Kaolu Akano (President ) – Hello! My name is Kaolu, a senior here at Hilo High School. I have been playing the trumpet for 5 years. I’ve been inspired to take on more responsibilities and a leadership position after feeling the impact the band has made on me. My inspiration to become an officer is the previous officers who I saw working hard and doing great things for the band, when I was an underclassman. It’s my turn now, and being in the band is a big part of who I am, and it has changed me. I want to make other people feel the same way when they join, and continue this program.

Olivia McMillan (Vice President) – Hello, my name’s Olivia, and I’ve been playing percussion for 5 years (soon to be 6)! I was section leader for the 25-26 SY, and I enjoyed helping our band. That’s why I decided I wanted to take on more leadership! Moreover, I love our little family here in the band. I hope to give back to the community that’s given me friends, confidence, and experiences I’ll cherish forever.

Katie Dodo (Vice President) – Aloha! My name is Katelyn and I am a senior at Hilo High School. I have been playing flute for almost 6 years and piccolo for almost 3! What inspired me to become a leader for the band is my passion for helping others grow and contributing to the overall development and success of the band as a whole. Band has not only taught me how to read music and play an instrument, but it has also taught me how to balance extracurricular commitments, step outside my comfort zone, and develop confidence in my abilities and decisions.

Kaoli Akano (Recording Secretary )- Hi! My name is Kaoli and I am a senior at Hilo High School. I’ve played alto saxophone for 2 years but played clarinet and bass clarinet beforehand for 3. I’ve made many friends and memories in this band. I enjoy band and see it as a second family, and would love to give back to our band, so I wanted to become a band leader as a section leader and recording secretary!

Kaiara Garrison (Corresponding Secretary) – Aloha, my name is Kaiara, and I am a current senior at Hilo High. I’ve been playing the Bb clarinet for close to 6 years now! I enjoy being part of the “behind the scenes” crew and giving back to our program. My goal is to make band as enjoyable and memorable as it has been for me for all of our incoming Vikings. Band has been a crucial part of my middle/high school career, and is a huge reason as to why I have developed so many cherished friends and life-long memories!

Mahina Maag (Treasurer) – Aloha! I’m Mahina, a junior at Hilo High, and I play Euphonium/Baritone and have been for four years so far. What inspired me to be a leader for the Viking Band is my brother, Tyler. Other outcomes I love from the band are hanging out with my friends and the trips.

Kallie Kiriu (Head Librarian) – Hi! My name is Kallie and I am a current senior at Hilo High! I have been playing flute for almost 6 years and piccolo for almost 4 years. I became a leader for the Viking band because I wanted to help the band be more organized. Outside of musical education, I love hanging out with my section and making new friends!

Andrew Woolverton (Historian) – 

Keenan Carvalho (Historian) – Aloha! My name is Keenan! I’m currently a junior at Hilo High, and I’ve played Alto Saxophone for about 5 years now! I was first introduced to the role of Historian in my freshman year by Mrs. Arceo, and I really enjoy the role because it allows me to be social and get to know everyone in the band! The main thing I want to do in the band is make the most out of all our events (and occasional trips!) and spend time with my dearest friends, all the while growing more in my music education.

Mace Peng (Historian) – Aloha, my name is Mace, and I have been playing clarinet for 4 years (and piano for 10!). What inspired me to be a leader in the band was seeing everyone else contribute so much to the band’s success, and I really wanted to be a part of that and help the band function. Also, being able to take photos of everyone at all the events as a historian seemed like a lot of fun! Other things I love in band, other than my musical education, are being able to spend so much time with my friends outside of school and going on trips to the mainland and even to other countries.

Patrick Win (Historian) –

Peyton Inaba (Social Media Manager) – Hello! I am Peyton and I play French Horn/Mellophone. I have been playing my instrument in music for five years so far. I am currently an upcoming senior for the 2026-2027 school year so this will be my sixth year! What inspired me to become a leader for the Viking Band is because I wanted to give back to my underclassmen and teach them how to take on leadership positions after I graduate.

Rhysie Suefuji (Social Media Manager) – Hi! My name is Rhysie and I am a junior for this 2026-2027 school year. I play the flute and have been playing for four years so far. I wanted to become a band leader not only because it sounded fun but also because I wanted to contribute to the band more. Aside from our music, being a part of a band allows you to live out a bunch of unique experiences.  For me, I always loved being able to go on trips as a group, and getting to hang out with my friends almost everyday! 

Jack Hughes (Equipment Manager) –