Kanileʻa ʻUkulele Sponsors the International ʻUkulele Contest & Hula Show

KĀNEʻOHE – Kanileʻa ʻUkulele is proud to sponsor the International ʻUkulele Contest & Hula Show offering up over $8,000 in prizes. See amateur players of all ages from around the world compete for top prizes at the Waikīkī International Marketplace main stage on Saturday, February 15, 2020 starting at 10:30 a.m.

Kanileʻa ʻUkulele will be offering up over $8,000 in prizes including four beautiful Kanile`a instruments to the first-place winners. “We’ve been supporting this contest for years and took over top sponsorship in 2015,” said Joe Souza, master luthier and owner of Kanileʻa ʻUkulele. “We feel a responsibility to the next generation of ʻukulele artists, no matter where they live in the world.”

This event boasts some incredible past winners that have gone on to do amazing things in the world: Honoka & Azita (featured in Hawaiian Airlines in-flight mini-movie “Instrument of Aloha”), Guy Uke (a Thailand ʻukulele sensation), Tegan & Kaylen (signed to a major record deal in Japan) and Feng E (Asia’s got Talent 2017 and “The Ellen Show” viral sensation). All of these winners have chosen to join the Kanileʻa Family of Artists!

Past judges have included world renown ʻukulele superstars: Aldrine Guerrero of ʻUkulele Underground, Kalei Gamiao, Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, Robyn Furuya of KZOO Radio, Paul Hemmings, Jazzoom Café, Kimo Hussey and Bryan Tolentino.

The International ʻUkulele Contest showcases worldwide amateur ʻukulele players in four categories: Keiki (age 3-12), Teen (13-18), Open (19+) and Group. Special awards are also given by KZOO RAdi and to the Grand Champion/MVP.