#Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Ki‘eki‘e Falsetto Contest

Festivals of Aloha released its 2026 schedule of events and theme, “Ea Mai Ke Kai Mai – Rise Up from the Sea,” in support of Gov. Josh Green’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana.”

Both contests honor the legacy and artistry of two of Maui’s most beloved musical treasures—Richard Hoʻopiʻi and Carmen Hulu Lindsey—while nurturing the next generation of falsetto performers.

Festivals of Aloha has announced its 2024 theme, “Ka Laʻi o Hauola – The Calm of Hauola,” honoring the revered Pōhakuohauola (Hauola Stone) of Lahaina, a historic symbol of healing and restoration. As Maui Nui communities continue to recover from the devastating wildfires of Aug. 8, 2023, this year’s theme reflects the collective hope for peace and comfort, echoing the stone’s ancient legacy of health and renewal, organizers said.

This year’s Festivals of Aloha theme is “Kāhuli leo leʻa–Hoʻōla o ka wao,” or “Sweet-voiced kāhuli–Savior of the forest,” honoring the kāhuli snail.