For Hawaii’s Pashyn Santos and Allison Chu, competing in the Netflix series “Squid Game: The Challenge” was unlike anything they’ve ever done. Out of some 90,000 applicants from around the world, Santos and Chu were both chosen to be in a cast of 456 people vying for a chance to win $4.56 million. Santos — a writer, actress and comedian — was player 368. Meanwhile, Chu — former Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii USA — was player 274. Spoiler alert: Both girls got eliminated after the Dalgona round of the competition. In that round, contestants must carefully carve a specific shape out of a honeycomb-like candy without breaking it. They chose between a circle, triangle, star and the most challenging — the umbrella. Ultimately, both Chu and Santos ended up in the umbrella line. Despite leaving the show early on, they said it was an experience they would never forget, and they were happy to make Hawaii proud. In this episode of Island Beat, we talk to both of them to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like filming "Squid Game: The Challenge."

Hawaii’s Kaylee Shimizu continues to shine on NBC’s “The Voice” as she gets ready for the playoffs round. The Ewa Beach girl just turned 18 earlier this week. In this episode of Island Beat, we check in on Shimizu to see how she's preparing for the next round of the singing competition. 

The newest Netflix reality series “Squid Game: The Challenge” is making its debut this week. Casting producer Bobby Silva, who was part of the West Coast team, said there are 456 people from all over the world competing in the show. This was the biggest project he’s ever worked on, he said. As a Kailua native and Mid-Pacific Institute graduate, Silva said he always aims to find Hawaii people to cast in projects he works on.

For Maui comedian Jose Raymond, laughter has helped him get through some of the toughest moments of his life. One of those moments: Escaping the Lahaina wildfire in August. A comedian who was born in Mexico, Raymond grew up in Watts in California and has spent the last 18 years living on Maui. But the day of the Lahaina wildfires changed his life. In the latest episode of Island Beat, Raymond shares the harrowing experience of fleeing the wildfire with his family. 

Hawaii girl Kaylee Shimizu continues to impress on NBC's “The Voice.” The 17-year-old from Ewa Beach belted out an incredible rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way” in Monday night’s “knockout round.” In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V gets an update from Kaylee on what it was like competing against fellow contestants in Team John and what life in Los Angeles has been like lately. 

Jason Arcilla, of Maui, continues to make Hawaii proud with his successful run on the latest season of "The Voice." He stunned the judges with his chair-turning performance during the blind audition and most recently survived the battle round, defending his spot on Team Gwen. The Pukalani native says he's proud to represent the state, especially after a difficult time for his home island of Maui.  In the latest episode of Island Beat, he shares what being from Maui means to him and what his journey on "The Voice" has been like so far.

Kaylee Shimizu, of Ewa Beach, made Hawaii proud after singing her rendition of "Golden Slumbers" during the blind auditions of NBC's "The Voice." Her performance wowed the coaches as all four of them turned their chairs for her. Ultimately, the 17-year-old chose to be on John Legend's team. Shimizu has been singing since the age of 6 and has enjoyed entertaining and performing in front of crowds since.  Billy V got a chance to sit down and talk with Shimizu about what it was like auditioning for "The Voice" and what's next in her journey. 

A new film that sheds light on the challenges and struggles of growing up in Hawaii is set to premiere in theaters this Friday. Hawaii native James Sereno is the filmmaker behind “Growing Up Local” — which explores three generations of the Nagata family. Sereno said the film is “all local,” meaning everyone who worked on the project — from the writing to the cast and crew — has roots in the islands. That includes Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Taimane Gardner, who created the musical score for the film. In this episode of "Island Beat," Billy V speaks to filmmaker James Sereno and Taimane Gardner all about "Growing Up Local" and the film's significance. 

There's been a lot of buzz about Roman De Peralta, the heart and soul behind the esteemed Hawaiian recording group Kolohe Kai, after Iam Tongi sang his song "Cool Down" at the "American Idol" finale. Amid all the buzz, De Peralta has also recently released a fresh new track titled “Hope,” in a time when the world could use it the most. The song is a poignant commentary on the issues plaguing society today, such as hate crimes and gun violence. Yet, it also emanates a sense of unity and peace, encapsulated in the powerful image of a family enjoying a tranquil sunset together. In this episode, Billy V talks to De Peralta about the new song as well as what it was like hearing Iam Tongi singing his song on "American Idol." Plus, you'll even get to hear De Peralta perform "Hope" and "Cool Down" in this episode!

