Prepare, Perform, Grow: The 14th Annual Kris Fuchigami ʻUkulele Contest

Practicing for hours in your bedroom or living room is a huge part of becoming a better musician. But sometimes, practicing without a concrete goal can leave you feeling a little directionless. Having a real reason to prepare—a date on the calendar where you will step onto a stage and share your hard work—completely changes how you play.

That is exactly why the 14th Annual Kris Fuchigami Ukulele Contest is such a fantastic opportunity for players here in Hawaiʻi. Whether you are one of my students at Kapena School of Music or Four Strings ʻUkulele Studio, or just a local player looking to take the next step, this event is built to give you a positive, supportive platform to showcase your dedication. I gotta warn you though, this contest is on Hawaiʻi Island, so it would require jumping on an airplane for most of you.

I recently caught up with Kris to get all the details for this year’s event. Here is everything you need to know to get ready.

The Event at a Glance

What: 14th Annual Kris Fuchigami Ukulele Contest
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Queen’s Marketplace, Waikōloa, Hawaiʻi Island
Cost: 100% Free to enter
Emcee: Pomai Bartolome

Who Can Enter?

The contest is open to a wide range of ages and features two main divisions:

Kids Division: Ages 5–14
Adult Division: Ages 15+

Performance Rules

This contest focuses heavily on pure, acoustic ʻukulele playing. Each contestant will perform:

One song
100% Instrumental (no singing allowed)
Maximum of six minutes

Additionally, to keep the focus on raw playing ability, no backing tracks and no effects pedals (loopers, reverb, delay, distortion, etc.) are allowed. It’s just you and your ʻukulele.

How Judging Works

The judges (who will be announced shortly) will be looking at five specific areas. Knowing these criteria is the best way to shape your practice sessions:

Technique
Clarity
Originality
Stage Presence
Overall Playing Ability

Prizes

Thanks to a great lineup of sponsors (including KTA Super Stores, Uke Like The Pros, Terry Carter Music Store, Leolani Ukulele, Ukeverse, Kamaka Ukulele, and Queen’s Marketplace), there are some amazing prizes on the line. Giveaways will include a Kamaka ʻukulele, a Leolani ʻukulele, gift cards to KTA and Uke Like The Pros, Ukeverse merchandise, and Kris Fuchigami albums.

The Vision Behind the Contest

This isn’t just a competition; it’s a community event. I asked Kris what the contest means to him and what he hopes players get out of the experience. His answer really gets to the heart of why I encourage my students to participate:

“I started this contest hoping to give today’s ukulele players something positive to prepare for and look forward to. I know how difficult it is to practice countless hours with no end goal, feedback, or support. This ukulele contest was created to be a place where players can come together and enjoy being among people who share the same passion—a place for ukulele players to gain experience getting on stage and performing, and a place where they can be spotlighted and recognized for all of their hard work.”

How to Register

Registration is completely free. To sign up, you just need to provide your Name, Age, Email, Contact Number, and Performance Song.

You can find the sign-up details at krisfuchigami.com.

One of the best things about this contest is its accessibility: there is no hard registration deadline. Kris confirmed that contestants can register right up until the day of the event, ensuring nobody is turned away if they find the courage to step up at the last minute.

One of the best things about this contest is its accessibility: there is no video audition or pre-screening process, and there is no hard registration deadline. Kris confirmed that contestants can register right up until the day of the event…

Preparation Advice for My Students

If you are planning to enter, here is how I suggest you approach your practice over the next few weeks, keeping the judges’ criteria in mind:

Choose clarity over speed: Pick a piece you can play cleanly under pressure. Playing a beautiful, well-paced arrangement flawlessly will always score better than rushing through a difficult piece and making mistakes.
Make it your own: Originality is on the scorecard. Think about your musical phrasing and personal interpretation.
Practice the whole performance: Don’t just practice the song. Practice walking out, setting up, tuning, introducing yourself, and playing from beginning to end without stopping.
Nail down your techniques: If your arrangement relies on specific strumming patterns—like a triplet strum or a syncopated rhythm—make sure they are locked in and consistent so you don’t have to overthink them on stage.
Keep it unplugged: Since effects and backing tracks aren’t allowed, make sure your arrangement sounds full and convincing completely acoustic.
Watch the clock: Ensure your piece sits comfortably under that six-minute maximum so you aren’t rushing the ending.
Do mock performances: Play for your family, your friends, or even set up your phone and record yourself. Get used to the feeling of an audience.

Taking the stage can feel intimidating, but simply making the decision to enter gives you a concrete goal to work toward. You’ll gain real stage experience, get to hang out with other ʻukulele players, and grow tremendously as a musician along the way.

I hope you make it to Waikōloa! Give my aloha to Kris and Keiko!