Cyril Paynter hopes to represent Bermuda onstage in Hawaii this month after reaching the finals of a prestigious ukulele competition.

The ferry boat pilot has been named as a finalist at the Annual International Ukulele Contest & Hula Show 2016, taking place on Saturday, February 13.

Mr Paynter, 58, from Mullet Bay, impressed judges with his original composition Bermuda Song, which he performs under the stage name Ishta Nupa (type “Ishta Bermuda Song” into YouTube to see a live beachside performance).

The winner of the fifth annual contest, taking place at the Royal Hawaiian Centre, will receive a top-of-the-range ukulele, one year’s airplay at a local radio station and the chance to join star ukulele players onstage at a picnic the next day in Kakaako Gateway Park.

He taught himself guitar in his teens, before picking up the ukulele a few years ago.

“When I was young, I saw an old guy in St George’s with a ukulele, and I thought one day I’m going to learn how to play it,” Mr Paynter said.

Several years ago, his interest was once again sparked by listening to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, the Hawaiian ukulele player known for his covers of Over the Rainbow and What A Wonderful World.

“It brought that desire back, so I went to The Music Box, bought this cheap little ukulele and taught myself how to play it,” said Mr Paynter, who has never had any music lessons.

“I take the ukulele with me wherever I go. If I’m not driving the boat, I’ll sometimes walk around and play the passengers a little song.”

As for his unusual stage name, it was given to him by Wallace Black Elk, an elder of the Native America Lakota tribe who introduced inipi sweat lodges to Bermuda.

“It means ‘two eyes’,” he said. “It’s to remind me to always see things from a different perspective.”

Before he can visit the Aloha State, however, Mr Paynter is asking for help in arranging accommodation — either for someone to offer a room or to contribute to his hotel stay.

“Anything would help,” he said. “I want to go to Hawaii, play my song and represent my island. I would love to have that opportunity.”

• To help, call 335-2757 or e-mail ishtanupa@gmail.com