It's been quite the year for Lauren Teruya, who represented the state as Miss Hawaii 2022! Under her platform "Arts for All," Teruya spent much of the year traveling to the Neighbor Islands, the mainland and Japan — working with students and teachers on ways to incorporate arts and culture into schools' curriculum.  But one of the biggest moments of her time as Miss Hawaii was competing in the Miss America pageant. As she passes her crown to a new Miss Hawaii, she looks back at the past year with immense gratitude, saying it changed her life.  Hear more from Teruya as Billy V sits down with her in this episode of Island Beat!

Kenny Tagavilla is a truck driver and hot rod enthusiast. But he's also a recording artist.  Born and raised on Hawaii Island, the Honaunau native is making a new EP.  One of his latest songs, "Kona Grown," is a nostalgic look back at the community and how fast things seem to be changing.  In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V spoke with Tagavilla about his upbringing on Hawaii Island and what making music means to him.

Radio and television personality Mele Apana is gearing up for her 14th annual Mother’s Day show, featuring a host of local entertainers. The show first started back in May of 2006 and has been going strong since. In the years since, Apana has donated many of the proceeds from her Mother’s Day show to children who are sick, some of them with cancer. In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with Apana about why she continues to put on her Mother’s Day show every year as well as what else she’s been up to, including recording new music.

The biggest-selling comedy recording artist of all time is bringing his talents to Hawaii, but he doesn’t have to travel too far. “Weird Al” Yankovic is performing at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Oahu on March 25 and Castle Theater on Maui on March 26 as part of his “Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour." The show will feature his non-parody material, rather than focus on the hits from his career. But here’s something you might not know: He’s a part-time Hawaii resident. In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with Weird Al about what it's like splitting his time between Hawaii and Los Angeles and what to expect during his upcoming shows. 

Na Hoku Hano Hano Award-winning artist Josh Tatofi recently came back from being on tour in Australia and Aotearoa. He was only supposed to do a couple of gigs that would be small just to test the waters. A couple hundred swelled to 700, then 1,200-seat venues.  The 1,200-seat venue sold out in about an hour. Overall, Tatofi wound up doing seven sold-out shows. In the latest episode of “Island Beat,” Tatofi shares more details about his recent concert experiences in Australia and Aotearoa, as well as how he’s preparing to play at the Blaisdell Concert Hall for Valentine's Day. 

Candice Hatakeyama always knew she wanted to be on stage. But she never imagined she’d realize her dream of being on Broadway soon after graduating from college. Just last month, the Honolulu native and Punahou School graduate made her Broadway debut with the cast of “Funny Girl,” alongside former “Glee” actress Lea Michele. In this episode of Island Beat, Hatakeyama talks about how her upbringing in Hawaii led her to pursuing musical theater and her road to Broadway. 

The Hawaiian music group Walea wrapped up 2022 with a big achievement: winning several Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. The group -- comprised of Koanui-Souza, David “Kekoa” Woodward and Kings Kalohelani -- won Hoku Awards for “most promising artist of the year,” “hoku mele of the year” and “liner notes of the year.” Heading into 2023, Walea has some exciting plans, including trips to Japan and even more music. In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V sits down with the three members of Walea for an in-depth chat about their Hoku Award experience and what’s next for the group.

One of Broadway’s biggest musicals made its debut in Hawaii last month, proving to be a huge hit. DeAundré Woods plays the title role of Alexander Hamilton, and Morgan Anita Wood plays Eliza Hamilton. In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with the two main stars of "Hamilton" to find out what it's like to perform in such a huge show.

In a surprise announcement made on the “Tamron Hall Show,” a Hawaii-based nonprofit program learned Monday that it won a prestigious national music award. The Lewis Prize for Music presented Hawaii’s Mana Maoli with a $500,000 Accelerator Award. Founded in 1999, Mana Maoli is a collective of educators, artists, musicians and more who share a common goal of community empowerment. In 2013, the Mana Mele Project began. In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V sits down and talks to Pomaikai Keawe, a kumu with Mana Maoli, and Dalouge Smith, who’s the CEO of the Lewis Prize for Music, about the program and award. 

Calvin Dorn, founder of Paradise Helicopters, has been flying helicopters for decades. But flying over lava from the Mauna Loa eruption was unlike anything he’s ever experienced. The day after the eruption on Nov. 27, Dorn took a group of media personnel up into the sky to capture footage of the spectacular event. In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V hears more from Dorn about his amazing experience flying over lava from the Mauna Loa eruption. 

Hawaii recording artist Kimie Miner has had quite the year. This past summer, she went to Portugal. But it wasn’t just any trip. She went to the Azores, where her family is from, to learn more about her Portuguese heritage – and her identity. In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with Kimie about how this trip has inspired some new music coming up, as well as her upcoming Christmas tour. 

