Weldon Kekauoha :: Awards & Reviews

Distinguished Awards

In 2000, Weldon Kekauoha received the distinguished Na Hoku Hanohano Award for
the Most Promising Artist for his first solo album "Hawaiian Man".

2000 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

- Most Promising Artist

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In 2001, Kekauoha’s return to the group The Mana‘o Company proved to be an exciting and transitional time. Work done on their album entitled ‘Spread a Little Aloha’ received multiple awards from the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts which included recognition for ‘Single of the Year’ at the 2002 Na Hoku Hanohano awards.

2002 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

- Album of the Year

- Contemporary Album

- Single of the Year

Hawaii Music Awards

- Group of the Year

- Island Music

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In July 2003 Weldon Kekauoha's second CD entitled "Kanaka Maoli" quickly became an island favorite. Kekauoha's rendition of "The Queen's Jubilee", soon becam his signature song. The album received four final ballot nominations at the 2004 Hoku's which included; "Song of the year", "Contemporary-Hawaiian album" and "Male Vocalist".

2004 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards final ballot nomination

- Male Vocalist

- Song of the Year

- Comtemporary Hawaiian Album

- Favorite Entertainer

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In June 2007 Weldon Kekauoha released his third CD entitled "Ka Lehua 'Ula". The album received 6 final ballot naminations at the 2008 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in the categories for; Male Vocalist, Song Of the Year, Favorite Entertainer, Haku Mele (2 songs) & Hawaiian Language Performance. The album would receive the the coveted award for "Song of the Year".

2008 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

- Song of the Year

(click HERE and watch the interview at the Hoku's Winner's Circle with John Berger of the Honolulu Star Bulletin)

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In 2012 Weldon Kekauoha releases his fourth CD entitled "Pilialoha". It received 9 final ballot nominations at the 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in the categories for; Male vocalist, and Favorite Entertainer, Album of The Year, Hawaiian Album of the Year, and a nomination for Haku Mele, as well as Hawaiian Language Performance, winning "Male Vocalist", and "Favorite entertainer of the year".

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In 2013 Weldon Kekauoha received a Grammy nomination for his work on his fourth solo album entitled "Pilialoha" in the category for BEST REGIONAL ROOTS MUSIC ALBUM.

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*The annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards is Hawaii's version of the Grammy Music Awards. Nā Hōkū Hanohano was created in 1978 by Krash Kealoha and is now presented by the Hawaiian Acadamy of Recording Arts (HARA). Members of HARA are individuals in the Hawai'i music industry: artists, agents, producers, music stores and radio stations to name a few. Recipients are recognized by their peers and are the most prestigious awards in Hawai'i.

Reviews & Articles

CD Review - Ka Lehua ‘Ula
Honolulu Weekly, August 29, 2007

Island Sounds - Gems derive inspiration from the past
Honolulu Advertiser, July 6, 2007

Island Mele - Ka Lehua ‘Ula
Star Bulletin, June 22, 2007

Music Montage - Ka Lehua ‘Ula
Midweek, June 8, 2007

Island Mele - Kanaka Maoli
Honolulu Star Bulletin, July 18, 2003

Island Sounds - Kanaka Maoli
Honolulu Advertiser, July 13, 2003

Hawaiian Man - A fine debut
Honolulu Star Bulletin, September 24, 1999

Island Sounds - Hawaiian Man
Honolulu Advertiser, 1999

TGIF - Most Promising Artist
Honolulu Advertiser, 1999

Local CD of the Month
Honolulu Magazine,1999

Island Music Scene
Ka Wai Ola o OHA, November 1999