Anthony Pfluke’s “Ku‘u Lei Lokelani” has been nominated for album of the year and contemporary acoustic album of the year. Courtesy photo

Maui musicians are once again strongly represented among the annual nominations for the 2026 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.

The Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts announced the 2026 finalists, with Maui artists earning four of the six nominations for album of the year, including Kamalei Kawaʻa with “Mānaiakalani,” Anthony Pfluke with “Kuu Lei Lokelani,” Kalae Camarillo with “Drifting On Island Time” and Ekolu with “Strictly Originals.”

The group Ei Nei, featuring Wailuku native Dane Fujiwara, was also nominated for album of the year for “Ei Nei, Look At Us.” The releases by Kawaʻa, Pfluke and Camarillo also earned all three nominations for male vocalist of the year.

With seven 2026 Nā Hōku nominations, Pfluke’s “Kuʻu Lei Lokelani” was also nominated for contemporary acoustic album of the year. It featured original contemporary Hawaiian songs with backing by a stellar group of friends, including Hapa’s Barry Flanagan on “Kaulana ‘o Haleakalā.”

“It feels incredible,” said Pfluke. “I feel so honored, especially to be in such great company of all of my inspirations from Maui. The recognition is beyond my wildest dreams of what I thought the album was capable of.”

Collaborating with Kamaka Camarillo, Pfluke was nominated for song of the year, Hawaiian single of the year and Hawaiian music video of the year for “E Ola Kākou Ē” and music video of the year for “Loyal Man.”

“I also thank Kamaka Camarillo too,” he said.

Pfluke’s previous album, “We Will Rise,” was a Hōku nominee.

A frequent Hōkū winner, Maui’s Ekolu earned six nominations including group of the year, reggae album of the year and single and song of the year for “Forever Blessed,” plus Christmas single of the year for “You Make It Feel Like Christmas.” Highlights of “Strictly Originals” include “Whispered Promise,” “Sinners Prayer” and “Don’t Worry Just Dance.”

“We’re truly honored and grateful for all the love and support through the years,” co-founder and lead vocalist Lukela Keala said. “It’s been an amazing ride. Mahalo to everyone for sticking with us all these years. We never take any of this for granted.”

Ekolu scored in 2024 with “Longevity” winning group of the year and reggae album of the year. Ekolu previously won group of the year for their album “2020,” and Keala earned male vocalist of the year for his self-titled debut recording.

Kalae Camarillo’s “Drifting On Island Time” earned five nominations, including contemporary album, single and song of the year.

“It’s always an honor to be considered among my peers,” he said. “I’m grateful for every category, and it’s always cool to be considered in the same category as my brother, and I consider Anthony Pfluke a brother.”

“Drifting on Island Time” is one of the nominees for album of the year at the 2026 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Courtesy photo

He won Nā Hōkū awards in 2024 for song, single and music video of the year for his tribute to Lahaina, “Sands of Old Lahaina,” on “Drifting On Island Time.” The title track featured a duet with 2025 male vocalist of the year winner Kala’e Parish.

Receiving four nominations, including Hawaiian music album and Hawaiian music video of the year, Kawaʻa’s “Mānaiakalani” honored the people, places and moments that have shaped him. “I feel really honored to be on this ballot with a bunch of very talented all-star artists,” said Kawaʻa.

He is also featured on “Mele Punana Leo,” which has been nominated for album of the year.

“I had the opportunity to work with Kahuli Leo to write brand new songs for the different Pūnana Leo on each island,” he explained. “I was fortunate enough to write one for the Pūnana Leo that I graduated from as a child, and my brother sang the song.”

A former lead singer with the award-winning group Nā Wai ʻEhā, he competed on NBC’s “The Voice.” The Grammy-nominated musician is also a member of the group ʻĀinaty.

Molokai’s High Watah earned three 2026 nominations, including group and reggae album of the year, for “Watah Boys, Vol. 1,” as well as music video of the year for “You Deserve Me” with Chardonnay.

Another recurring Hōkū winner, Jeff Peterson, was nominated for Hawaiian slack key album of the year for “Slack Key Serenade.” He also received a nomination for instrumental composition of the year for “Lauleʻa.”

Maui has played a prominent role in the alternative album of the year category the last few years in the shape of Big Chief Thunder, masterminded by Franklin Russell. The group’s latest album, “Imua,” was nominated after Big Chief Thunder won in 2023 for “Shine Your Light” and in 2025 for “Malama Aina.”

Other Maui nominees include Gregory Juan for Hawaiian music video of the year for “Pua Melie.” Winning Hawaiian EP of the year in 2025 for “Kauluwehi,” he won multiple Hōkū Awards and was nominated for a Grammy as a member of Nā Wai ʻEhā.

The Hawaiian music album of the year category includes the compilation “Pōpoloheno – Songs of Resilience & Joy,” featuring Maui musicians Kamakak�”hau Fernandez and Ikaika Blackburn.

Molokai’s Paniolo Prince & Queen Maile are nominated for hip hop album of the year for “The New Untouchables.” The married couple Hanohano and Mailelani Naehu won the hip hop Hōkū in 2023 for “Ho’okupu – A Hip Hop Anthology of Hawaiian History.”

Another Molokai artist, Tania Manaba, is up for religious album of the year for “Me Ka Fiyah.”

In the Island Music Album category, Poʻokela was nominated for “Poʻokela,” which featured the song “Lahaina.”

The Hawaii Academy also announced the recipients of its 2026 lifetime achievement awards, with Maui Kumu Hula Keali’i Reichel to be honored in November.

The 2026 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards will be July 11 at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort. The Lifetime Achievement Awards will be Nov. 15 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Oahu.