Ho’okena for the Holidays

Synonymous with the highest caliber of Hawaiian music, Ho‘okena has been a mainstay of the island music scene since 1986. Over nearly four decades, the acclaimed trio—Horace K. Dudoit III, Chris Kamaka, and Glen Smith—has produced 13 CDs, earning four Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and three Grammy nominations. Their anniversary album, Meant to Be, was released to critical acclaim, securing a finalist spot at the 2021 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.

Celebrated for their exceptional recording, composition, and contemporary Hawaiian arrangements, Ho‘okena tours globally to share their rich musical heritage, harmonious vocals, and authentic hula. Their versatile talent has also led to high-profile collaborations with country music star Josh Turner, who featured the group on his tracks "My Hawaiian Girl" (2017) and the festive "Mele Kalikimaka My ʻOhana" (2021). Whether captivating crowds at iconic venues like New York’s Carnegie Hall or playing an intimate backyard jam, Ho‘okena remains dedicated to sharing the true spirit of Hawaiʻi with the world.

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.”