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E Kipa, E Nanea, E Ho'olaukanaka: Everything You Need To Know About The 105th Kamehameha Song Contest 2025

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The 105th Annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest 2025 is set to be a profound celebration of Hawaiian culture, language, and the enduring spirit of hospitality. Scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2025, this revered high school tradition transcends a mere competition; it is a powerful demonstration of cultural perpetuation through the art of choral singing and the study of *mele* (song/poetry). The event brings together students, alumni, and the broader community to honor the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and the rich musical heritage of Hawaiʻi.

This year’s contest, hosted by Kamehameha Schools Kapālama (KSK), promises to be one of the most culturally significant in recent memory, focusing on a theme that is central to the Hawaiian way of life. It is an essential date on the Hawaiian cultural calendar, showcasing the dedication of students to mastering the Hawaiian language and the intricate art of performance.

The 2025 Theme: E Kipa, E Nanea, E Ho'olaukanaka (Songs of Hawaiian Hospitality)

The core of the 2025 Kamehameha Schools Song Contest lies in its powerful and timely theme: "E Kipa, E Nanea, E Ho'olaukanaka," which translates to "Songs of Hawaiian Hospitality." This theme is a deep dive into the foundational Hawaiian value of *ho'okipa*—the essence and spirit of welcoming, generosity, and mutual respect.

The phrase itself is an invocation and a reminder of the reciprocal nature of hospitality. It encourages students to explore *mele* that reflect the profound connection between *malihini* (visitors) and *kamaʻāina* (locals), emphasizing that this reciprocal relationship is not just familiar, but an innate part of the Hawaiian worldview. The contest challenges each class—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—to select and perform songs that embody this spirit, ensuring the legacy of *ho'okipa* remains vibrant for future generations.

The musical selections for the 105th contest are expected to be complex, requiring deep research into the historical and cultural context of each song. Students must not only demonstrate vocal excellence but also a profound understanding of the Hawaiian language (*ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi*) and the story behind the *mele* they perform.

A Century of Tradition: History and Significance of the Song Contest

The Kamehameha Schools Song Contest is one of Hawaiʻi's most enduring and significant cultural events, with the 2025 event marking its 105th anniversary. Originating in 1921, the contest was established to help perpetuate Hawaiian culture, language, and history through the medium of choral singing. It has evolved into a highly competitive and deeply respected annual tradition that fills the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena with thousands of participants and spectators.

The contest is a rite of passage for students at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, instilling discipline, teamwork, and a fierce sense of class pride. Each class is responsible for all aspects of their performance, from selecting the *mele* and arranging the music to choreographing the movements and conducting the entire chorus. This student-led structure is a hallmark of the event's educational and leadership value.

Key Entities and Historical Context

  • Founder's Legacy: The contest honors the vision of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, whose spirit of *ho'okipa* and commitment to her people's education laid the foundation for Kamehameha Schools.
  • Venue: The contest is traditionally held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, a massive venue required to accommodate the thousands of students and the large audience.
  • Cultural Perpetuation: By requiring the performance of songs in *ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi* (Hawaiian language), the contest serves as a vital pillar in the Hawaiian cultural renaissance.
  • Past Themes: Previous contests have explored diverse and rich aspects of Hawaiian life, such as the 103rd contest's theme, *Nā Mele Paniolo*, which celebrated the rich heritage of the Hawaiian cowboy.
  • Broadcast: The event is broadcast live on local television (K5/KFVE) in partnership with Hawaii News Now, allowing the entire community to witness the spectacle.

The Fierce Competition: Awards and Judging Criteria for 2025

The 105th Song Contest is a battle for prestige, with each class—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—competing for several highly coveted awards. The judging process is rigorous, focusing on a blend of technical musical skill, cultural accuracy, and overall performance quality.

Major Awards and Trophies

The following are some of the most prestigious awards presented at the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest:

  • The New England Mothers' Cup: This is the top award for the Girls' Competition, recognizing the best overall performance by the female chorus of a class.
  • The George Alanson Andrus Cup: This trophy is awarded to the winning class in the Boys' Competition.
  • The Charles E. King Cup: This is the most sought-after award, recognizing the best overall performance in the Coed Competition, demonstrating excellence in all aspects of the performance.
  • The Helen Desha Beamer Award: Named after the legendary Hawaiian composer, this award recognizes the class with the Best Musical Performance, often focusing on vocal quality and arrangement.
  • The Richard Lyman, Jr. Award: Presented to the student director who demonstrates the best use of the Hawaiian language in their direction and presentation.
  • The Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association Award: Honors the class that exhibits the best use of the Hawaiian language, emphasizing pronunciation, enunciation, and translation.

What the Judges Look For

The judging panel, which often includes highly respected Hawaiian musicians, composers, and cultural practitioners (such as Hānaialiʻi or Sean Na'auao, as seen in related contests), evaluates several key criteria:

  1. Musical Performance: This includes pitch, rhythm, blend, balance, and the overall quality of the vocal arrangement. The complexity and difficulty of the chosen *mele* are also considered.
  2. Language Proficiency: The accuracy and clarity of the Hawaiian language (*ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi*) are paramount. Correct pronunciation and enunciation are heavily weighted.
  3. Cultural Authenticity: The performance must be true to the spirit and history of the *mele*. This includes appropriate costuming, *hōʻike* (presentation), and understanding of the song's context.
  4. Overall Presentation: This encompasses the student director's effectiveness, the chorus's discipline, and the emotional connection conveyed to the audience.

The 105th Annual Kamehameha Schools Song Contest on March 14, 2025, is more than just a competition; it is a living, breathing commitment to Hawaiian heritage. The theme "E Kipa, E Nanea, E Ho'olaukanaka" ensures that the powerful and beautiful tradition of *ho'okipa* will resonate through every note, perpetuating the legacy of *mele* for generations to come. Tune in live to witness this incredible cultural spectacle and celebrate the talent and dedication of the Kamehameha Schools students.

E Kipa, E Nanea, E Ho'olaukanaka: Everything You Need to Know About the 105th Kamehameha Song Contest 2025
kamehameha song contest 2025
kamehameha song contest 2025

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