Outrigger Resorts is calling for the musicians of Hawai‘i to participate in its 15th Annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search, with entries open from 10-20 October 2022, and the finals held during the Made in Hawai‘i Festival at Ala Moana Shopping Center on 12 November from 1-6 pm. The winner will receive a month-long contract to jam on Kani Ka Pila’s brand-new stage at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.
As part of the resort’s $80 million modernisation, Kani Ka Pila Grille has been entirely reinvented with a new stage, expanded seating and an updated selection of locally sourced food and drinks. Slack-key legend Cyril Pahinui bestowed the venue’s name, which means “let’s play music,” evoking the joys of backyard jam sessions and impromptu hula.
“Hawaiian music fills our souls and lifts our spirits. It is healing and takes you back to happy times, or as we say, ‘to a sense of place,’ a place where you belong,” said Luana Maitland, director of cultural experience for Outrigger’s Waikīkī resorts. “We are grateful to honour Uncle Cyril by perpetuating the next generation of Hawai‘i musicians through this talent search and welcoming guests to come enjoy Hawai‘i as it should be.”
Aspiring traditional and contemporary Hawaiian musicians are invited to submit a DVD music sample or share a link to a past performance to enter the competition. Registrations must be completed by 20 October 2020 and include the name and high-resolution photo of the artist or group, along with a contact name, address and phone number.
Submissions can be sent to luana.maitland@outrigger.com or Luana at Kani Ka Pila Grille, c/o Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, 2169 Kaila Road, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96815.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort will announce four finalists on Tuesday, 25 October 2022. These top island musicians will then have the opportunity to perform live at this year’s Made in Hawai‘i Festival on Saturday, 12 November 2022, in front of a panel of prominent Hawaiian music industry professionals, including:
- Milton Lau, CEO of Ki-Ho‘alu Foundation and Founder of the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festivals
- Kawika Kahiapo, Master Slack Key Guitar artist, Multi Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner
- John Vierra, MELE Programme Coordinator at Honolulu Community College, Assistant Professor, Audio Engineering
- Luana Maitland, Director of Cultural Experience for Outrigger Resorts and Kani Ka Pila Grille
The grand prize winner will receive a one-month paid contract with Kani Ka Pila Grille that includes four performances within a month in 2023. In addition, the winner will receive a personalised social media marketing package comprising an electronic press kit and promotional audio/video clips recorded at Honolulu Community College’s Mike Curb MELE Studios.
Located poolside at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Kani Ka Pila Grille is Honolulu’s place to be for nightly live Hawaiian music. The restaurant offers delicious food in a chill and open atmosphere from 6:30 am – 9 pm. A regular line-up of award-winning musicians kick-off each evening at 6 pm, including Kawika Kahiapo, Sean Na‘auao and Ho‘okena, Nathan Aweau, Kala‘e Camarillo and Ei Nei, with occasional special guest appearances, and of course, impromptu kanikapila!
