We can’t believe this is the FINAL week of the 2024 HI 93 Presents Hawaii’s Finest Talent Contest semi-finals.
Pacific Media Group’s statewide local music radio stations—HI93 Oahu (KQMQ), HI92 Maui (KLHI), HI95 Kauai (KSRF), and KAPA-FM Hawaii Island—and Hawaii’s Finest put together an amazing experience that we just didn’t want to end. It all feels so bittersweet. Nevertheless, we enjoy the moments while they’re still here—and week seven was no different.
Pu’unui of HI93 opens the show and welcomes us to the last week of this year’s talent contest. finale. The packed crowd came out in bunches to support young and local artists. This week was all about the bands, as we had Inaloi from Kaimuki and Juss Press from Wailuku, Maui. Our headliner was none other than Opihi Pickers.
Talent #13: Inaloi
Starting the finale is Inaloi, a young band consisting of four members—Sean Weiss, Kacey Yamane, Mike Uyema, and KC Bell. They made their on-stage debut here at Hawaii’s Finest Talent Contest. They used their extended set to perform “Come Around” by Fia, “Nothing To Hide” by Rebel Souljahz, “Higher Than The Clouds” by Anuhea, “The Hurt” by Kalapana, “Brown Eyed Girl” by Ka’au Crater Boys, “Drinkin’ Problem” by Ekolu, and an original titled “Alawaiian Girl.” For a group doing their first-ever live performance, they were great! We heard some solid vocals from Weiss, Yamane, and Bell. Uyema brought it on the drums. Their fans were cheering them on throughout the whole set, which is always a pleasure to witness. While there’s room for improvement in the performance aspect, Inaloi gave a strong debut showcase.
Learn more about each member of Inaloi in our Before The Stage interview. Follow them at @inaloimusic, @kc.bell, and @seannw_ on Instagram.
Talent #14: Juss Press
The last contestant to cap off the entire 2024 HI93 Presents Hawaii’s Finest Talent Contest is Juss Press, coming from Wailuku, Maui. The seven-member ensemble consisted of Kean Sparks (lead vocals), Mack Palau (lead vocals), Siaosi Iulio Jr. (lead vocals), Manalii Sequeira (drums), Marshall Sacapanio (baisa/bass), Rusty Higa (lead guitar), and Joseph Kekua Pua (keys). Juss Press performed songs that embodied the spirit of Maui and they were fantastic. Their vocals sound very nice and smooth. The group knew how to work the crowd and get them excited. They simply brought it! You can tell these guys are just natural performers. Give Juss Press a listen whenever you can.
Learn more about Juss Press and all about why they chose music in our Before The Stage interview. Follow him at @jusspress_music on Instagram.
Overall Thoughts
This week was essentially a battle of the bands. We had a young band in Inaloi who nailed their first try at a live performance while also getting an experienced band in Juss Press who performed like they had something to prove. Both were great and beloved by the crowd. The fans even wanted an encore from Inaloi and Juss Press! If that doesn’t tell you how good they are, then I don’t know what will.
What a way to conclude the contest.
And That’s A Wrap!
It has been a successful talent contest this year as we got to see an outstanding array of talent, all with their unique sounds and voices. They’re competing for the chance to win the $1,000 cash prize, a recording session, and a spot at a future Hawaii’s Finest concert. A lot is on the line and every contestant gave it their all.
We want to thank all the talents for their hard work and dedication to put on a great performance. It’s not easy getting on stage and belting your heart out. But they all did. Everyone should be proud of what they accomplished in these seven weeks. Win or lose, we here at HI93 hope that we made you feel like stars at least for one night, with the pictures and the interviews. You all truly deserve it.
Nevertheless, there still needs to be a winner. Our judge will analyze every contestant carefully, doing the tough job of having to choose only ONE victor out of 14 talents.
The winner will be announced during the HI93 morning show on MONDAY at 8 AM. So be sure to tune in that morning to see who will be crowned as the 2024 HI93 Presents Hawaii’s Finest Talent Contest champion.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and listen live on Monday at 8am to stay updated on the contest.