Every singer-songwriter brings a sense a purpose to their music, but for Hawaiian-born rising star Maoli, the kuleana – or responsibility – is front and center.

Now breaking into the mainstream with his unique mix of island reggae and country soul, the golden-voiced artist seeks to put his people on the map like they’ve never been before. He is living proof of the common bonds between country folks and island lifers, and a torch-bearing link fusing both together.

“That island-boy country mix. It’s not a vacation, it’s a real lifestyle,” the big-hearted artist explains. “It’s very special to me because I’m very proud of where I come from, and I feel like Hawaii has something really special to offer the world – but until now you’ve had to live here to understand it. … I feel like it’s my kuleana – my job – to share that with the world.”

A native of upcountry Maui on the island’s northern shore, Maoli now boasts nine independent albums and over half a billion global streams, driven by a nearly 15-year recording and touring career which has made him a fixture across the Pacific islands and American West, regularly spreading his laid-back joy to thousands of cheering fans. But his upbringing was more on-the-ground than on-stage.