Kaho`āno and Jacqueline “Skylark” Rossetti, the first Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards presentation was launched in 1978. By 1982, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards evolved into an industry awards ceremony administered by recording professionals. Patterned after the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which produces the Grammy Awards, the Hawai`i Academy produces a live television broadcast of the awards show honoring the achievements of excellence in the recording arts.