After the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks, Adrienne Suarez, a 36-year-old Hono­lulu resident, found solace in listening to Hawaiian music that helped her feel close to home.

At the time, she lived in Manhattan with her husband, Willie Suarez. "It was terrifying and sad," she said. "It was our daily experience for almost a year since we were living downtown," she said. "There were physical reminders in your face every day. It felt very oppressive."

The tunes helped her through the difficult times until the couple returned to the islands in July 2002. "I wanted to feel safer and be closer to family." She now works as a law clerk at state Supreme Court.

Suarez was especially fond of Cyril Pahinui’s rendition of "Hi‘ilawe." "He was such a nice guy. It really sparked my interest in his music."

By sharing her personal accounts, she was chosen the winner of the "Dream Night at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Contest" sponsored by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Artists and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

She receives a one-night stay at the Ala Moana Hotel, a tuxedo rental from Celebrity Tuxedos, a formal dress from Calista, a couple’s package from Hoala Salon and Spa, an ukulele from Koaloha, a collection of CDs from Mountain Apple Co., limousine service to the awards dinner from Platinum Limousine and brunch the morning after the awards ceremony at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener.

"I wanted to do something special for my husband," she said. "He loves Hawaiian music. We are so excited about going to the Hokus and the awesome prize package."