In this episode of Island Beat, we talk about scholarships for Native Hawaiian students. Hoala Greevy is founder CEO of Paubox, a provider of HIPAA compliant email solutions targeting health care organizations. Paubox is now offering scholarships to encourage Native Hawaiians to pursue STEM careers. Billy V chats with Greevy about this unique opportunity for college students.

Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Stacie Kuulei recently released her newest album called “Sweet Baby.” The Kauai native started singing at an early age and has kept music in her life through the years. But when she’s not singing, you can find her in a classroom … as a school teacher. In this episode, Billy V talks story with Kuulei to learn more about her fascinating life and career.   

The Hawaii International Film Festival kicks off Nov. 3 with "The Wind and the Reckoning." The film centers on the real-life events of the 19th century leprosy outbreak and the events of the Koolau Rebellion in Hawaii. In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V talks to two of the movie's stars: Hawaii actors Jason Scott Lee, who plays Koolau, and Lindsay Watson, who plays Piilani. They share what it was like working on the movie and overcoming some challenges, including filming during the height of the pandemic and speaking in Olelo Hawaii.  (Trailer: Lynmar Entertainment)

It’s been two years since Haleiwa native Thunderstorm Artis made Hawaii proud as a top three finalist on NBC’s “The Voice.” Since then, it’s been nothing but good things for the singer-songwriter — from releasing new music to touring with big names like Train and Jack Johnson. One of his songs was even featured in an episode of the hit TV series “Grey’s Anatomy.” All of that while also keeping busy as a new dad! In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V catches up with Thunderstorm to get an update on everything he's been up to lately. 

Ukulele virtuoso and composer Taimane Gardner has a new album out that's four years in the making.  Her latest album, "Hawaiki," explores her Polynesian heritage and pays tribute to her mother, who passed away in 2018. While listening to the album, you'll hear Samoan lyrics, Tahitian ukulele, Samoan fire knife drumming and more.  In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V catches up with Taimane to talk about  how a trip to Samoa led to the creation of her new album. She also dishes on everything she's been up to, from touring the world to creating her own signature ukulele.

The ukulele has a distinct sound, but have you ever thought about what it would sound like if it were to come from the late 1800s or early 1900s? Shawn Yacavone is owner of Ukulele Friend, selling specialty vintage and custom ukulele. He first became interested in collecting ukulele as a kid. His dad is Italian from New Jersey and his mom is Filipino from Kauai. The story behind the ukulele — with its unique mix of cultures — was similar to his own. Today, Yacavone acquires and restore these vintage instruments — made as far back as the late 1800s. In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V sits down with Yacavone, as well as musicians Halehaku Seabury-Akaka (with the group Na Hoa) and David Woodward (from the group Walea). They recently performed a benefit concert for Aloha United Way at Kapiolani Community College using some of the historical instruments.

Roger Bong started Aloha Got Soul as a blog in 2010 and later turned it into a record label in 2015. Just last year, he found a physical space on King and McCully streets and evolved it into both a record label and store. In the latest episode of Island Beat, Bill V talks to Bong about how his love for vinyl turned into a record label and how Aloha Got Soul celebrates music across all generations. 

Johnson Enos is a Grammy-nominated music producer, songwriter and playwright. Among his many credits: the Lilo & Stitch II soundtrack, Lilo & Stitch Tokyo parade, and work for Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa. He’s also the creative genius behind a musical called “Honu By the Sea,” a family-friendly musical that follows a Waikiki Beach Boy who meets Malia the honu and her ocean friends. In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with Enos to get an inside look at his successful music career. 

Darren Darnborough hails from London but has spent quite a bit of time in Hawaii.  The actor, director and businessman has starred in numerous productions, but he was most recently in Hallmark's "Groundswell," filmed in Hawaii.  Beyond this movie, Darnborough has been coming to the islands frequently since the age of 16. And it all started with a girl.  In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V sits down and talks story with Darnborough about his special connection to the islands and some of his projects, including his app WeAudition. 

Iolani alumna Lauren Teruya won the coveted Miss Hawaii title back in May after impressing the judges with a performance to a Broadway number as well as her on-stage presence and communication. Along with representing the state in the upcoming Miss America competition, Lauren is also looking forward to raising awareness on her social impact statement “Arts for All.” Lauren is also the sister of Miss Hawaii 2017 Kathryn Teruya, making this the first time a pair of sisters has ever held the Miss Hawaii title. In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V talks to the Teruya sisters about Miss Hawaii and what’s ahead for them.

