"It Takes a Village"
14,000 at Homecoming Concert
IAM Tongi's home town learned they had 6 days to pull off a parade and concert. It was a giant effort for this rural community. They produced a homecoming that American Idol and the rest of the country would never forget.
Aerial photo by Daniel Vi
Film
William "IAM" Tongi was born and raised in Kahuku, Hawai'i.
IAM won the American Idol contest on May 21, 2023. The 18-year-old was the first person from Hawai'i, the first Pacific Islander, and the first non-country singer in three years,
to win the national competition.
IAM KAHUKU! is a film about how growing up in the Ko'olauloa region shaped who he is today. The documentary is being produced by Ko'olauloa and Ko'olaupoko residents Brenton Awa, Tanoai Reed, and Gloria Borland.
photos: ABC/Eric McCandless
His Family
Parents
IAM's mother Lillie (maiden name Tuifua) is originally from Tongatapu, Tonga. She came to Hawai'i to study at Bringham Young University in Laie. Lillie is half Irish and half Tongan.
His late father Rodney Tongi worked as an electrician and was half Tongan and half Samoan.
Tongi Family
IAM's parents are surrounded by their five children. Their oldest, Lerod Tongi played football for Kahuku High School. Standing on the left is IAM, their musically talented youngest child.
Kahuku Elementary School
Junior Raiders
Ukulele Lesson
IAM visits the current 5th graders learning ukulele.
photos: Hawaii State Department of Education
Alison Faleolo 5th grade teacher
Mrs. Alsion Faleolo taught IAM Tongi to play the ukulele in
her 5th grade class.
IAM with Classmates Singing on School Bus
Children inspired to sing a song by BRUNO MARS "You Can Count On Me"
IAM Tongi
IAM KAHUKU !
Polynesian Power
Samoan Open
Tanoai Reed, Iam Tongi and Kap Te'o-Tafiti
The North Shore is Red Raider Country
Tongan & Samoan Community
Kahuku, HI 96731
Why is Kahuku special?
What was it like to grow up in the Ko'olauloa region.