Kala‘e Parish Dominates at 48th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards
Saturday night marked a triumphant occasion for Big Island’s Kala‘e Parish at the 48th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, held at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort. Parish secured top honors, winning both Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year for his work on "Where I’m Going." His success reflects his diverse talents as a recording artist, songwriter, and producer, highlighted by the Christmas album he created with his wife, Kalena, as the duo Kala‘e + Kalena.
The evening was also notable for the debut album "Many Feathers" by Seven Suns, which garnered awards in six categories, including Music Video of the Year. Pono Fernandez received a seventh award for his liner notes on the album.
Among the unique accolades, the late Edwin Mahiʻai Copp Beamer, known as Mahi Beamer, received the "Haku Mele" award for best first-time released song in Hawaiian language, demonstrating the category’s inclusive criteria.
The event celebrated excellence across 32 categories with winners determined by members of the Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA), while other specialized awards were judged by panels of experts. The criteria for the international recognition category remain undisclosed.
Public voting determined the Favorite Entertainer, with Weldon Kekauoha taking home the honor. Meanwhile, the Ki-Ho‘Alu Legacy Award was awarded to Daniel Ho, continuing its legacy since its inception in 1991.
With a robust showing of talent and dedication, this year’s Na Hoku Hanohano Awards shone a spotlight on Hawaii’s rich musical heritage and the artists who contribute to its vibrant culture.
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