NASHVILLE, Tenn. – “American Idol” Season 21 winner and Hawaii native, Iam Tongi releases new track, “Road to Hana” today via 19 Recordings. Co-written by Tongi, the song is a love letter to the islands where he grew up. Listen to “Road to Hana” HERE.
Recorded in Nashville at Soultrain Sound Studios, Tongi says of the song, “I’ve always been proud of my heritage and where I was raised. Hawaii is such a big place with so many beautiful secret destinations. There’s a few however that are known around the world. The road to Hana is 64.4 miles of untouched beauty. This song is a celebration of that beauty and everything it has to offer.”
I got 64.4 miles to go
UH UH UH
I got my hand out of the window man I’m taking it slow
UH UH UH
Got an ocean to the left, wildflowers to the right
UH UH UH
No I never wear a watch because I’m always on island time
UH UH UH
At just 18-years old when he auditioned, the Hawaiian born singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist won hearts around the world and brought Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, to tears with his emotional performance of James Blunt’s “Monsters,” dedicated to his father Rodney who had recently passed away – watch it HERE. The audition went on to become the most watched on the show’s YouTube with 29 million views.
Tongi became the first Pacific Islander to win the series, performing an emotional duet with James Blunt of his audition song “Monsters” – watch it HERE. He went on to earn his first Billboard No. 1 on the Rock Digital Songs Sales Chart after releasing his debut single, “I’ll Be Seeing You”
Tongi will appear in “MAUI RISING: The Fight for Hawai’i’s Future,” airing tonight, Friday, Aug. 9, at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC, streaming the next day on Hulu. The one-hour primetime special marks a year since the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history tore through the picturesque town of Lahaina, Maui, leaving a community reeling and inspiring a new generation of organizers ready to stand up for change. Narrated by actor and Hawai’i resident Jason Scott Lee, the program highlights the strength, determination and resilience of the people of Lahaina and follows Native Hawaiian community leaders who see the tragedy as an opportunity to re-envision a new town based on ecological restoration, cultural repair, and ultimately a chance to build a stronger, more equitable and more sustainable future for all of Hawai’i.
“MAUI RISING: The Fight for Hawai’i’s Future” spotlights Lahaina leaders who see the catastrophic fire as a pivot point and opportunity to rectify long-standing issues around affordable housing, the tourism-based economy, water rights and resource exploitation. In addition to Tongi, interviews include legendary Hawaiian surfer Archie Kalepa; Hawaiian cultural practitioner Ke’eaumoku Kapu; key organizers of the grassroots community group Lahaina Strong, Pā’ele Kiakona, Courtney Lazo and Jordan Ruidas; and more.
Tongi is currently on the road with dates across the U.S. through the end of the year. For the latest news including tour dates and new music visit officialiamtongi.com and follow along @wtongi on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook.
Upcoming Tour Dates
8/10 | Tulsa, OK | Gathering Place
8/23 | Salt Lake City, UT | Granary Live
9/11 | Virginia Beach, VA | 24th Street Stage
9/12 | Jacksonville, NC | Hooligans Live
9/21 | Sacramento, CA | Cal Expo State Fairgrounds
9/28 | San Diego, CA | Mission Bayfest
10/10 | York, PA | Appell Center for the Performing Arts
10/12 | Orleans, MA | Outermost Roots and Blues Festival
10/17 | Eau Claire, WI | Pablo Center at the Confluence
10/19 | Madisonville, KY | Glema Mahr Center For The Arts
11/09 | Tacoma, WA | Tacoma Dome
