Na Hoku Hanohano 2026: Legacy Awards Honor Abigail Laau and Kalapana’s DJ Pratt Ahead of Full Nominee Reveal
The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts revealed its 2026 Na Hoku Hanohano Legacy Award recipients this week, posthumously honoring two towering figures in Hawaiian music: beloved vocalist Abigail Laau and Kalapana’s legendary guitarist David John “DJ” Pratt.
The announcements come just three days before the academy drops its full nominee list on May 13, building anticipation for what promises to be one of the most competitive years in the awards’ history. Early Album of the Year contenders are already generating buzz across the islands’ music community.
Laau, who passed away in 2023 at age 78, spent decades as one of Hawaii’s most cherished traditional vocalists. Her crystalline voice graced countless luau, wedding celebrations, and cultural events throughout Oahu, earning her the affectionate title “Aunty Abbie” among three generations of local musicians.
“Abigail was the keeper of our musical traditions,” said Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero in a statement released by the academy. “She could sing the ancient mele with such purity that you felt connected to our ancestors. But she also had this incredible ability to make contemporary Hawaiian music feel timeless.”
Born and raised in Kalihi, Laau began performing in church choirs as a child before joining the renowned Waikiki Beach Boys entertainment circuit in the 1960s. Her 1975 album “Ho’oponopono” remains a cornerstone of contemporary Hawaiian music, featuring collaborations with slack-key masters Gabby Pahinui and Raymond Kane.
Kalapana’s Musical Pioneer
DJ Pratt, who died suddenly in 2024 at age 71, co-founded the groundbreaking band Kalapana in 1973 alongside Mackey Feary. The group’s fusion of rock, R&B, and island rhythms helped define the “island contemporary” sound that still influences Hawaii musicians today.
Kalapana’s self-titled 1975 debut album produced the enduring hit “Honestly,” which continues to soundtrack summer nights across the Pacific. The band’s follow-up, “Kalapana II,” spawned classics like “The Hurt” and “Nightbird,” establishing them as pioneers of what locals now call “island soul.”
Pratt’s innovative guitar work combined traditional Hawaiian slack-key techniques with electric blues and jazz influences, creating a signature sound that inspired countless island musicians. After Kalapana disbanded in the early 1980s, he continued performing and recording as a solo artist while mentoring young musicians across Oahu.
“DJ wasn’t just a great guitarist—he was a bridge between the old school and the new generation,” said longtime friend and collaborator Olomana’s Jerry Santos. “He showed us you could honor Hawaiian music traditions while still pushing boundaries and creating something fresh.”
Building Toward the Big Night
This year’s Legacy Awards carry special significance as the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards celebrate their 49th year. The ceremony, scheduled for May 25 at the Hawaii Convention Center, typically draws over 2,000 attendees representing every corner of the local music scene.
While the full nominee list remains under wraps until Tuesday, industry insiders are already speculating about potential Album of the Year contenders. Recent releases from established acts like Keali’i Reichel, Amy Hanaiali’i, and Kamakakehau Fernandez have generated significant local airplay and streaming numbers.
The contemporary Hawaiian music category promises to be particularly competitive, with several breakthrough artists from the past year expected to earn their first nominations. The resurgence of traditional chant and oli among younger performers has also created buzz around potential surprises in cultural categories.
Academy president Leina’ala Kalama Heine emphasized the importance of this year’s Legacy Awards in preserving Hawaii’s musical heritage. “Abigail and DJ represent different eras and styles, but they share a common thread—they dedicated their lives to keeping our music alive and growing,” she said.
The Na Hoku Hanohano Awards have recognized excellence in Hawaiian music since 1978, serving as both celebration and cultural preservation effort. Past Legacy Award recipients include icons like Gabby Pahinui, Irmgard Farden Aluli, and Don Ho.
For local music fans, Tuesday’s nominee announcement will provide the first complete picture of this year’s competitive landscape. With streaming numbers showing increased interest in Hawaiian music both locally and internationally, the 2026 awards could mark a pivotal moment for the islands’ musical future.
The ceremony promises to honor not just this year’s achievements, but the enduring legacy of artists like Laau and Pratt, whose influence continues shaping Hawaii’s unique musical voice for new generations of listeners and performers.
