Kalani Peʻa releases new album, ‘Kuini’

Three-time Grammy Award-winner Kalani Peʻa has released a new album, “Kuini,” according to an announcement by Peʻa Records & Entertainment. The album includes 11 tracks Peʻa wrote or co-wrote and features guest artists Jake Shimabukuro, Tiana Nonosina Liufau, Kamehameha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble, Wailau Ryder, Michael Casil, Ron “Ruff” Boyce and more.

The new album is available now across all digital platforms. Physical CDs can be ordered at Kalanipeamusic.com/shop. 

Funding for the album came from the Council For Native Hawaiian Advancement – Chief Executive Officer Kūhiō Lewis, Henry Kapono Foundation, Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Maui Chamber of Commerce, LāhaināTown Action Committee and Colorado Music Relief Fund.

The announcement includes the following:

Hoʻopaʻa ke Kuini i ke kalaunu…. “(The Queen holds their crown)

Renowned for his charismatic, powerful, and incredibly creative musicianship, three-time Grammy Award winner and multi Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Kalani Peʻa, has been hailed as “one of the most exceptional talents in a new generation of Hawaiian musicians.” In his fifth album, Kalani continues paying homage to the matriarchal influence that fuels his passion for haku mele (music composition) and preserving his cherished moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian culture). Inspired by the love and resilience of the wahine mana (strong women) who have shaped Kalani, this album features seven original compositions and four distinguished mele (songs) that pays tribute to the many Aliʻi Wahine who have empowered successive generations through their leadership and wisdom. A native of Hilo, Kalani showcases his beautiful voice as he pays tribute to his second home, the island of Maui. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, ʻo ke aloha ka mea nui (love empowers all). – Leialoha Kaʻula, Kumuhula, Executive Director of Ka ʻAha Lāhui ʻO ʻOlekona, Hawaiian immersion graduate of Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Class of 2001 with Kalani Peʻa.