Kahulanui is a nine-piece Hawaiian swing band inspired by Robert Kahulanui, the Grandfather of Kahulanui band leader, Lolena Naipo Jr. Lolena (Lena) remembers stories of his grandfather who was a member of the Royal Hawaiian Band during an era when horns and drums were a part of Hawaiian music. 

Kahulanui’s debut release, “Hula Ku’i” was a 2014 GRAMMY nominee in the Regional Roots category. It was also a 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Award finalist. In 2018 they took home a Hoku Award for Jazz Album of the Year. 

"You’ve never heard a beat quite like this, either in Hawaii or in Harlem. Kaulanui is a ferocious blast of swinging jazz. The sun may be hot, but the music is hotter." -  The Wall Street Journal, 7/2/2015 

  “One of the most innovative releases to come out of the islands… Hawaiian Swing at its finest” – Skylark Rossetti 

“Hula Ku’i” credits: 

Lolena Naipo, Jr.: rhythm guitar, lead vocals, arrangements, harmonies; Patrick Eskildsen: lead guitar, bass, background vocals; Robert Duke Tatom: ukulele, background vocals Tim Taylor: drums, ipu; Tenor sax and genius horn arrangements: Jesse Snyder Alto & baritone sax: Duncan Bamsey; Trumpet: Andrea Lindborg; Trombone: Garry ‘Railroad’ Russell; Steel guitar: Greg Sardinha, Paul Kim, Dwight Tokumoto. 

Produced and engineered by Charles Michael Brotman for Palm Records in Lava Tracks Recording Studio, Kamuela, Hawaii.

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