Kainani Kahaunaele leads the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards with eight nominations for her second solo CD, “Ohai Ulu,” further proving that the Kaua‘i-born singer/songwriter is one of the leading ladies in the Hawaiian music scene.
Born and raised in rural Anahola, Kahaunaele’s warm and silky voice proves that one doesn’t have to know Hawaiian to understand the emotion and poetry she portrays through her music.
“I didn’t realize it would make it this much,” Kahaunaele said about her second solo CD. “We were hopeful, but when the nominations come out, that’s when you know what your peers think.”
Kahaunaele received nominations for album of the year, female vocalist of the year, Hawaiian album of the year, Hawaiian language performance, song of the year and two haku mele nominations. She was also one of 10 artists nominated for favorite entertainer, which is the only category where the winner is decided by the public.
“Ohai Ulu” took a year to put together, and Kahaunaele penned nine of the 12 songs featured on her album.
“It’s really a collaboration of traditional, contemporary and progressive Hawaiian music,” she said about her album. “I work together with a great team and an excellent band.”
Growing up in a musical family in Anahola, Kahaunaele said her influences throughout her childhood helped define what she is doing today, and that she owes her success to her family and the Kaua‘i community.
“Writing music happens where the inspiration comes,” she said. “I’m inspired all the time. Growing up on Kaua‘i, I have a lot of songs for Kaua‘i … Because I grew up in a large family in a rural area, I am able to relate to that setting. I’m glad I grew up the way I did, being around the ocean and visiting the mountains.”
Kahaunaele went to college at the University of Hawai‘i Hilo, majoring in Hawaiian Studies with an emphasis in Hawaiian Language.
“My passion is to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and I realized Hawaiian music is a great vehicle to do that.”
Kahaunaele’s first solo album was released in 2003. The album, titled “Na‘u ‘Oe” earned her three Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, including female vocalist of the year.
“I had a few years to work on my craft. I think it’s a good representation of where I’m at now,” she said. “I’m still writing music, collaborating with the best musicians, touring and also being mom and wife and teacher. My plans are to write more, tour more and promote Hawaiian culture in a way that is more authentic and to promote Hawaiian language and Hawaiian composition.”
The 34th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards will be May 29 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and telecast o KFVE.
Visit www.kainani.com for more information about Kahaunaele. Her album is available through her website or iTunes.
