Maisey Rika with her band Hoea

Māori singer/songwriter Maisey Rika (Ngati Awa, Te Arawa, Ngai Tuhoe, Te Whānau a Apanui) has one of Aotearoa’s (New Zealand’s) most impressive voices, creating music that expresses her honest, thought-provoking mediations on life and Māori culture. A mix of Māori, folk, acoustic and soul, her musical palette is vibrant with elements of roots and deep culture. Some have described her sound similar to Tracey Chapman or Sade.

Her original songs have become emotional and cultural touchstones in her native New Zealand, yet their universal themes and emotions grown of hardship, happiness, sorrow, and love resonate deeply with international audiences. Her honey-smooth vocals unflinchingly take on such issues as domestic violence, Māori displacement, at-risk youth, the environment, and social justice, as well as warmly embrace life’s joys — family, children, home.

Maisey consistently wins Māori Music Awards whenever she releases a new album. She produced her album (recorded during the pandemic) in collaboration with some of Aotearoa’s leading talents and inspired by the 9 stars of the Matariki, the star cluster that appears at the beginning of the Māori New Year. Her stunning voice and fusion of English and Māori (Te Reo) lyrics illuminate her staunch pride in her Maori roots while engaging audiences of all backgrounds.

Maisey is backed by her touring band, Hoea.

“Heartfelt music and song showcasing what I believe to be one of the most arresting and beautiful voices to emerge from New Zealand, ever.” –Paul Mclaney of Mushroom Music “…extraordinarily moving work…” –Jon Woodhouse, The Maui News

This event is a co-production by the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center and Tim Bostock Productions

To purchase tickets to see Maisey Rika at the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center, follow our purchase tickets link to the right. Single tickets for this performance will go on sale September 2, 2025.

• Advance Sales/At the Door General: $30/$35
• Advance Sales/At the Door Discount: $25/$30
• Advance Sales/At the Door UHH/HCC Students w/valid ID & Children 17 & Under: $15/$20