Ho`ike

Hō’ike is one of the largest productions hosted by Kamehameha Schools and is one of the major attractions during Song Contest. Wrongly believed to be just the “half-time of Song Contest, Hō’ike is a Hawaiian cultural, mixed-media production that showcases student talent to inspire and enrich the Hawaii community. Auditions Hō’ike begin in November where 31 girls and 35 boys are eventually chosen to perform in the show. This 66-member hula cast practices every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning in late January. The entire Hō’ike cast total at least 36 hours of rehearsing and practicing before the actual show.

This mostly student production is coupled with local Hawaiian music entertainers who sing contemporary Hawaiian Music to compliment the hula on stage. Each year the hula and music selections for Hō’ike are picked based upon that particular year’s theme. It is during this time 30 minute time after all the classes have performed their men, women, and coed pieces that the judges tabulate the scores for each class which will be announced at the end of Hō’ike. However, Hō’ike has become so much more than just a break in the middle of Song Contest. It has become a colorful display of Hawaiian chant and dance. This exciting and cultural event has become a major attraction of Song Contest in itself. Hō’ike will always have a place in the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest.