Known for his work with award-winning artists from Jack Johnson to the late Dennis Kamakahi, Kaukahi to Palani Vaughan, Melveen Leed, Amy Hanaiaii'i and more, multi Na Hoku Hanohano Award winning artist, Kawika Kahiapo, has released this third solo CD. A mix of four original songs, three others for which he composed the music, and five cover songs, Kahiapo's devotion to and love of Hawai'i and it's people, land, waters, and culture are evident in his lyrics; his velvety voice painting a picture in English and Hawaiian of both his home and his passions. In his own words: "On this CD, I wrote songs about the special places in my heart: 'Ku'u 'Aina Aloha' (my beloved land.) As a Hawaiian, love for the 'aina, special places of richness and beauty, are a part of me, and I a part of them." One of the songs featured on this CD, "Waimanalo," composed about the place Kawika now calls home, was performed on "Let's Play Music! Slack Key with Cyril Pahinui & Friends" - a PBS TV special. Many got to see this song aired on Hawaiian Airlines flights. Influenced by world renowned slack key master Gabby "Pops" Pahinui, who with guitar in hand frequented the casual "garage parties" held at Kawika's family home when he was young, his passion for ki ho'alu (slack key guitar) was born and continued to grow . After breaking into the professional music scene at age 17, with Chucky Boy Chock and O'ahu Brand, he went on to perform with the Sunday Manoa's Palani Vaughan. Over the years, he has contributed his talents to over 80 recording projects! Subsequent to the release of his first two solo albums ("Alana" in 1996 and "One Heart/One Voice" in 2000), Kahiapo formed the group Kaukahi, which received three Na Hoku awards in 2007 for their debut album, "Life in These Islands" - including one for Song of the Year for the album's title cut, which Kawika wrote. He is also the recipient of the "Slack Key Artist of the Year" award in 2007 and was featured on the GRAMMY® award-winning album, "Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key - vol. II." Produced by: Kawika Kahiapo Co-produced and engineered by: Chris Lau, Rhythm & Roots Kawika: vocals, guitar, 'ukulele, cuatro, bass, and percussion Chris Lau: bass Nick Olds: percussion Greg Sardinha: steel guitar LT Smooth: guitar