Kalani Peʻa, born Trazaara Kalani Juanito Peʻa on April 13, 1983, in Hilo, Hawaii, USA, is a four-time Grammy Award-winning Hawaiian music artist, singer-songwriter, and educator. Known for his deep commitment to Hawaiian culture, language, and music, Peʻa has made history as the first Hawaiian artist to win Best Regional Roots Music Album at the Grammy Awards four times.
His unique blend of traditional Hawaiian music with R&B, jazz, and soul influences has earned him widespread recognition. In 2024, he released his fifth studio album, Kuini, which won the 2025 Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album, solidifying his position as a leading figure in Hawaiian music.
This article delves into Kalani Peʻa’s net worth, biography, career, early life, relationships, physical appearance, awards, and lesser-known facts.
Kalani Peʻa Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Trazaara Kalani Juanito Peʻa |
| Stage Name | Kalani Peʻa |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Educator |
| Hometown | Hilo, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | April 13, 1983 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 41 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 90 kg (198 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Years Active | 2016–present |
| Genres | Hawaiian, World, R&B, Jazz |
| Labels | Independent |
| Spouse | Allan B. Cool-Peʻa |
| Notable Awards | Four-time Grammy Award winner |
| Website | kalanipeamusic.com |
Early Life and Career
Early Life & Education
Kalani Peʻa was born in Hilo, Hawaii, and raised in Panaʻewa, Hilo. His mother, Pua Leonard, introduced him to music to help with his speech impediment, which he later credited as a lifesaving gift.
- His father, Arthur Peʻa, influenced his taste in jazz and big band music.
- As a child, he performed in choirs and talent competitions, inspired by The Temptations and Stevie Wonder.
- Peʻa is a fluent Hawaiian speaker and a graduate of Ke Kula o Nawahiokalaniʻōpuʻu, a Hawaiian-language immersion school.
- He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Colorado Mesa University.
- While in college, he participated in musicals, choirs, and talent competitions, winning the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition for the Colorado/Wyoming Chapter in 2001.
- He worked as a Hawaiian resource coordinator at Kamehameha Schools before pursuing music full-time in 2017.
Career Highlights
2016–2019: Grammy Wins & Breakthrough
- 2016: Released E Walea, his debut album, which won the 2017 Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album and a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award.
- 2018: Released No ‘Ane’i, which won the 2019 Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album.
- Performed at Hawaii Bowl Halftime Show (2018) and headlined at the Hawaii Theatre (2019).
2020–2023: Further Grammy Success & Cultural Influence
- 2021: Released Kau Ka Peʻa, recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, and won the 2022 Grammy Award.
- 2022: Featured in Grammy Opening Premiere Concert, performing alongside John Popper, The Isaacs, and Nnenna Freelon.
- 2023: Inducted into the Maui Nui Hall of Fame for contributions to Hawaiian music.
2024–Present: Kuini, Carnegie Hall & Historic Wins
- 2024: Released his fifth album, Kuini, which won the 2025 Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album, making him the only Hawaiian artist with four Grammy wins in the category.
- 2024: Debuted at Carnegie Hall, the first Native Hawaiian artist to headline the “Musical Explorers” program.
- 2025: Continues to advocate for Hawaiian language, culture, and music worldwide.
Family and Relationships
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Pua Leonard | Mother (Introduced him to music) |
| Arthur Peʻa | Father (Jazz & Big Band Influence) |
| Allan B. Cool-Peʻa | Husband & Manager |
Peʻa has been in a long-term relationship with Allan B. Cool-Peʻa, his husband and manager of 16 years. They actively support Hawaiian cultural initiatives together.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 90 kg (198 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | None |
Kalani Peʻa Net Worth and Income Sources (2025)
As of 2025, Kalani Peʻa’s estimated net worth is $3 million.
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| Music Sales | Album sales & streaming |
| Concerts & Tours | National and international performances |
| Brand Partnerships | Hawaiian cultural and tourism endorsements |
| TV & Film | Features in Netflix and NBC productions |
| Merchandise | Clothing, accessories, and music |
Lesser-Known Facts About Kalani Peʻa
- His mother used music to help him overcome a speech impediment.
- First non-Louisiana artist to win Best Regional Roots Music Album at the Grammys.
- Performed for 30,000 people at the Hawaii Bowl Halftime Show.
- His Grammy red carpet look was displayed at the Grammy Museum.
- Composed original Hawaiian-language songs for the Merrie Monarch Festival.
- Became the first Hawaiian musician to perform at Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series.
- Inducted into the Maui Nui Hall of Fame for his contributions to Hawaiian music.
- Has illustrated and published five Hawaiian-language children’s books.
- Donates a portion of his concert earnings to Alzheimer’s support programs.
- His albums frequently top Billboard’s World Music Charts.
FAQs About Kalani Peʻa
Q: How many Grammys has Kalani Peʻa won?
A: He has won four Grammy Awards for Best Regional Roots Music Album (2017, 2019, 2022, 2025).
Q: What is Kalani Peʻa’s latest album?
A: Kuini (2024).
Q: What is Kalani Peʻa’s net worth in 2025?
A: Approximately $3 million.
Q: Is Kalani Peʻa married?
A: Yes, to Allan B. Cool-Peʻa.
Q: What languages does Kalani Peʻa speak?
A: He is fluent in Hawaiian and English.
Conclusion
Kalani Peʻa is a pioneering figure in Hawaiian music, blending traditional Hawaiian sounds with R&B and jazz influences. With four Grammy wins, historic performances at Carnegie Hall, and ongoing cultural advocacy, he remains one of the most influential Hawaiian artists of his generation.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
