Hawai‘i artist wins Grammy

Singer songwriter Kalani Pe‘a dreamed of becoming a Grammy award winner in high school, the artist told the crowd in an acceptance speech that included ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi.

Pe‘a won a Grammy award for the artist’s newest album “Kuini” in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category on Feb. 2, 2025. This is the artist’s fourth Grammy. 

“You know, 24 years ago in high school, I said something in my yearbook that one day I'll win a Grammy,” Peʻa said. “This is my fourth Grammy win as a singer songwriter and independent artist.”

Peʻa’s acceptance speech started with an address in ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, with the artist’s mother and husband on stage. Then, Peʻa swapped to English and thanked ancestors and forefathers for “instilling in me the gift of love and music.”  

“ʻKuini’ means queen,” Peʻa said. “I honor the matriarchs and the matrilineal powers of the universe: my mother, my grandmothers, your mother, your grandmothers, Queen Emma, who established an amazing healthcare system for the Kanaka, for us Kanaka. I also acknowledge the wonderful people on this album. I honor Kihawahine, the goddess of Lahaina, the protector of Mokuʻula, because we live on Maui. We dealt with the wildfires. We can relate, and we're here to bring healing to the world.”

The Best Regional Roots Music Album had to contain “greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental regional roots music recordings,” according to the awards group’s website. 

“Kuini” was funded with contributions from Council For Native Hawaiian Advancement - CEO Kūhiō Lewis, Henry Kapono Foundation, Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Maui Chamber of Commerce, LahainaTown Action Committee, & Colorado Music Relief Fund, according to Peʻa’s website. 

Peʻa is also a winner of multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards. Peʻa posted some moments from the photo shoot with the award on Instagram. 

For more information about Peʻa or to order “Kuini,” go here: https://www.kalanipeamusic.com. 

Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.