Ho'okena For the Holidays

Worldwide contemporary Hawaiian music performers: from the Hawaiian islands to Carnegie Hall in NYC to Japan and throughout the USA.

Ho‘okena is a mainstay on the island music scene and is synonymous with high quality Hawaiian music. Since 1986 the group has produced 13 CDs and won numerous music awards. Their latest CD, “Meant to Be” was released on October 31, 2020 to commemorate their 34th anniversary, and was nominated as a finalist for the 2021 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.

A four-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards winner and three-time Grammy Awards nominee, Ho‘okena is recognized for their excellence in recording, composing and creating Hawaiian contemporary music. The group, consisting of Horace K Dudoit III, Chris Kamaka, Glen Smith and their hula stylist Kumu Hula Nani Dudoit, travels the world to share their harmonious music, authentic hula and promote Hawai‘i's rich musical heritage.

In 2015, Ho‘okena was invited to sing and arrange backup vocals for country music star, Josh Turner. The song, “My Hawaiian Girl”, was written by Turner for his latest CD “Deep South” and was released in March 2017. In May 2021, they were asked again by Josh to sing on an island Christmas song entitled “Mele Kalikimaka My ʻOhana” that he penned and released in December 2021.

Whether playing for thousands of concertgoers at such venues as Carnegie Hall in NYC, an intimate gathering or a practice jam session, the musicians of Ho‘okena continue to share their love of Hawaiian music with their fans.

For more info on Hoʻokena, log on to their website at www.hookena30.com, Facebook: hookena30, Instagram: @hookena30

Maila Gibson is a dynamic, emotive performer with confident yet down-to-earth presence that captures all audiences. Although Maila commits to a high standard of excellence the moment she steps on stage, she longs to do more than simply entertain. Touching lives and singing straight into people’s hearts is truly what she’s all about.

Maila has been on many stages since the age of 9. At age 10, she stepped into the recording studio for the first time, recording a commercial jingle for Meadow Gold. She also modeled and acted for print and television in addition to dancing hula for many years. All were wonderful, but her first love is still music.

In 1995, Maila was scouted to record a solo album in Japan. By the next year, “Maila Gibson” was released in Tokyo under Media Remores. Soon after were more recordings and performances in Hawaii with Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners The Hawaiian Style Band. Her hit single “What If It’s True” with Ben Vegas, went to number one.

Ben Vegas produced Maila Gibson’s highly anticipated album “More” in 2003. ”More” won 2 Hawaii Music Awards for Pop Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year along with 5 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations. This CD highlights not only her singing range but also her songwriting skills. 10 of the 11 songs were written by Ben and Maila during their weekly performances at The Sheraton Kaua’i Resort. ”Making music with Ben is as easy as breathing,” Maila says, “And no! We’re not married!” No, they’re not married (to eachother, that is) but their musical relationship and love for eachother could be compared to that of a marriage with regards to their commitment, to one another and to their craft.

Maila has performed with national artists such as Natalie Cole, Ruben Studdard, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Donnie and Marie Osmand. Locally, she has performed with Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners and Grammy nominees Keali’i Reichel and Ho’okena. Maila recorded two songs on Ho’okena’s Grammy nominated albums including “The Prayer” and “Nani Mau Loa.”