Tickets are now on sale to be part of the audience for live tapings of "Hawaiʻi to the World", a televised talent competition, launched by Hawaiian Council, formerly known as Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. The show was created to showcase the next generation of local artists, musicians, dancers and creators, according to representatives of Hawaiian Council.
The winner of the competition takes home a $10,000 cash prize. The fan favorite, determined by online voting, will also receive a cash award.
The live tapings of auditions of talent from Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu, as well as the finale, will take place Nov. 9, 10 and 12, respectively, at Hawaiʻi Theatre.
The panel of judges includes Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom; Patrick Makuakāne; Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, also known as Kumu Hina; and Lehua Kalima. The show will be hosted by McKenna Maduli, with Shawn Kekoa Pimental serving as music producer.
Guest judges will be helping with the auditions and finale. Alaka‘i Paleka will be the guest judge for auditions of Hawaiʻi Island talent on Sunday, Nov. 9, while Jake Shimabukuro will be the guest judge of auditions of Oʻahu talent on Monday, Nov. 10. A surprise guest judge will assist with the finals on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
"Hawaiʻi to the World" will premiere at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, on Hawaiʻi News Now, simulcast on K5 and KHNL. The episodes will air weekly following Sunday Night Football on these dates:
• Nov. 16: Kaua‘i Auditions with guest judge Jaedyn Pavao, Miss Aloha Hula 2025
• Nov. 23: Maui Auditions with guest judge Keali‘i Reichel
• Nov. 30: Hawai‘i Island Auditions with guest judge Alaka‘i Paleka
• Dec. 7: O‘ahu Auditions with guest judge Jake Shimabukuro
• Dec. 14: Finale with surprise guest judge
Hawaiian Council, which has headquarters in Kapolei, is a nonprofit that seeks to “enhance the cultural, economic, political and community development of Native Hawaiians,” according to its website. It is also a Native Community Development Financial Institution certified by the U.S. Department of Treasury and a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development certified housing counseling agency.
Tickets for the live audience for auditions on Sunday, Nov. 9, and Monday, Nov. 10, are $20. Tickets for the live audience for the finale on Wednesday, Nov. 12 are $25. Get tickets.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
