The 1999 Merrie Monarch festival once more awarded the halau the Kane Overall, 2nd place for the wahine and the Festival Overall award. Once more Ching's halau brought back to life the deity Kamapua'a (pig God) and his exploits with Pele and the surrounding environment of his life.

The summer of 1999 saw the first ever hula created for the opera Haydn's Creation.The halau was inspired by the music of the Honolulu Symphony, the singing of the O'ahu Chorale Society along with the tenor singer Jonathan Mack, baritone Leslie Tennent and soprano Zofia Kilanowicz.

Ching's first chant CD was released in April 2000. Its title Ho'oulu I Ka Na'auao (to grow in wisdom) promises to be a unique blend of Hawaiian history. Most significantly were the Carnegie Hall Concert in New York City on June 3, 2000 and the Kamehameha Day Celebration in Washington, D. C.

Kumu Sonny Ching attributes his success to his belief and faith in God Almighty, wonderful students and the love mid support of his family.