The judges of “Hawaiʻi to the World,” a televised talent competition launched by Hawaiian Council, have selected Pohai as the Hawaiʻi Island artist who advances to the finale. Pohai is a Kānaka Maoli singer and songwriter who fuses together acoustic soul, indie, rhythm and blues, roots reggae and “a dash of Island girl magic,” according to her Spotify bio.
The competition between contestants from Hawaiʻi Island aired on Hawaiʻi News Now and was simulcast on K5 and KHNL on Sunday, Nov. 30.
The finale, which includes contestants from four islands, Kauaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu, airs on Sunday, Dec. 14. 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.
Pohai will advance to the finale alongside Maui’s finalist, Āinaty, and Kaua‘i’s two finalists: Beya and Kumu Hula Troy Allen Lazaro with Hālau Ka Pā Hula o Hīnano. The contestant representing Oʻahu has not yet been announced. That announcement will come this Sunday, Dec. 7.
“Each week, we are reminded of how much talent lives in our communities,” said Kūhiō Lewis, chief executive officer of the Hawaiian Council and co-creator of the show, in a written statement. “We’re proud to help elevate local artists and share their voices with audiences across Hawai‘i and beyond.”
The panel of judges includes Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom; Patrick Makuakāne; Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, also known as Kumu Hina; and Lehua Kalima. The show is hosted by McKenna Maduli. Auditions for each Island’s talent contest include a guest judge.
"Hawaiʻi to the World" premiered its first episode on Sunday, Nov. 16, on Hawaiʻi News Now, which was simulcast on K5 and KHNL. The remaining episodes will air weekly following Sunday Night Football:
• Dec. 7: O‘ahu Auditions with guest judge Jake Shimabukuro
• Dec. 14: Finale with surprise guest judge
Earlier this year, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement rebranded as Hawaiian Council, a change the nonprofit announced in August. Hawaiian Council’s mission is to “enhance the cultural, economic, political and community development of Native Hawaiians,” according to its website.
Watch the full episode of Hawaiʻi Island auditions. Vote for your fan favorite here.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
