Whether formal or informal, ho‘okipa is fundamental to who we are, and how we are as kānaka Hawai‘i. In our Hawaiian culture, how we greet, host and make others feel welcome is a vital part of our kānaka way of life.

Song Contest 2025 celebrates mele composed and inspired by the spirit and essence of Hawaiian hospitality. The warmth, kindness, generosity and aloha one feels when visiting and welcomed by a dear friend are all inspirations for the mele featured in this year’s Song Contest.

Let us visit, relax and gather together to celebrate these songs of Hawaiian hospitality.

Director: Emiole Sabian Ohai
Papa: 12
Hometown: ‘Āhuimanu, O‘ahu

Song contest strengthens my identity as a kanaka because I am able to learn more about who I am and where I came from through mele. The mele that we sing helps to tell stories that transcend beyond time and continue to be shared through our leo.

Director: Fay Nu‘uhiwa
Papa: 12
Hometown: Wai‘anae, O‘ahu

Participating in Song Contest is more than just a musical event; it’s a way to connect with our community and grow as a person. It helps me develop important life skills like teamwork, leadership and perseverance, which are essential for success in any field. Plus, being part of this tradition brings our kaiāulu closer together, fostering a sense of unity and shared pride that extends beyond the performance and mele itself.

Director: Kaizer Espiau
Papa: 12
Hometown: Kailua, O‘ahu

Song Contest strengthens our kaiāulu by bringing us together to celebrate and perpetuate Hawaiian culture, language and history. It creates a shared experience that brings unity, pride and a deeper connection to our heritage.

Director: Jaden Nakanishi
Papa: 11
Hometown: Kapālama, O‘ahu

As the theme of this year’s Song Contest covers the fundamental way of who we are as Hawaiians (ho‘okipa), we start to understand ho‘okipa is often rooted from physical wahi, old or new. If these places unfortunately no longer exist, what’s stopping our community from forgetting about them as decades pass? Mele. Song Contest brings these wahi back to life and reintroduces it back into our kaiāulu, making this tradition all more important.

Director: Kaylyn Mahilum
Papa: 11
Hometown: Mililani Mauka, O‘ahu

This experience has helped me grow as an ‘ōiwi leader by showing me the importance of staying connected to my roots and leading with a sense of purpose for the Hawaiian people. Through Song Contest, I’ve learned how to work with and for others, honor our traditions and use the voices of the Junior Women to proudly represent our culture. I’ve realized that leadership isn’t just about being in charge, it’s about uplifting my girls, encouraging them to embrace their identity and ensuring these historical pictures from the mele live on.

Director: Brennan Agcaoili
Papa: 11
Hometown: Kailua, O‘ahu

Song Contest strengthens my identity as a kanaka by connecting me closer to ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, mele and my culture. Throughout my school year, I dedicate a lot of my time to learning as much as I can about beautifully composed mele that tell stories, keep places alive and so much more. By learning about these mele, I can perpetuate the legacy of the composers and the places they talk about, further keeping the Hawaiian culture alive.

Director: Kainalu Jacang
Papa: 10
Hometown: Ewa Beach, O‘ahu

Song Contest brings together thousands to celebrate our culture as Hawaiians. It is one night where we get to tell our moʻolelo and our history through our leo. It is one night when 450 students unite under one name to sing for their class. The unity and community brought about by Song Contest makes it unique and special to our kaiāulu.

Director: Mikaela Freitas
Papa: 10
Hometown: Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu

Song Contest strengthens my identity as a kanaka since it has really helped me to grow in my love for mele Hawai‘i. It has also helped me identify where I need help in my ‘ōlelo and recognize how much our culture impacts those worldwide through our voices. I'm so proud to be Hawaiian, and I hope this Song Contest touches the lives of everyone watching.

Director: Evan Kamahaʻo Haumea-Thronas
Papa: 10
Hometown: Olohena, Kaua‘i

This experience has strengthened my ‘ōiwi leadership by deepening my ‘ike and kuleana to perpetuate our ‘ōlelo, mo‘olelo and mele. Leading through laulima and aloha, I strive to uplift and preserve our heritage for future generations.

Director: Callie Onishi
Papa: 9
Hometown: Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu

Song Contest strengthens everyone's connection to Hawaiian culture and ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i. I hope that Song Contest will bring not only my classmates but all who watch the show closer to their identity as a Hawaiian. Personally, Song Contest helps me grow closer to my identity as a Native Hawaiian by singing mele in the Hawaiian language. Also, Song Contest is a tradition that many Hawaiians before me have experienced, so I will feel connected to all my kūpuna while performing in this sacred tradition. All of this will bring me closer to who I am as a kanaka.