This year, seven members of the newly formed choir embraced the opportunity to attend Choralfest 2025 at Hawaii Betsuin on September 20–21, 2025 — a milestone that marks an exciting new chapter for Maui’s Hongwanji music community. Attendees shared their comments of their Choralfest experience:
“I really enjoyed my time at Choralfest. Singing in a large choir is so different—and much more satisfying—than singing alone or in a smaller group. The practice on Saturday seemed to flow more smoothly than at the last Choralfest seven years ago, and it was wonderful to reconnect with folks from other temples around Hawai‘i that I haven’t seen in years, as well as to meet some new faces. A special shout out to our driver, Lois, who graciously and safely got us from the hotel to the temple and finally to the airport. Thank you (Joan and Ed) for helping to organize such a meaningful experience!” – Danny Topp
“It was good to hear separate parts of tenors, sopranos, basses, and altos. I reunited and ‘talked story’ with old friends and made new ones, everyone was so helpful and positive. Nola was excellent as usual and hearing Francis play the piano completed the Choralfest experience. It was all well worth the experience!”- Ed Tamori
“Thank you so much for everything. Being my first experience at Choralfest, I was not sure what to expect. I was quite impressed with the director, Nola, and how well everything else was organized. Nola was strict in her ways but that made a difference in how we sounded, which was awesome! I was not only impressed in how things went, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself! It was nice to make new friends and to see people I knew. In making new friends, I met a lady who told me she had an uncle who was from Kihei with the last name of Suda. Lo and behold that uncle is also my husband’s uncle. What a small world. I was very glad that I attended the Choralfest! It was fun, fun, fun!” – Carol Suda
“I really enjoyed the Choralfest. I enjoyed learning the beautiful songs, which was sometimes challenging, but fun. It felt good singing in a large group…I was in awe at how great the choir sounded, thanks to Nola. It was also nice meeting and chatting with people from the other temples. Your committee must’ve worked very hard to put everything together…. the music, the food, the hotel, the transportation. Arigato! And thank you very much for being our fearless leader! I appreciate all the work you put into our choir. This was a great experience and I look forward to the next Choralfest!”- Carolyn Kaya
“It was great to see and talk to people from the previous Choralfest. Nice to see familiar faces! Nola was, as always, a great conductor and inspiration. She was able to communicate her directions to everyone–regardless of having a musical background or not. I was very impressed with everyone who participated. We sounded very good! Thanks again for your leadership.” – Dale Sugiki
“I have to say the weekend overall was absolutely wonderful! Food, Entertainment & Transportation – were all excellent. I received so much help and kindness from the volunteers, it was all so warm and welcoming. Nola and all she did: WONDERFUL!! So helpful, and so much fun singing, such spiritually fulfilling music with friends, every practice, and the final performance all FANTASTIC.” – Kallie Keith-Agaran
“As a Music committee member involved in the planning and execution of Choralfests, it is extremely gratifying to see how participants gathered together and worked together to produce such a beautiful ‘sound of music’ at the special service. Nola never ceases to amaze me with her innovative performance ideas and arrangements. She truly made our practice session fun and energetic! A huge mahalo goes out to the myriad of Oahu and Honolulu volunteers who each played special and important roles in supporting this event. We extend heartfelt thanks to Francis Okano, State Music Committee Chair, for guiding our committee through a year-and-a-half of planning to make this event a reality. – Joan Tamori