Kaohu, dedicated and named after his late grandmother is a compilation of original, traditional hawaiian and contemporary love songs. John Berger of the Star Advertiser writes, "I Found My Love In Waikiki", is an original song. Songwriters have been describing the romantic delights of Waikiki for more than a century, and Kawakami’s composition upholds that time - honored tradition. “One look into her eyes and I knew,” he croons over a smooth, contemporary hapa-haole arrangement. The next time the visitor industry wants a new theme for a “come visit Hawaii” campaign, the search can begin and end with Kawakami’s song. Kawakami and his co-producer partners, DJ Pratt and Herb Ohta Jr., put a new spin on “Blue Hawaii” by having Kawena Mechler harmonize with him in some places and echo him in others. Kawakami and his celebrity guest studio musicians also do a beautiful job with “Ei Nei.” Romantic ballads are clearly his niche.