“Kanaka’ole…vaulted through various registers and timbres, from bass to witchy contralto rasp to sweet soprano (“skinny girl” voice, [she] said), a traditionalist tour de force.” –The New York Times

A remarkable and riveting performer, singer and chanter Kaumakaiwa creates some of the most original work to emerge in contemporary Hawaiian music. Her roots in the esteemed Kanaka‘ole family of Hawai‘i Island, her deep understanding of her culture, and her place as a modern transgender Hawaiian make her a vibrant keeper of culture and an authentic innovator. Her songs captivate with a powerful mix of ancient chant tradition, indigenous thought, modern melodies, sly humor, and original verse. Multi-instrumentalist Shawn Pimental accompanies on guitar and backup vocals.