This is a new type of talent contest born from the stories and culture of Native Hawaiians. The show will discover talented artists, performers, comedians, fashion designers, and others who respect Hawaii and are committed to carrying on Hawaiian culture.
The show will be filmed across the Hawaiian Islands and beyond, and will air on Hawai‘i News Now. One episode will be released each week, with a live finale at Ko’Olina Resort. Viewers will vote for the winner.
This is more than just a talent contest. It’s where you, the people of Hawaiian culture, get to tell the story of Hawaii. You are the star of the story.
Apply in 5 easy steps!
- Tell us about the talent you have. It can be anything.
- Be the next generation of Hawaii Goodwill Ambassadors. You can apply solo or in a group of up to 6 people.
- Show your best performance in a video of less than 5 minutes. Upload a video of you introducing yourself.
- For fashion designers: propose your fashion style! Explain your concept in the video and upload up to 5 photos or sketches.
- Then, fill out the application form and submit. Once you have uploaded the video and materials, your application is complete.
*The submitted video may be used as promotional material. Thank you for your understanding.
Finalists will be able to perform at the live finale to be held at Ko’Olina Resort on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The winner will be decided based on the results including public voting. The winner will be invited to a global cultural goodwill tour to represent Hawaii and spread the richness of Hawaiian culture to the world. In addition, they will receive prize money and luxurious gifts from sponsors!
The winner of the special edition of “Japan Calls” will only perform in Japan, except for the live finale at Ko Olina, and will not participate in the global cultural goodwill tour.
*Participants will be responsible for transportation and accommodation costs to participate in Japan Calls on Friday, September 19th.
*The organizers will cover the travel expenses from Japan to Hawaii and local accommodation expenses for the finalists who will participate in the live finale on Sunday, December 14th.
Audition deadline and filming details
| Location | Application Deadline | Audition Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maui Calls (Maui) | Deadline: Thursday, May 29, 2025 | Photo taken on Sunday, June 29th | Maui Arts and Cultural Center |
| Kaua‘i Calls (Kaua‘i) | Deadline: Thursday, June 19, 2025 | Photo taken on Sunday, July 20, 2025 | Photo taken on Sunday, July 20, 2025 |
| Hawai‘i Island Calls (Hawai‘i Island) | Deadline: Thursday, July 17, 2025 | Photo taken on Sunday, August 17, 2025 | Hilo Palace Theater |
| Japan Calls (Tokyo/Special Edition) | Deadline: Thursday, August 14, 2025 | Photo taken on Friday, September 19, 2025 | TOKYO FM Hall |
| Continent Calls (Seattle area) | Deadline: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | Photo taken on Thursday, October 9, 2025 | トTulalip Resort Casino |
| O‘ahu Calls | Deadline: Thursday, October 9, 2025 | Photo taken on Sunday, November 9, 2025 | Hawaii Theatre |
Finale
Sunday, December 14, 2025 @ Ko Olina Resort (Oahu)
Live broadcast and public voting (start time and ticket information to be announced at a later date)
Introducing the judges and hosts
Amy Ha'anaiali'i
Judge
Amy Ha’anaiali’i is a six-time Grammy nominee, Hawaii’s most popular female vocalist, 18-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner and internationally acclaimed musical artist.
Patrick Makuakane
Judge
Renowned kumu hula (hula master) and MacArthur Fellow Patrick Makuakane is a visionary artist who blends tradition and innovation through his award-winning hula, performance works and cultural storytelling.
Hinaleimoana Wong Kar (Kumu Hina)
Judge
An Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and composer, and a Cultural Ambassador for the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Kumu Hina is a respected educator and cultural speaker who powerfully promotes Native Hawaiian identity and values.
Lehua Kalima
Judge
A founding member of Na Leo Pilimehana and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award recipient, Lehua Kalima is also part of the trio Kula’iwi, dedicated to preserving and promoting Native Hawaiian identity through music.
Sean Kekoa Pimental
Talent Advisor
Grammy nominee and 11-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Sean Kekoa Pimental has influenced Hawaii’s music scene for decades, collaborating with some of Hawaii’s top artists and currently co-leading the acclaimed groups Kula’iwi and Seven Sons.
Mckenna Maduri
Host
She is the host and creator of the Emmy Award-winning show “Talk Story with McKenna Maduri” and a sought-after entertainment reporter covering Hawaiian music, fashion, hula and culture from her hometown to stages across the nation.
Keali'i Rachelle
Guest Judge、Maui Calls
Grammy-nominated artist and kumu hula Keali’i Rachelle is a 36-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award recipient and is recognized for her vital role in preserving and sharing Hawaiian music, chants and hula with audiences around the world.