Meet Kamalei Kawa‘a, singer, songwriter, and gigging musician
Introduce yourself with your degree information and tell us what you do now.
Aloha, my name is Kamalei Kawaʻa, and I graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College with an Associate’s Degree in Hawaiian Studies. I’m currently a full-time singer, songwriter, and gigging musician, sharing my love for music throughout Hawaiʻi and beyond.
How did growing up on Maui influence your decision to pursue music?
Growing up on Maui, I was surrounded by music. Whether it was baby luaus, graduation parties, weddings, or community events—live music was always there. Many of my family members and friends were musicians, and seeing my aunties and uncles perform on stage inspired me from a young age. That energy and passion sparked something in me, and I knew I wanted to be part of it.
Tell us about your journey on The Voice and your favorite memory from that experience.
My journey on The Voice was a dream come true and truly opened many doors for me as a musician. It was such a validating experience that pushed me to keep going. One of my favorite memories was having the opportunity to learn from John Legend—someone who’s been an inspiration to me for many years. Working with him was surreal and something I’ll always carry with me.
What advice would you give a local keiki who hopes to be a successful musician?
To any local keiki dreaming of a future in music: stay humble, be open to learning, and practice often. Take your time—music is a journey, not a race. And above all, always lead with aloha. That will guide you further than anything else.
How did you decide to attend the University of Hawai‘i Maui College?
I was inspired to attend UH Maui College because both my mom and my wife had attended, and they encouraged me to pursue higher education. But honestly, a big part of my decision was personal. When I was younger, one of my teachers told me I was stupid. That stuck with me for years. I wanted to prove to myself that I wasn’t what that teacher said I was. When I graduated with honors through Phi Theta Kappa and earned my first-ever 4.0 GPA, it was a powerful moment. It showed me that I could achieve anything I put my heart and mind to.
What is your favorite memory from your time as a student at UH Maui College?
One of my favorite memories was from a project I did in my Pai Ka Māna class. Our group was assigned the area of Hāna and the story of Popoʻalaea. I wrote a song inspired by the moʻolelo, and we choreographed a hula to go with it. Bringing that performance together was a beautiful way to connect with our culture, our music, and our stories.
Was there a particular class or professor in Hawaiian Studies that made a lasting impact on you?
Yes, several kumu had a lasting impact on me. My mother, Luana Kawaʻa, is an amazing teacher and continues to inspire me every day. She’s a big reason I pursued a career in education. I actually taught at Seabury Hall while I was still in college, and that experience helped shape who I am. Kumu Kiope also had a major influence on me—he helped strengthen my ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi through old mele. As a musician, that was a humbling and powerful reminder that Hawaiian music is truly where my heart belongs. And my music teacher, Karen, helped me build confidence in my voice. She taught me vocal techniques and warm-ups that I still use today.
Why do you think it’s important for alumni to stay connected to the UH ‘ohana?
Staying connected to the UH ʻohana is so important. It helps us build networks, share and receive valuable resources, and support one another. UH is more than just a place of learning—it’s a community. When alumni stay involved, we help uplift the next generation and keep the cycle of growth and learning going strong.