Hawaii’s own Ciana Pelekai has made it on to “Team Legend” on the television show ‘The Voice’ following her stunning cover of the Australian artist Tones and I song “Dance Monkey.”
This isn’t the first rodeo for the 20-year-old from Hawaii. She has competed twice on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ and in 2010, Pelekai was selected as one of Maury Povich’s most talented kids and was given the opportunity to perform on his talk show.
In 2017, Pelekai was voted Miss Hawaii Teen America and went on to win the national Miss Teen America crown.
Pelekai has a strong social media presence with over 122,000 followers on her Instagram account and over 2.5 million views on her YouTube Channel.
While she is currently living in Las Vegas, she grew up in Hawaii and still splits time living here.
The Voice airs on Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC at 7 p.m. here in Hawaii.
Big Island Gazette (BIG) had an opportunity to ask her a few questions while she was away from taping the show and she stated the following to some questions posed to her:
BIG: Any particular Hawaiian music artist that you enjoy or influences you?
CP: I grew up listening to many different Hawaiian musicians. However, at this moment I enjoy couple solo artists and groups. To name a few, Kolohe Kai, Maoli, Josh Tatofi & Ekolu. They are all very talented and such amazing inspirations.
BIG: Do you speak Hawaiian or any other foreign languages?
CP: Unfortunately, I don’t speak Hawaiian and/or any other foreign language. I am interested in learning one day to learn another language. In high school, I did take Spanish for 2 years and now I forget how lol!
BIG: Besides singing, do you play any instruments?
CP: I am not a pro, however I do kinda play keyboard. I watch and follow along with videos and try to learn from there. The simple keys. Also, just like ukulele. I’m not good, but I can play some songs, that have the easy basic chords.
BIG: Tell me about your time growing up in Hawaii? What Elementary, Middle and/or High Schools did you go to?
CP: I grew up on the west side of Oahu, Waianae. Even though I lived down in Waianae, I would actually go to school in town side. For elementary I went to Mokulele which is located on Hickam Air Force Base. Middle school I attended Aiea Intermediate, and for High school I went to Radford, graduating class of 2018.
BIG: Name three Hawaii things you miss most?
CP: I really do miss the beautiful beaches, the authentic Hawaiian local food, and lastly my family and friends all in Hawaii. They are my biggest supporters!
BIG: Any particular music teacher or former teacher in Hawaii that you would like to give a specific shout out to?
CP: I have many former music teachers that have helped me throughout my music career. I would like to shout out Mr. Jesse Gamiao, John Salvetara, Kristian Lei, Alika Santos and Kristi Kashimoto. They are all amazing, they’ve taught me so many things and encouraged me to become the singer I am today!
BIG: Do you have any nicknames?
CP: I really don’t have any. However my parents or siblings will call me Ana here and there.
BIG: Any brothers or sisters?
CP: I have an older sister her name is Teiliana and a younger brother his name is Derrick III.
BIG: Favorite female singing artist? Favorite male singing artist?
CP: I have two female artist that I love and I can’t choose from, so I’ll say both. My favorite female artists is Beyonce and Etta James, because they both have soul and I love their style of music. Etta can sing she is an amazing singer. When it comes to Beyonce, she Is an empowering talented woman who can entertain. She inspires me a lot. On the other hand, my favorite male artist is Bruno Mars. I LOVE him! I went to my first concert which was his concert in Hawaii and man he can perform like crazy. Watching him bring joy to the crowd and have the audience be involved with his performance has really inspired me so much. He is one of the reasons why I am still pursing my singing career. He is from Hawaii and it really shows that Hawaii people can make it and anything is possible. If you put your heart into it and stay dedicated, it can happen. All these amazing singers are motivational and I hope and dream to be like them one day
BIG: Favorite beach in Hawaii?
CP: This is a hard question since all the beaches in Hawaii are beautiful. However One of my favorite beach is Makua Beach in Waianae.
BIG: Favorite restaurant in Hawaii? Favorite Hawaiian (Island) food?
CP: My favorite restaurant is Highway Inn and my favorite Hawaiian foods is basically all Hawaiian food hahaha. Squid Luau, Spicy Ahi, Kalua Pig and many more.
BIG: Are you in college? What is your major if you are in college.
CP: After I graduated high school I’ve decided to take a break from school to pursue my singing career. One day I will eventually go back to school.
BIG: What do you like to do for fun?
CP: I enjoy bowling, dancing, hanging with friends and family, and making Tik Toks.
BIG: If you could live on any Hawaii Island now, which Hawaii Island would it be?
CP: I would live back on Oahu, because that’s where I was raised and all my Ohana and friends are there. I love the city as well!
BIG: What made you want to audition for The Voice?
CP: Singing is my dream, growing up and performing around Hawaii has been great. My goal is to be a professional singer and one day be an inspiration. One thing about me, I love to be onstage, perform and lastly make people happy! My biggest inspiration and supporter was my grandpa, he always told me that I was going to be a star and make it in the industry. He never wanted me to give up on my dream, he always believed in me as a singer. Unfortunately, he passed away on the night of my graduation. It was hard knowing that he was gone, but I know he is watching over me and protecting me. Another reason is, since the pandemic happen and everything started to slow down, I wanted to go ahead and try something different and new. So I just decided to audition for The Voice. Throughout this, I’ve auditioned for myself, for my grandpa and lastly for my Ohana.
BIG: With the whole #StopAsianHate movement going on, have you ever felt like you have ever been discriminated for being an islander?
CP: I personally feel like I haven’t been discriminated for being an Islander or for my heritage.
BIG: How has the Hawaiian culture helped shape your passion for singing and/or performing? Do you dance Hula or play the ukulele?
CP: I love my Hawaiian culture. My culture is very supportive and spreads a lot of aloha. I believe without the support that I do get, I wouldn’t be the singer I am today. With all the love, it has made me even more passionate for singing and performing. I used to dance hula when I was about 7 years old for a bit and when it comes to ukulele, I know how to play easy chord songs but I’m not a pro.
BIG: When did you know you have a “VOICE?”
CP: I don’t remember how it started. However, my parents told me growing up at the age of 4 I started singing. My parents heard a certain tone and vibrato in my voice. From there they knew I was able to sing and I really enjoyed the feeling of singing. At the age of 6 I took vocal lessons and now I’m still singing til this day. Singing is my passion and I love it.
BIG: Do you have anything you’d like to say to your friends, family and community members back in Hawaii?
CP: I just would like to say mahalo and thank you to all of them for being the best supporters throughout my singing career. I’ve really took this big step and really stepped out of my comfort zone to get to where I am. Without any of them I wouldn’t be the artist or musician I am today. They are all the biggest supporters and huge blessings in my life. I’m very thankful for all of them & I am going to keep pursuing my goal and be a great representative for Hawaii! Lastly, to remember to always stay true to yourself and never give up on your dreams! Anything is possible if you put your heart and dedication into it.