2007 Na Hoku Hanohano awards

MAKING HISTORY AT THE HOKUS: Afatia Thompson, left, and Josephine Kahiapo congratulated Kaukahi -- Barrett Awai, Kawika Kahiapo (Josephine's son), Dean Wilhelm and Walt Keale -- after the quartet won group of the year at the 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards at the Hawai'i Convention Center on Wednesday. It was a big night for Kawika Kahiapo, who also won an individual Hoku for song of the year and the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts Ki Ho'alu Award. Thompson made history when his album, "5:45," became one of the very few that have won a Hoku Award after winning a Hawaii Music Award.

PRESERVING THE LANGUAGE OF HAWAII: Danny Naipo, left, and Brian Mersberg of Na Kama celebrated after their album, "Kamakolu," won the Hawaiian language performance award, one of the two most culturally important Hoku categories.

HONORING THE CREATOR: Krash Kealoha, center, who created the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 1978, was greeted by Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, left, and HARA Board Member Alan Yoshioka. The Kalakaua Ballroom turned out to be an excellent venue for an awards show, and dinner, featuring broiled filets of salmon and beef, got good reviews as well.

PARTYING WITH FIJI: Wendell Ching, left, Sean Na'aua'o, Kaulana Pakele, Fiji and Jack Afoia watched most of the proceedings from the mauka bar area. Na'aua'o's "Fish & Poi" was a highlight in the lengthy production number that opened the televised portion of the program. All in all, the 2007 Hokus show was one of the best-produced in years.

KRISLYN MEETS THE "BACHELOR": Krislyn Hashimoto chatted with Navy Lt. Andy Baldwin (aka "The Bachelor"), left, and Lincoln Jacobe as the show continued. HARA did an excellent job in ensuring that acceptance speeches were brief and on point, a welcome change from years past. Tips for next year might include shortening the performance numbers and showing less footage from the separate Lifetime Achievement Awards show during the telecast.