Kainani Kahaunaele

Kainani Kahaunaele

Born and raised on Kaua‘i, Kainani Kahaunaele works with a sense of deep responsibility to perpetuate the Hawaiian language, particularly through the art of Hawaiian songwriting and poetry. Winner of five Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, Kainani is a sought-after performer whose original compositions have appeared in films, documentaries, and TV shows. As a lecturer at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo's College of Hawaiian Language, a wife and mother of three, and a musician, Kainani weaves the revitalization of the Hawaiian language and culture into all aspects of her life. She has performed all over the world, worked with Hawai‘i's most talented musicians, accompanied the finest hula dancers, and witnessed children, adults, and kūpuna singing and dancing to her songs in countless school and community events. Weaving her life's purpose seamlessly into her work, her music, and her relationships, Kainani embraces her kuleana - a dedication that shines forth in her songs.