Kuana Torres Kahele, a founding member of Na Palapalai and a successful solo artist, received a pace-setting 11 nominations — six as a solo performer, five as a member of Na Palapalai — for 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts announced the finalists in 32 categories Wednesday. They include Manu Boyd, Grammy Award finalist Weldon Kekauoha and first-time Na Hoku finalists Na Hoa Ikaika Blackburn, Halehaku Seabury and Keoni Souza — all with seven nominations each.
The big changes this year are the inauguration of separate categories for alternative album (separate from rock), ukulele album (separate from instrumental album) and instrumental composition (a composer’s award distinct from the song of the year award).
The winners will be announced at the 36th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards on May 25 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Tickets are $125 to $150. For information, call 593-9424 or www.nahokuhanohano.org.
The HARA membership will determine the winners in 27 categories. The favorite-entertainer award is determined by public vote. Other category winners are determined by panels of experts.
Here are nominees in some of the top categories. For a complete list, visit www.honolulupulse.com/ music/2013-hoku-awards-finalists.
» Female vocalist: Anuhea, Shar Carillo, Amy Hanaiali‘i, Melveen Leed, Sunway
» Male vocalist: Gary Aiko, Nathan Aweau, Manu Boyd, Kuana Torres Kahele, Weldon Kekauoha
» Most promising artist: Shar Carillo, Kamakakehau Fernandez, Kahulanui, Mike Love, Na Hoa
» Group: Ho‘okena, Kahulanui, Eddie Kamae and the Sons Of Hawaii, Na Hoa, Na Palapalai, Pahinui Hawaiian Band
» Single: "Aloha Keauhou," Kenneth Makuakane and Keola Donaghy; "It’s Never Easy," Bruddah Waltah; "Merry Christmas Darling," Waipuna; "Who Loves You," Cyril Pahinui and Diana Aki; "You Love Me Good," Ekolu
» Rock album: "Back for More," Howard Ahia; "The Blinding Speed of Trust," The Piranha Brothers; "The Dukes of Surf," The Dukes of Surf; "Frankly, My Dear …," Wicked Scarlet; "Hold On Tight," Tom Conway; "This Wave," Stef Muzic
» Reggae album: "Arise," Maoli; "The Change I’m Seeking," Mike Love; "Inspiration," Ryan Hiraoka; "Reggae’s Coming," Kawao; "This Is Irie Love," Irie Love
» Hawaiian music album: "Ha‘a," Na Palapalai; "Mele ‘Ailana: Manu Boyd Island Music," Manu Boyd; "Na Hoa," Na Hoa; "Pahinui Hawaiian Band," Pahinui Hawaiian Band; "Pilialoha," Weldon Kekauoha
» Song (songwriter’s award): "Aia Ka La‘i i Ka‘uiki," by ‘Iliahi Paredes, from "Pilialoha," Weldon Kekauoha; "Ka Pua ‘Ano Lani," by Kuana Torres Kahele, from "Ha‘a," Na Palapalai; "Mele ‘Ailana," by Manu Boyd, from "Mele ‘Ailana: Manu Boyd Island Music," Manu Boyd; "Uhiwai," by Nathan Aweau, from "‘Io," Nathan Aweau; "Wakinekona," by Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, from "Huliau: Music for All Seasons," Ho‘okena
» Favorite entertainer: Anuhea, Nathan Aweau, Keola Beamer, Manu Boyd, Amy Hanaiali‘i, Ho‘okena, Kuana Torres Kahele, Weldon Kekauoha, NaHoa, Na Palapalai
