Kailua’s Kupono Aweau may have reached the end of his journey on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” but he and his family say it’s only the beginning.

Week after week Aweau’s family and friends waved “Vote for Kupono” signs near Castle Hospital on the Pali Highway, brought goodies and treats to their jobs with reminders to vote for Kupono, and set up Facebook and Kupono Aweau fan websites to boost votes to keep their loved one in the competition.
Their efforts just weren’t enough. On Wednesday, America voted for their favorite dancers and though Kupono had many votes, he didn’t have enough to secure a spot in the to 8.
Because the show airs later in Hawaii, Aweau’s mother, Ali, was waiting anxiously to hear from her son.
“I spoke to him (before the show) and he said, ‘Mom, whatever happens, happens. I’m OK with it,’” said Ali Aweau. “I told him I wanted to hear from him first, but I couldn’t wait! I cheated and went online to find out.”
We tracked down Kupono and Ali Aweau to talk about their thoughts on the show.
“The first time I actually saw him on TV was my favorite," Ali Aweau said. "It was when he was walking down the hall where they were going to tell him that he made it to Vegas.”
“My ultimate favorite moment was (performing) the addiction piece by Mia Michaels,” said Kupono Aweau. “As hard as it was, it was a big growing point as a performer.”
Aweau had a first-hand glimpse addiction when two family members struggled with addictions to crystal-meth.
“It wasn’t the most pleasant experience,” said Kupono Aweau about the dance he performed with his partner Kayla Radomski, “but it was really memorable because of what it brought out of me. It was so unbelievable.”
When asked what he learned from the show Kupono Aweau said, “I need to work on my strength. It’s on my to-do list. But (being on the show) also taught me how to stay positive.”
He’s keeping that attitude as he heads back to Honolulu tonight.
“I want to get a lot of sleep. My body feels like it’s at it’s ending point, but I’m going back to Hawaii. I’m so excited! I’m looking forward to relaxing back home and being with my nieces! They’re my mini posse and I can’t wait to see them!”
Throughout his journey, Kupono had the support of his family, friends and even people who he didn’t know.
“We (the family) really want to thank everyone who voted and supported him,” said Ali Aweau. “We have (received) so many emails and phone calls of how proud Pono made them feel. We’re so thankful people took the time to vote, and they’re still expressing it!”
In the end, both mother and son had the same thing to say: All of the “thank yous” in the world could never fully express how they truly feel.
This isn’t the last of Kupono Aweau. He’s scheduled to perform with the top 10 finalists from the show across the nation, starting Sept. 20. Aweau has also received a job offer or two, which he says he’ll look into after the tour ends in November.
Hawaii residents can also be help in welcoming back Kupono Aweau tonight at the airport around 8:45 p.m.
“You can’t miss us! We’ll all be there waiting by the baggage claim,” exclaimed Ali Aweau.