The Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest will be the first female falsetto contest in Hawai‘i. Conventionally a kane (male) competition, Maui leads the way in a new tradition, highlighting another beautiful facet of Hawaiian music. 

Now in its third year, the contest will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, with doors to the Ballroom open at 5:30 PM, the contest will commence at 6pm and admission is free. ​

CALL FOR ENTRIES

To enter the first female falsetto contest, click the link below.

TO ENTER

We are now seeking contestants for the Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest. Interested individuals should apply with a demo at the following link. Application: tinyurl.com/huluhai
Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:
Vocals/Music – Vocal Quality (Balance, Intonation, Strength); Vocal Technique (Control, Ha‘i (up/down), Glissando., Vibrato); Vocal Aesthetics (Dynamics/Expression, Individuality, Phrasing); Musicianship (Accompanied by house musicians); Musicianship (Contestant accompanies self)

Hawaiian Language – Mele Background (Composer, moʻolelo; manaʻo/inspiration; amount and accuracy of moʻolelo Hawai‘i); Pronunciation/Enunciation (Articulation and command of the Hawaiian Language, Kahakō); Technique (Haʻi/grace note in appropriate places; comfort/ease in moʻolelo delivery.
Overall Presentation– Grooming; Stage presence; Posture; Communication (Accurate, Enlightening, Entertaining); Delivery; Emotion.

Our Champions

2023 – Teressa Deneen Welolani Noury, Lahaina, Maui
2022 – Lahela Lee Park, Kawaipapa, Hāna, Maui 

“I’m honored to be joining the prestigious tradition as the namesake to the first wahine falsetto contest,” shared Hulu. Carmen Hulu Lindsey has represented Maui as an OHA trustee since January 2012 and a long-time member of the ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu and the Central Maui Hawaiian Civic Club. A professional entertainer and recording artist “Hulu” won the 2014 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Female vocalist of the year for Hulu Lindsey, “A He Leo Wale No E” (Kahulu). In addition she has been featured on many projects and complications. Most recently on the album, “Lei Nahonoapi‘ilani” recording the song “Ka Wai `O Eleile.”

“Unlike any other cultural and arts event, Celebration of the Arts gives attendees the opportunity to gain authentic insight into the Hawaiian culture by creating their own art piece, conversing with practitioners and artisans and consuming some of Hawaii’s finest cuisine,” said Andrew Rogers, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. “This year, we are excited to welcome the Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha'iha'i Falsetto Contest to add a new dimension to this event’s cultural commitment. As  our journey continues to evolve each year and as we focus on growth and progress, we look forward to Celebration of the Arts continuing to have a positive and profound impact upon everyone in attendance.”

“In its 30th year, The Celebration of the Arts gathers the finest traditional artisans and contemporary artists to share and discuss na mea Hawai'i… all things Hawaiian. It offers an enjoyable atmosphere for the entire family to learn, discuss and suggest possible paths to create a partnership for the future. We are proud to host and honor Aunty Carmen "Hulu" Lindsey as we pay tribute to the art of Leo Ha'iha'i (falsetto singing) for wahine (women),” said Clifford Naeole, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua’s Hawaiian Cultural Advisor and creator of the Celebration of the Arts.

“Physically it seems more challenging for a male to sing in higher octaves, but control and pronunciation is what the judges are looking for, in addition to being pleasant to the ear,” said event coordinator Daryl Fujiwara. “We invite all wahine who love Mele Hawai‘i to join us at the Celebration of the Arts April 10. Kick off your Merrie Monarch week with us in Kapalua.
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The Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Ha’iha’i Falsetto Contest is brought to you by Festivals of Aloha, Pihana Productions, Lokahi Pacific and the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.

Mahalo to: Kanile‘a Ukulele, Hawai‘i's Heritage Jewelers, Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Kauluae Hawaii, Maui Kuia Estate Chocolate, DoTerra Kaone Wellness & Essential Island Living - Janice Acopan, The Original Maui Crisps, The Maui Cookie Lady - Mitzi Toro, Queen Kaahumanu Center and Kauwela Bisquera, One-Eighty Boardshop, Na Koa Brand, Ari South, Manaola Hawaii, Makaku Maui by Kamaka Kukona