Actor Rich Ting has a special connection to Hawaii. Not only has he starred in the CBS reboot of “Magnum, P.I.,” but he also has ties to the islands as a proud graduate of the University of Hawaii, where he obtained both his law degree and master’s of business administration. Today, he’s keeping busy with numerous acting roles. But despite the heavy workload and countless projects he is working on, Ting still has time to reflect on his years in Hawaii and the impact that going to school in the islands has on him. You can hear more about Ting’s journey in the latest episode of Island Beat.

Siena Agudong started acting at the age of 7 and made her television debut at 8. She has been on Disney, Nickelodeon and in movies on the big screen. She recently appeared as young Mia in “F9: The Fast Saga.” Agudong now plays a young Billie Wesker in “Resident Evil” on Netflix. Despite her long list of credits, Agudong never forgets where she came from and is a Kauai girl at heart.  In the latest episode of Island Beat, Agudong joined Billy V to share stories about growing up on Kauai, how her Disney and Nickelodeon days shaped her acting, what it was like filming “Resident Evil,” and everything in between.

The 2022 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards wrapped up last month for an in-person show, with a set of returning and first-time winners. Hoku Award-winning artist Josh Tatofi once again claimed awards this year, winning Single of the Year and Hawaiian Music Video of the Year. Grammy and Hoku Award-winning artist Kalani Pea also took home two awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for Composers. Paula Fuga received her first ever Na Hoku Hanohano Award for best Female Vocalist of the Year for her song and album, “Rain on Sunday.” And this year’s biggest winner was the group Kulaiwi, which won Album of the Year, Hawaiian Music Album of the Year and Group of the Year for their record “Native Lands.” In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V sits down and chats with some of the winners to debrief the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and find out how they’re feeling after the big night and what winning these awards means to them.

Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Chaz Umamoto has gone from performer and entertainer to producer and songwriter. Umamoto, a former member of the folk group Streetlight Cadence, recently teamed up with Joshua Stephens, a former member of the Indie group The Fresh Preps. Together, these two formed the group The Brewz and are forging their own path by entering the hip-hop sphere and collaborating with some of Hawaii's biggest names in music. In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V chats with Umamoto about their inspiration for making new music and why their new album will be different from anything they have produced thus far.

Carissa Kano is a teacher at Maemae Elementary School. In 2020, while students were forced to take on virtual learning, Kano wanted to find ways to keep her first-graders engaged. Using costumes and singing, she put on a show for her students — under the impression that the lockdown was only going to last two weeks.  In 2021, Kano used her talents to make a video called “Just Choose Love” with over 80 Maemae Elementary School faculty and staff. The song was a twist on the popular K-Pop song, “Boy With Luv,” and took four weeks to recreate. Having their participation in making music videos not only positively impacted her classes, but started to affect more of the school as she got other students and faculty involved. In the latest episode of Hawaii News Now’s podcast Island Beat, Billy V chats with Kano about her love for teaching with engaging music videos and also how her time in the Miss Hawaii pageant helped her with her career.

Most 18-year-olds are still deciding what they want to do in life. But for Luke Swanson and Eweleiula Wong, they’re already winning gold medals in their sport. Swanson and Wong were part of Team Hawaii Surf and recently won gold in the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in El Salvador, beating out other individual competitors. In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V talks to Wong and Swanson about their experience at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships and where they’re headed next — possibly the Olympics.

Henry Kapono is a music icon in Hawaii, but he has fans around the world. He's a Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, Lifetime Achievement recipient, philanthropist, former University of Hawaii linebacker and is of 100% Hawaiian blood. In this episode, Billy V sits down with Kapono to catch up and learn more about the Henry Kapono Foundation, what he’s been doing during the pandemic, and what he thinks of the state of the music industry today.

Hawaii recording artist and entertainer Makana recently put out new music based on slack-key guitar stylings, but he continues to evolve his sound. His latest album, "Pulama: Legacies of Hawaii," is inspired by his heroes from the Hawaiian music renaissance, including George Helm, Gabby "Pops" Pahinui and Dennis Kamakahi. But the new music is also deeply personal. He shares all the stories that led to him making this album, plus he talks about a concert he will be performing at the Waikiki Aquarium. 

Twenty-five years ago, Hawaiian singer-songwriter John Cruz released “Acoustic Soul,” one of the most celebrated and best-selling Hawaii albums of all time. A quarter century later, Cruz is reflecting on his life, his career and that instant hit, "Island Style." You won't catch this interview anywhere else.