 | |
| |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Maui |
| Frequency | 93.5 MHz |
| Branding | KPOA 93.5 FM |
| Programming | |
| Format | Hawaiian adult contemporary |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Pacific Radio Group, Inc. |
| History | |
First air date | March 30, 1984 |
| Technical information[1] | |
Licensing authority | FCC |
| Facility ID | 35490 |
| Class | C |
| ERP | 72,000 watts |
| HAAT | 696.0 meters (2,283.5 ft) |
Transmitter coordinates | 20°39′36″N 156°21′50″W / 20.66000°N 156.36389°W |
| Links | |
Public license information | |
| Webcast | Listen live |
| Website | kpoa |
KPOA (93.5 FM) is a radio station broadcasting a Hawaiian adult contemporary format. Licensed to Lahaina, Hawaii, United States, the station is owned by Pacific Radio Group, Inc.[2]
History
[edit]KPOA-FM 93.5 first signed on the air in 1984. Its sister station KLHI-FM was started around the same time. Initially, KPOA-FM was only a 3,000-watt, 1950s sound, all-Hawai'i format radio station. But within a few years, Chuck Bergson, the new president and general manager, would transform the sound of the station for a more contemporary Hawaiian sound after completing a self-funded listener survey.[3]
Personalities
[edit]KPOA has been home to a number of popular radio personalities from the island of Maui.
- Boy "Maui's Hawaiian Superman" Kanae[4]
- Harley Puamae'ole Tripp
- Josiah "Ikaikalani" Delacruz
- Leslyn Alaka'i Paleka[5]
- Liz "Kopa'a Tita" Konohia[6]
- Shane "Hawaiian Home Boy" Kahalehau [7]
- Valerie "Sista Val" Toro[8]
Programming
[edit]Music Format and Cultural Content
[edit]KPOA's programming centers on the preservation, celebration, and promotion of Hawaiian music and culture [9]. The station features a broad range of Hawaiian music styles, including traditional mele and oli, contemporary Hawaiian music, Jawaiian, island reggae, and locally produced compositions. Its playlist emphasizes both legendary Hawaiian artists and emerging local musicians, helping to sustain a continuous connection between generations of performers and listeners.
In addition to music rotation, KPOA regularly airs specialty programs that focus on specific aspects of Hawaiian culture and community life. These include talk-story style shows, artist interviews, cultural discussions, and programs that highlight Hawaiian language, history, and values. Many shows are hosted by local personalities who are deeply rooted in the Maui community, giving the station a distinctly local and authentic voice.
KPOA is also known for supporting live and locally driven programming. The station frequently promotes Hawaiian music events, festivals, and concerts, and has historically served as a platform for sharing information about cultural gatherings and community celebrations. Through these efforts, KPOA function not only as a music broadcaster but also as a cultural connector between artists, practitioners, and the public.
By prioritizing Hawaiian music in its daily programming, KPOA plays a significant role in maintaining the visibility of Hawaiian culture in modern media. The station's format stands apart from mainstream commercial radio by placing indigenous music, language, and storytelling at the center of its identity, contributing to the ongoing preservation and evolution of Hawaiian musical traditions.
Honey I'm Hungry
[edit]"Honey I'm Hungry" is a short radio segment introduced by longtime KPOA radio personality, Valerie "Sista Val" Toro, on her Holoholo Show afternoon weekday spot from 3PM thru 7PM. The segment showcases island-inspired, home-style recipes where "Sista Val" shares its ingredients and describes how to cook it. The recipes are often submitted by station listeners or sometimes curated by "Sistah Val" herself. Following the on-air segment, the receipes are frequently posted on the KPOA Facebook page and other related local food blogs.
References
[edit]- ^ "Facility Technical Data for KPOA". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
- ^ "KPOA Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
- ^ "FM station owner-manager delivers melodious, Maui sounds".
- ^ "FM station owner-manager delivers melodious, Maui sounds".
- ^ "FM station owner-manager delivers melodious, Maui sounds".
- ^ "FM station owner-manager delivers melodious, Maui sounds".
- ^ "Personalities - Shane "Hawaiian Home Boy" Kahalehau".
- ^ "Personalities - Valerie "Sista Val" Toro".
- ^ "KPOA radio station aims to be fair with hot-button topics".
External links
[edit]- Facility details for Facility ID 35490 (KPOA) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
- KPOA in Nielsen Audio's FM station database
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