Cultural festival · Kapalua, Maui · 6 PM – 9 PM
Richard Hoʻopiʻi Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest 2026
Hosted by The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua / Festivals of Aloha Maui Nui
The contest was founded around 2002 by Maui-born falsetto master Richard Hoʻopiʻi (1941–2018), who received a 1996 National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship for his role in preserving Hawaiian falsetto traditions. A Grammy co-recipient and 2015 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Hoʻopiʻi spent decades recording and performing leo kiʻekiʻe — Hawaiian falsetto singing. The inaugural contest was won by his late son Ramsey Hoʻopiʻi.
The evening centers on individual competitor performances judged on voice quality, Hawaiian language proficiency, and execution of the haʻi — the characteristic catch or register break as the voice transitions to higher registers — within a 7-minute limit per entry. A house band accompanies contestants throughout. The 2025 contest (its 23rd year) drew five competitors, including a singer from Chiba, Japan, continuing international participation that dates back at least to 2005. The 2025 first-place prize package included a Kanileʻa Koa tenor ukulele and a two-night resort stay, valued at approximately $8,150.
- Named for Richard Hoʻopiʻi (1941–2018), 1996 NEA National Heritage Fellow
- Contest founded ~2002; 23rd annual held in 2025
- Competitors judged on voice quality, technique, and Hawaiian language proficiency
- International competitors welcomed; past entrants include singers from Japan
Plan your weekend on Maui
While you’re out for Richard Hoʻopiʻi Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
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Good to know
When is Richard Hoʻopiʻi Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest?
Richard Hoʻopiʻi Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, 6 PM – 9 PM.
Where is Richard Hoʻopiʻi Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest?
You'll find Richard Hoʻopiʻi Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua / Festivals of Aloha Maui Nui, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr, Kapalua, HI 96761 in Kapalua, Maui.
Should I confirm Richard Hoʻopiʻi Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on https://event.marriott.com/jhmrz-the-ritz-carlton-maui-kapalua/events/kapalua/23rd-richard-hoopii-leo-kiekie-falsetto-contest; https://www.hawaii-guide.com/blog/aloha-festivals-hawaii-statewide-celebration-guide; https://www.hawaii-guide.com/blog/maui-events-in-september; https://www.festivalsofaloha.com/richard-holsquoopilsquoi.html; https://mauinow.com/2025/07/26/call-for-entries-23rd-richard-ho%CA%BBopi%CA%BBi-and-4th-carmen-hulu-lindsey-falsetto-contests/; https://www.facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/posts/get-your-tickets-to-the-23rd-richard-ho%CA%BBopi%CA%BBi-leo-ki%CA%BBeki%CA%BBe-falsetto-contest-happ/1212930420863331/. Event dates and times can change, so confirm with the host before you go.
About cultural festivals
Hawaii's cultural festivals gather food, performing arts, craft, and community across a weekend or longer. Many trace to the islands' Japanese, Okinawan, and broader Asia-Pacific communities and feature taiko, hula, bon dance, and street-food booths.
Some are free block parties and some are ticketed convention-center markets. Come for the performances and stay for the food booths, craft vendors, and local-product marketplaces.
- Check admission before you go — marketplace and convention-center events may charge entry.
- Parking fills early — rideshare or transit is usually easier.
- Schedules and venues can shift year to year; confirm before you go.
Sources: source; source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.