BIOGRAPHY
Kamalei Kawaʻa
Paukūkalo native Kamalei Kawaʻa, born and raised on the island of Maui, Hawaiʻi, is a Native Hawaiian recording artist, singer-songwriter, and musician whose artistry is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture while embracing contemporary music and a diverse range of genres. A GRAMMY® nominee, six-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, and Top 20 finalist on Season 25 of NBC’s The Voice, Kamalei is known for his powerful voice, heartfelt storytelling, and versatility as a performer.
Raised in a Hawaiian family deeply rooted in hula and mele Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian music), Kamalei’s upbringing was filled with the sounds, stories, and traditions of his kūpuna (ancestors). Early exposure to Hawaiian music legends, contemporary Hawaiian artists, and global icons shaped his vocal style and deepened his understanding of melody, harmony, and storytelling. From a young age, he learned that mele (song) is not only a form of expression but a kuleana (responsibility) — to uplift, to teach, and to preserve.
As a proud ʻōlapa of the award-winning Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, under the direction of Kumu Hula ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes, Kamalei’s experience in hula further grounded him in Hawaiian culture, teaching him to convey emotion, narrative, and connection through movement as well as song. His music reflects the values of aloha ke akua (love for God), aloha ka ʻohana (love for family), aloha ʻāina (love for the land), and aloha kekahi i kekahi (love and respect for one another). Through his songs, he demonstrates how music heals, uplifts, and connects us, carrying forward the spirit of aloha.
Blending traditional Hawaiian melodies with contemporary expression, Kamalei creates a sound that captivates the attention of his audience and moves listeners. His heartfelt compositions have resonated with audiences around the world — including artists such as Chance The Rapper, John Legend, Reba McEntire, and Dan + Shay, who were deeply moved by his performances on The Voice.
A proud husband and father, Kamalei continues to share the beauty and spirit of Hawaiʻi with global audiences. Through his music, he shares a piece of his heart and tells his story of life through his own lens — sharing it with the world as an ambassador for Hawaiian music, carrying forward the legacy of his ancestors while shaping the next chapter of Hawaiian music through mele, hula, and aloha.
MĀNAIAKALANI celebrated as HAWAIIAN MUSIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR and LINER NOTES OF THE YEAR
at the 2026 Nā Hōku Hanohano Awards
A proud chapter in Kamalei’s musical journey, this honor marks a meaningful milestone in his career as a Hawaiian recording artist. Recognized among Hawaiʻi’s highest honors in music, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards celebrate excellence in Hawaiʻi’s recording industry and the artists committed to preserving the traditions of Hawaiian music, elevating its artistry, and carrying its stories, language, and legacy forward for generations to come.
HAWAIIAN MUSIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR
More than an album, this collection is a reflection of Kamalei Kawaʻa’s connection to Hawaiʻi, his kūpuna, and the mele that shaped him. Hawaiian Music Album of the Year represents the honoring of tradition while allowing that tradition to live, grow, and speak to new generations. Each song carries a piece of his journey — rooted in culture, guided by aloha, and shared with the world through his voice.
LINER NOTES OF THE YEAR
Every song carries a story, and every story holds a deeper meaning. Written by Cierra and Luana, the liner notes for Kamalei Kawaʻa’s album offer an intimate glimpse into the inspiration, manaʻo, and experiences woven into each mele. Explore the stories behind the songs and discover the heart and meaning that live within the music.
Awards & Recognition
2026
RECORDING ACADEMY
Class of 2026 | Voting Member
NĀ HŌKŪ HANOHANO AWARDS
Mānaiakalani
Hawaiian Music Album of the Year
Liner Notes of the Year
2024
NBC’s THE VOICE (SEASON 25)
Top 20
Team Chance | Team Legend
2021
GRAMMY® AWARDS
Nā Wai ʻEhā | GRAMMY® Nominee
Lovely Sunrise
Best Regional Roots Album
2020
NĀ HŌKŪ HANOHANO AWARDS
Nā Wai ʻEhā | Lovely Sunrise
Hawaiian Language Performance Award
Hawaiian Album of the Year
Group of the Year
2019
NĀ HŌKŪ HANOHANO AWARDS
Nā Wai ʻEhā | Nā Wai ʻEhā
Most Promising Artist of the Year
2015
RICHARD HOʻOPIʻI LEO KIʻEKIʻE FALSETTO CHAMPION
2008
HULA O NĀ KEIKI
Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi | Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes
Master Hula o Nā Keiki