Celebrating Wahine Falsetto in Paeahu, Honuaʻula
The sounds of wahine falsetto filled the evening as our community gathered for the 5th Annual Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Haʻihaʻi Falsetto Contest on October 23, 2026, at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Paeahu, Honuaʻula. Part of Festivals of Aloha, the evening brought together nine contestants to celebrate Hawaiian mele and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.
Hoʻomaikaʻi to this year’s champion, Pōʻai Lincoln, who performed “Kimo Hula.” Eva Kapaleʻiliahiokauʻilani Adolpho Kaʻōnohi earned second place with “Eclipse,” and Avyanna McPeek-Batlin placed third with “Alika.” Pōʻai and Avyanna also shared the Hawaiian Language Award, each earning a perfect score in that category.
Named in honor of Carmen Hulu Lindsey, the contest recognizes her contributions to Hawaiian music and provides a place for wāhine to share and carry forward the tradition of leo haʻihaʻi. The evening gave our community an opportunity to celebrate these singers and the dedication they bring to our language and mele.
Ulu-a-Paeahu was grateful to support the evening alongside Honua Consulting by sponsoring cash awards for the top three contestants. Gathering in Paeahu to celebrate our culture and encourage these voices was a meaningful part of the weekend.
Mahalo to all the contestants, musicians, and emcee Luana Kawaʻa, along with judges Carmen Hulu Lindsey, Raiatea Helm, Nāpua Silva, Kahulu Maluo Pearson, and Carlson Kamaka Kukona III. Mahalo also to the Festivals of Aloha team and everyone whose work helped bring our community together.
We extend our aloha and mahalo to the evening’s other sponsors and partners: County of Maui; Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; Town & Country Floral; TLC Limo; Kanileʻa ʻUkulele; Hulunani; Keauhou Shopping Center; Kamaka Kukona Designs; Old Lahaina Lūʻau; Papa Ola Lōkahi; Nā Puʻuwai; Hui No Ke Ola Pono; KPOA 93.5 FM; Alaska Airlines; Hawaiian Airlines; Ledcor Maui; MANAOLA Hawaiʻi; Big Island Candies; Wailea Community Association; Ulu-a-Paeahu, ʻĀina Momona; and the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Native Hawaiian Relations.