On February 27, 2026 the Nānākuli High and Intermediate School (NHIS) held their annual Songfest and, for the first time in years, all grade six grade levels participated.
Songfest started in 1991 as a mandatory event. As years passed it became a voluntary event, which took a toll on the participation. This year, the format changed in 1996, allowing any participating grade to combine with another grade level. Bumping up the competition, each class chose to participate this year.
With the theme of “Nā Mo’olelo a me nā Ka’ao o ka Wā Kahiko: Myths and Legends,” each class chose a story from Hawaiian culture and shared it through song, perpetuating the Hawaiian culture while also learning about genealogy and ancestral knowledge.
Principal at NHIS Dr. Christine Udarbe said, “Our kids have such talent and, really, a great expression of our culture. Just the wisdom through their mo’olelo, it was so beautiful.”
Every student participant, coach, advisor, and others who helped along the way volunteered their time into helping this event come to life. Many students, along with some coaches, faced issues when scheduling practices due to conflicts such as sports, clubs, or even work. Some classes found it easier to practice during study hall while some planned their practices in the evening. Despite conflicts, the students persevered to represent their class.
This year, the class of 2028 was coached primarily by a student Jacob Kalānui Kamaunu with the assistance of advisor Chloe Kitsu and NHIS Class of 2020 alumna Alysia-Leila Kepaʻa
“When I talk about student run, this is what it’s about. The kids came together, everything was made and organized by them,” said Kitsu. “I am so proud. Last year, we couldn’t participate due to low interest. I’m proud of these students for sticking it out and committing.”
Along with the new format also came a few new judges, offering a new perspective to the traditional event.
Judge and singer Lina Robins, who in previous years assisted in coaching during songfest said, “It’s an honor to be here as a judge – I’m just so proud of everybody, everybody did great tonight.”
Once the singing is completed, the event moves on to a hoʻike as the points are tallied to find the winners. There are nine awards sponsored by various organizations and community partners.
Here were the results:
Maxine Hee Songfest Class Participation Award: Middle School Class of 2030 and 2031
Papa Ho‘okeha Award Class Spirit: Freshmen Class of 2029
Papa Ho‘olōkahi Award Overall Appearance: Tie between Freshmen Class of 2029, Senior-Junior Class of 2026 and 2027
‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi Award: Sophomore Class of 2028
The Agnes Cope Song Leader Award: Senior-Junior Class of 2026 and 2027
HYAASA Class Speaker Ha‘i ‘Ōlelo Award: Tie between Middle School Class of 2030 and 2031, Senior-Junior Class of 2026 and 2027
Nā Leo Nahenahe Perpetual Award Arrangement: Senior-Junior Class of 2026 and 2027
Kulia I Ka Nuʻu Award: Senior-Junior Class of 2026 and 2027
The last award is the NHIS Overall Song Award, the award that the students and audience anxiously wait for. After careful counting, the Senior-Junior Class of 2026 and 2027 took home first place, the Sophomore Class of 2028 took home second place, the Freshman Class of 2029 took home third place, and the Middle School Class of 2030 and 2031 took home fourth place.
“I’m so excited and I’m so grateful,” said Richard “Keoki” Chun, class speaker for the Senior-Junior Class of 2026 and 2027. “This experience is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.”
As Songfest came to an end, all the classes came together to create a Senior Rainbow, where the seniors lead the school in the final three songs: Oli Mahalo, Hawaiʻi Aloha, and NHIS Alma Mater. Representing a final goodbye for the Class of 2026 as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.
