A young Oahu Hawaiian music group has won the 19th annual Kani Ka Pila Grille talent search, a win for local musicians and for keeping Hawaiian music alive.

• ʻĀlewa, four students who met at Kamehameha Kapālama, took the top prize with a 20-minute set about Oahu.
• The prize is four performance dates at the Waikīkī venue next year plus studio time at Honolulu Community College.
• The contest started 19 years ago to pull Hawaiian music back into Waikīkī and give new and returning musicians a stage.
• Past winners have gone on to Nā Hōkū Hanohano nominations, Japan tours, and the Grammys.
• Visitors and local residents alike keep turning up for the music, which is why the search has lasted this long.

Outlook: ʻĀlewa will record and start their Waikīkī shows next year, with the talent search hitting its 20th year.