Hoku Awards Hana Hou!

ROCKING AT THE "AFTER PARTY": A surprise performance by falsetto icon Richard Ho'opi'i, center, helped make the public "after party" the perfect finale to the 2006 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Show at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Wednesday. Kuana Tores, left, and Keao Costa backed Ho'opi'i on his first number, Kehau Tamure took over on bass later. Performances by Hoku Zuttermeister, Kainani Kahaunaele and Aaron Sala, and a zesty hula by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole, added to the informal "backyard" ambiance. The televised awards show ran long and slow as usual, and there were a few awkward moments along the way, but the "after party" was all a Hawaiian music fan could ask for -- and more.

JAKE AND JENN: Jennifer Perri enjoyed the show with Jake Shimabukuro, who won "Favorite Entertainer of the Year" for the second time (He also won in 2003). Perri is the newest artist to be signed by Shimabukuro's record label.

THEY'RE COUSINS: Publicist Krislyn Hashimoto and Bruce Shimabukuro made a cute couple but confessed that their "date" was strictly platonic because they're cousins. Shimabukuro and his BS Band open at the Esprit Lounge in the Sheraton Waikiki tomorrow.

NEIGHBORS MEET: They live in the same area, surf the same spots, and know some of the same people, but O-Shen, left, met Jack Johnson for the first time when he announced that Johnson was the winner of the "Rock Album" category and presented the award.

SIGN HERE, PLEASE: Kaimana Peregil, third from left, went backstage to get his T-shirt autographed by Lehua Kalima Heine, left, Angie Morales and Nalani Choy after Na Leo won in the "Contemporary Album" category.

SMOKING SESSION: Smoking was not allowed in the ballroom, so the entrance to the parking structure become the gathering place for smokers of all ages. George Naope, who received HARA's Lifetime Achievement Award in March, enjoyed the camaraderie of the improvised smokers' lounge with his granddaughter, Gwen Miyashiro.

THERE FOR KAPONO: Hoku winner Kapono Beamer, standing left, was cheered on by his uncle, Mahi Beamer, cousin Gaye Beamer, and son, Kamala.

THREE FRIENDS: Melveen Leed, center, partied with Audrey Fu and Jay Larrin.

JACKET BY ZANE: Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole, center, modeled his striking Sig Zane jacket with an assist from Kehau Tamure, left, and Kuana Tores.

A BIG NIGHT FOR DANNY: Danny Couch, left, celebrated his win with his daughter, Daena Couch, and reggae artist Rizzen.

BIG, EVERYTIME: Leimaile Quiteris chilled with J.D, left, and Papa T of Big Every Time.