Kula Elementary Wins Ukulele Lyrics Challenge
More than 1,500 Hawaii students across five islands unite through music, creativity, and the Hoʻolōkahi Lyrics Writing Challenge
Celebrating the Gift of Song at Kula Elementary
When you place an instrument in a child’s hands, you give them far more than music—you give them a catalyst to dream and the freedom to follow wherever their imagination leads. That’s why we’re honored to visit Kula Elementary School on Maui this Thursday, April 30, as this year’s winning classroom for the annual Hoʻolōkahi Lyrics Writing Challenge.
A Movement Across the Islands
This moment is more than a single school visit—it represents the culmination of a powerful, statewide effort. This year, more than 1,500 students from schools across five islands—Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu—participated in the second annual Hoʻolōkahi Lyrics Writing Challenge.
Through this initiative, students didn’t just learn to play the ukulele—they used music as a tool for self-expression, creativity, and community connection. This year’s theme, “Aloha in Our Community,” inspired heartfelt, original lyrics that beautifully reflect the impact of music education.
Kula Elementary was selected as the grand prize winner, a testament to the passion and dedication of its students and teachers.
Celebrating with Maui’s Own Paula Fuga
We’re proud to celebrate alongside our partners at Lōkahi: The Ukulele Collective and acclaimed, three-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning artist Paula Fuga.
“I can’t wait to meet and hear the students perform from the winning school, Kula Elementary,” Paula shared.
Under the guidance of their 4th-grade teachers—Brit Oliphant, Anna Geyer, and Mandy Nolan—students have poured their hearts into preparing original performances that bring their lyrics to life.
The Big Giveaway—and What’s Next
To help sustain this momentum, FG4K is honored to provide Kula Elementary with a brand-new classroom set of ukuleles—ensuring students have the tools they need to continue creating, learning, and sharing their voices for years to come.
And the celebration continues:
Top 3 Classrooms: Congratulations to our outstanding runners-up—Kohala Elementary School (Hawaiʻi Island) and Wahiawā Elementary School (Oʻahu).
Continuing the Celebration Across Oʻahu
The celebration doesn’t end on Maui.
On May 2, students from across Oʻahu will gather at the McKinley High School Auditorium for a powerful island-wide play-along. This event brings together young musicians from across the community, creating a shared musical experience that reflects the same spirit of connection and creativity at the heart of the Hoʻolōkahi Lyrics Writing Challenge.
Together, these moments—on Maui and Oʻahu—highlight what’s possible when students are empowered to learn, create, and be heard through music.
Follow along on our social channels for highlights from Maui, and see the impact of this incredible program firsthand!
