Each year the academy selects nominees through member ballot, and presents the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards ("Stars of Distinction") typically in May (however, due to COVID-19 it will be held September 10, 2020 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
Included are resident recording artists, singers, musicians, studio technicians, engineers, producers, songwriters, graphic artists, liner note annotators, and editors (or text editors) with at least one verifiable recording credit.
Resident recording artists, producers and other professionals with digital download–only releases which are for sale exclusively through established online retailers such as iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon.com, eMusic and CD Baby are also eligible or regular membership.
Artists and other professionals whose recordings are distributed solely via personal sales at performances and/or non-retail Internet Web sites are not eligible for regular membership.
HARA also directs programs to promote quality and growth in the recording and music industries in Hawai‘i.