KAPOLEI, Hawai‘i (April 23, 2025) — The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) has announced the launch of Hawai‘i Calls | Advancing Hawai‘i to the World — a groundbreaking talent competition and television series uplifting artists, storytellers, musicians, comedians, fashion designers, and other talented individuals who can proudly represent Hawai‘i.
Each episode will be filmed on location across the islands and beyond. The shows will be broadcast on Hawai‘i News Now with episodes released weekly leading up to a live finale at the Ko Olina Resort on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, which will include public voting to determine the winner.
“This is more than a competition — it’s a cultural movement and a reclamation of our narrative,” said Blaine Miyasato, CNHA’s chief brand officer and executive producer of the new program. “We’re giving our people the stage and asking, ‘What do you want the world to know and feel about Hawai‘i?’ The results will be vibrant, rooted, and unforgettable.”
Winners will be invited to represent Hawai‘i on a global cultural ambassador tour, showcasing the richness of what our islands have to offer the world. They will also receive cash and prizes.
“Our greatest asset is our people. There is no better way to market Hawai‘i than by showcasing the beauty, talent, and spirit of our own,” said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of CNHA and co-creator of the show. “The marketing ads about Hawai‘i may draw people in, but it’s our people who truly make Hawai‘i special.”
Call for Entries
The competition is open to individuals (18 and older) and groups of six or fewer. Audition videos (maximum of five minutes in mp4/mov/m4v formats) can be submitted now at www.hawaiiancouncil.org/auditions.
Audition Deadlines & Filming Locations
Maui Calls
- Deadline: May 29, 2025
- Filming: June 29, 2025 at Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Kaua‘i Calls
- Deadline: June 19, 2025
- Filming: July 20, 2025 at Kaua‘i Performing Arts Center
Hawai‘i Island Calls
- Deadline: July 17, 2025
- Filming: August 17, 2025 at Palace Theater, Hilo
Japan Calls (Tokyo) *special edition*
- Deadline: August 14, 2025
- Filming: September 14, 2025 (Location TBD)
Continent Calls (Seattle area)
- Deadline: September 9, 2025
- Filming: October 9, 2025 at Tulalip Resort Casino
O‘ahu Calls
- Deadline: October 9, 2025
- Filming: November 9, 2025 at Hawai‘i Theater
Finale
- Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 at Ko Olina Resort, Oʻahu
- Live show with public voting (time and ticket info to be announced)
Judging Panel
Each location will feature a guest judge alongside the core panel of celebrated artists and cultural leaders:
- Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom – Six-time GRAMMY® nominee, 18-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano winner
- Patrick Makuakāne – MacArthur Fellow, kumu hula, cultural innovator
- Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu (Kumu Hina) – Emmy® winner, composer, cultural ambassador
- Lehua Kalima – Founding member of Nā Leo Pilimehana, award-winning musician
- Shawn Kekoa Pimental – GRAMMY®-nominated producer, 11-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano winner
Hosted by McKenna Maduli, Emmy®-winning host of Talk Story with McKenna Maduli.
With more than half of all Native Hawaiians now living outside of Hawai‘i, CNHA created the Continent Calls to honor, uplift and include our ʻohana in the diaspora. This episode provides an opportunity for those living on the continent to share how they carry culture in their everyday lives and how they continue to represent Hawai‘i with pride, creativity, and aloha. Filming for the Continent Calls will be held on the final day of the 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention.
“This is our moment to redefine how the world sees us,” said Miyasato. “If you feel called to represent your home — send in your audition. The next global ambassador of Hawai‘i could be you.”
As a special addition to the series, CNHA will also host Japan Calls — a unique edition of Hawai‘i Calls | Advancing Hawai‘i to the World that celebrates the deep cultural connection between Hawai‘i and Japan. Japan has long been a trusted ally with sincere respect for Hawaiian traditions and values. This Tokyo-based episode will invite performers in Japan who carry a heartfelt appreciation for Hawai‘i to share how the culture inspires and lives within them. The winner of Japan Calls will be invited to perform at the live finale at Ko Olina Resort but will participate only in performances within Japan and will not join the global ambassador tour.
For full rules, waivers, and the latest updates, visit www.hawaiiancouncil.org/auditions.
CLICK HERE for visual assets including 30-second video, headshots and logo.