From a young age, Leokāne was drawn to Hawaiian mele (songs) and the stories they shared about the native plants, animals, sacred places, and the deep spiritual and cultural connection that the Hawaiian people have always had with the islands.
“These songs weren’t just music…they were lifelines, holding the wisdom of living in balance with nature.”
Leokāne’s music reflects the spirit of aloha—the unconditional love that ties us to each other and to the earth. Through his music, Leokāne continues to share the stories of the people of old with a message to mālama (protect native Hawai'i forevermore).
“I truly want to share the healing spirit of Hawaiian music with my listeners and audiences.”
Kimo West is regarded as one of the world’s foremost “ki ho’alu” or Hawaiian “slack key” guitar artists and his music has garnered over seventy-five million spins on streaming services. He is a 2021 Grammy Winner for his recent CD, “More Guitar Stories” and a 2019 Grammy nominee for “Moku Maluhia-Peaceful Island”. He is also a 2008 winner of the Hawaii Music Awards and four-time Na Hoku Hanohano (the Hawaiian ‘Grammy’) nominee. He is also a two-time winner of the LA Treasures Award for his efforts in keeping this important acoustic guitar tradition alive. This warm and engaging fingerpicked guitar style has its roots in 1840’s Hawaii, when Mexican vaqueros first brought guitars to the Big Island of Hawaii.