Mailani….one of Hawai‘i’s rare beauties, shares her newest release “Manawa” with the world. Manawa or “time” in Hawaiian attempts to recapture special memories shared with people, places and moments she holds dear to her heart. Like the many strong women of Hawaii,
Mailani epitomizes the quality woman Hawaii has to offer. She is firmly rooted in her family as well as Hawaiian culture, language, and practices the art of Lomilomi. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Hawaiian Studies with a minor in Hawaiian language from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and continues to seek and further her knowledge and honor those who have come before her. The evolution of Mailani has been a fine
balance between independence, sophistication, provocative, but also timeless. Mailani pushes the limits of the 21st century Hawaiian woman.
Mailani grew up in Kailua and is part of a musical family. She started singing at the age of two and taught herself ‘ukulele while in intermediate. It was at Maryknoll High School that she met Lei Melket with whom she later formed, Keahiwai, one of the most popular female
duos in Hawai’i in 2000.
Keahiwai released its first album, “Local Girls” in May 2001 and it garnered two Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. The duo went on to release four more additional award winning albums and made a place for themselves in the Hawaii music industry.
