Meet Kalani Pe‘a, The 4x Grammy-Winning Hawaiian Filipino Star Bringing Island Music to the World
Written By Niko Del Rey
“It is through Hawaiian music and poetry that we share our moʻolelo (stories). I want to leave hoʻoilina (legacies) for my family, my students, and the communities we serve through higher education, and through creating Hawaiian music,” Kalani Pe’a shares in an interview with Lei Travel.
And that is exactly what Hawaiian Filipino musician, Kalani Pe’a has been doing, leaving his legacy of his music for the world to admire. Creating a body of work, weaving fragments of your DNA into your art is the ultimate goal for any artist. And to receive a grammy to honor and acknowledge that body of work, is the highest honor imaginable but what does it say if you’ve won four? That’s a remarkable feat that defines a true artist and accomplished musician, so let’s tune into the beautiful island music of Hawaii and get to know 4 time grammy award winning artist, Kalani Pe’a.
Photo Courtesy of Kalani Pe’a
Kalani Pe’a is known for this contemporary, soul, and R&B, inspired Hawaiian music. At the age of 33, Kalani Pe’a debuted his first album, E Walea. Singing since the age of four, Pe’a grew up on the island of Hawai’i where he learned the native tongue of Hawaii. In an interview about his upbringing, Pe’a says growing up in the Hawaiian Immersion Program in the third grade at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ‘o Keaukaha in Hilo is where his passion and love of Hawaiian language started.
His love for music not only stems from his deep affection for the islands but also how singing has changed his life forever. Pe’a goes on to describe how singing helped him overcome a speech impediment at an early age, a condition severe enough to require professional help. While speech therapy had no effect on his stammering and stuttering, Pe’a’s mom would sing to him, helping him overcome his impediment through which actually proved more effective. Shortly after, Pe’a would find himself singing in public, competing in statewide karaoke competitions and talent competitions that he would eventually go on to win. Pe’a says “Music saved my life”, illustrating the effects of his music that go deeper than awards but reveal the transformation in his upbringing.
Fast forward to 2017 when Pe’a would release his debut album and receive a grammy award for Best Regional Roots Music Album. His debut album, E Walea, is a word that means exuberant, to enjoy one's company, and to be elated. The album and the musician are perfectly matched as Pe’a is known for his versace glasses with an aloha shirt, singing about the beauty of the islands and being true to yourself. This essence would carry into his next 3 albums where he won a grammy for the same category for his albums No ‘Ane’i (2019), Kau Ka Pe’a (2022), and most recently Kuini (2025).
In addition to being an award winning musician, Pe’a has a full time job as an educator and Hawaiian resource coordinator at Kamehameha Schools while living with his fiancee in Maui. Both motivate him and enrich his musical passion and the stories he tells through song.
Filipino names are truly some of the most diverse names you’ll ever come across. Our last names alone can have Spanish influence, Chinese influence, and in some cases American influences due to the involvement of the U.S. during World War II.
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