Mālama Media Group Relaunches Two Honolulu Radio Stations

There’s a new sound on the radio in Hawaiʻi.

Mālama Media Group has relaunched two of its Honolulu radio stations, bringing back the familiar KOOL 107.9 name on KKOL-FM while introducing a newly local approach to 975 KHCM.

The changes are about more than new station imaging.

They’re part of Mālama Media Group’s continued commitment to building local Hawaiʻi radio stations that reflect the audiences and communities they serve.

KOOL 107.9 Is Back in Hawaiʻi

Sometimes a radio brand becomes so familiar that listeners never really stop calling it by its old name.

That was the case with KKOL-FM.

Although the station had been known as Decades 107.9 in recent years, many Hawaiʻi listeners continued to know it simply as KOOL. On September 3, Mālama Media Group brought that familiar identity back as KOOL 107.9 — Hawaiʻi’s Greatest Hits.

The newly reimagined KOOL 107.9 is locally programmed with an upbeat mix of familiar favorites and feel-good music.

As Mālama Media Group SVP/Programming Rick Thomas explained, the goal is to build on a brand Hawaiʻi already knows while creating a station designed for today's local audience.

It’s familiar.

It’s fun.

And KOOL is back.

975 KHCM Brings Today's Country Home to Hawaiʻi

The changes aren't limited to 107.9.

975 KHCM is also entering a new era as Mālama Media Group moves the station away from the satellite-delivered country programming used under its former ownership and toward a locally programmed country station for Hawaiʻi.

Listeners can expect today's biggest country artists, including names such as Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Ella Langley, along with emerging artists shaping the future of country music.

The goal is simple: give Hawaiʻi's country fans a station that sounds current while creating a stronger connection between the music, personalities and local community.

Why Local Radio Still Matters in Hawaiʻi

Streaming can give you a playlist.

Local radio can give you something different: connection.

Hawaiʻi isn't simply another media market. Our communities, culture and relationships are unique, which is why Mālama Media Group believes local programming and local personalities matter.

The next phase for both KOOL 107.9 and 975 KHCM includes finding personalities who can connect with and serve Hawaiʻi's unique audience.

Because great local radio isn't only about what comes out of the speakers.

It's about knowing who is listening on the other side.

New Opportunities for Hawaiʻi Advertisers

The relaunches also give local businesses two distinct ways to reach Hawaiʻi consumers.

KOOL 107.9 connects advertisers with listeners through a recognizable local brand built around timeless hits and music that crosses generations. 975 KHCM reaches an active country audience through today's music, local voices and a format rooted in family, authenticity and community.

And radio doesn't have to work alone.

Mālama Media Group can extend campaigns across radio, digital advertising, social media, websites, SEO, content marketing, contests, promotions and sponsorships, creating multiple opportunities for Hawaiʻi consumers to encounter and remember a business.

A New Chapter for Mālama Media Group

KOOL 107.9 and 975 KHCM join 99.5 The Word and 94.3 The Answer as part of Mālama Media Group's family of Honolulu radio stations.

Each serves a different audience.

Each has its own identity.

And each shares a commitment to serving Hawaiʻi.

For listeners, that means more local choices on the radio.

For advertisers, it means more ways to connect with the audiences that matter to their businesses.

And for Mālama Media Group, it's another step toward building a locally owned media company focused on the future of radio and marketing in Hawaiʻi.

KOOL is back. Country is local. And we're just getting started.

Ready to connect your business with Hawaiʻi listeners?

Contact Mālama Media Group to learn how radio and digital marketing can work together to reach your customers wherever they're listening, searching and scrolling.