The Kamehameha Schools 103rd Annual Song Contest

Mar. 6, 2023

March 10 at Neal S. Blaisdell Center

The excitement is building as 1,800 Kamehameha Schools Kapālama haumāna will gather again for the annual Song Contest tradition. This year’s theme is Nā Mele Paniolo: Songs of The Hawaiian Cowboy.

From our great paniolo tradition comes an expansive repertoire of music and mele offering unique perspectives of the Hawaiian cowboy lifestyle. In this year’s Song Contest, our Kamehameha Schools Kapālama students will lift their voices in song and dance to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our ‘ohana paniolo. From the first arrival of longhorn cattle to Hawai‘i in 1793 to the vaqueros, or Mexican cowboys, who came to teach our kānaka the art of livestock handling in 1832. Cowboy traditions continue today and thrive in local ranches throughout our pae ‘āina – the paniolo way of life has always been one of hard work, passion, and dedication.

The English television broadcast will be hosted by KS Kapālama ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi kumu Lilinoe Kaʻahanui and Melelani Pang, and Hawaiʻi News Now anchor Mahealani Richardson. Hōkū Kamakeeaina and Kalehua Kawa‘a will host the Hawaiian language broadcast.

Visit the Song Contest website for details.


The Kamehameha Schools 103rd Annual
Song Contest Nā Mele Paniolo:
Songs of The Hawaiian Cowboy

Friday, March 10, 2023
7-7:30 p.m. Pre-show
7:30-10 p.m. Live event

Watch it live on K5 Hawaii News Now
or catch the livestream at www.ksbe.edu/songcontest

Re-telecasts

Friday, March 17, 2023
7 to 10 p.m.
KGMB

Saturday, March 18, 2023
2 to 5 p.m.
KHNL

Friday, March 24, 2023
7 to 10 p.m.
KGMB