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 just the beginning.

Finishing among the top 10 means Aweau will be part of a U.S. tour this fall with the rest of the reality show's top dancers, and he's even received a job offer or two, which he said he'll look into after the tour.

Ever since Aweau cracked the Top 20, his fans have waved "Vote for Kupono" signs near Castle Medical Center in Kailua, brought goodies and treats to their jobs with reminders to vote for Aweau and set up Facebook and fan Web sites. But on Wednesday, their efforts weren't enough to boost him into the top eight.

"I can't wait to go home; I'm almost ecstatic," Aweau said Friday before his flight out of Los Angeles. "I'm so grateful, and I'm really happy (to have been here). I got everything I could have asked for, plus more. It was an amazing experience."

The 23-year-old's positive attitude was constant throughout the show. "It's really important to be positive about everything. I see others get down on themselves, and you just (have) to fight it. It'll be that much better if you keep smiling," Aweau said.

Aweau doesn't plan to wallow in disappointment over having to leave the show. In fact, he's already making his to-do lists for the immediate future, including what he wants to accomplish when he gets home: "I plan to get a lot of sleep and try to stay off my feet as much as possible," he said.

But he's thinking long term, too. "I need to work on my strength," he said. "Not just physical strength, but movement-wise."

Aweau's final words to the community that supported him: "I want to say thank you! I can never say it enough. Without family, friends and the fans, I would never have made it! Just ... thank you!"