Kalani Peʻa is a Native Hawaiian singer, songwriter, producer, and Hawaiian-language practitioner from Hilo whose self-described “Hawaiian contemporary soul” blends traditional and original Hawaiian music with R&B, soul, pop, and contemporary influences. His albums E Walea, No ʻAneʻi, Kau Ka Peʻa, and Kuini each won the Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album, giving him four Grammy wins and making him the only Hawaiian artist to win in that category. A fluent Hawaiian speaker, Peʻa writes extensively in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi while also creating bilingual interpretations and contemporary arrangements, with notable songs including “E Nā Kini,” “Kaniakapūpū,” “Kulaiwi,” “Ka Naʻi Aupuni,” and “Kuini.” His work has also earned multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and recognition for advancing Hawaiian language, culture, and contemporary Indigenous music.
