Akoni Palomino Opens Up About Hawaiian Reggae and Jamaican Connection

Hawaiian singer-songwriter Akoni Palomino doesn’t just make reggae — he lives it. From the beaches of Maui to the studios of Kingston, his music traces a cultural loop between two island nations that have never felt more connected.

Palomino’s new single Feel Ya (out November 5) a lover’s rock track recorded with his longtime friend Bubz. “It’s got that straight island reggae vibe,” he says. “We’re shooting the video today, so people can see the message as well as hear it.”

Palomino’s new single Feel Ya (out November 5) a lover’s rock track recorded with his longtime friend Bubz

Raised in Hawaii’s kamaʻāina (child of the land) tradition, Palomino grew up with reggae as a soundtrack to daily life. “Bob Marley’s music shaped us,” he explains. “We took what we heard from Jamaica and added our own island flavor.” That mix has turned Hawaii into one of reggae’s most loyal markets — with local acts like Maoli and J Boog consistently charting on Billboard and iTunes.

Palomino is part of that wave. His debut single Love Is a Simple Thing, recorded at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, hit No. 1 on the iTunes Reggae Chart. The experience also deepened his personal connection to Jamaica — his wife is Jamaican, and he proudly carries her last name, Palomino. “Her family’s from Kingston. Taking her name felt right,” he says. “It’s 2025, man — times change.” The matriarch of the Palomino family owns the Italian Pizzeria at Devon House in Kingston.

Next year, he’s planning a steady run of singles leading to a full album that blends Hawaiian roots with modern reggae storytelling. The half German artist is also linking with Nashville producers for a few cross-genre experiments that mix island rhythm with country textures.

“I just try to stay real to who I am,” Palomino says. “My music is my lifestyle — ocean, family, love, culture. Whether it’s Hawaii or Jamaica, we’re all island people trying to share good vibes.”

Palomino’s voice sits somewhere between surf and soul — warm, melodic, and grounded in gratitude. In a time when reggae’s global identity feels fractured, he’s plans to keep the genre’s heart beats far beyond its birthplace.

“Different ocean,” he says with a grin, “same heartbeat.”

Interview 

Are you in Hawaii right now?
Yeah, man. I’m currently in Maui. I went to Maui just before the pandemic — 2019, I believe. It’s just like Jamaica. Beautiful weather. Good people. Good food. And man, a lot of reggae music as well.

What’s the catch for reggae music in the Polynesian islands?
Man, reggae is just highly influential. Growing up here, listening to reggae from Jamaica — Bob Marley especially. We’ve kind of put our own twist on it, but the roots are Jamaican.

There’s a big buying audience for reggae out that side. How do you teach the audience to buy music so well?
By being true to myself and the message. And social media — Facebook, Instagram, my channel @alohadalakoni — that’s where I show my life. What I sing about is what I live.

You’ve been collaborating with John Cruz, Maoli, Kamaka Kukona… is this a movement?
Yeah, man. John Cruz is a legend here. We did Island Style, a second island anthem. I’ve worked with all the others you named too. Lately, I’ve also been connecting with country artists from Nashville. In 2026 I’ve got island reggae mixed with a little country vibe coming.

Explain the Kamaʻāina culture.
Child of the land — it’s about growing up on the ʻāina. My dad’s Hawaiian, my grandma always said: share your culture with the world through music.

Tell me about “Feel Ya” with Bubz.
Bubz is one of my boys from high school. We recorded it last week. It drops November 5 — straight island reggae, lover’s rock. We’re shooting the music video today, actually.

You came to Jamaica recently to record some music.
Yeah, around 2019 or 2020. I recorded Love Is a Simple Thing at Tuff Gong — my first single, and it went No. 1 on iTunes Reggae. Amazing vibes. My wife’s family is from Kingston, so it was special.

You got married to a Jamaican woman — tell me about that connection.
Yeah, man. Her grandma’s Gloria Palomino — still in Kingston. Her mom moved to Hawaii years ago. My wife and I went to elementary school together here, reconnected on Facebook later, and the rest is history.

So you have the music, the culture, and the marriage in your blood.
Yup. All of it, bro.

You’re dropping this new song next week Friday. Is there an album coming?
Yeah, Feel Ya drops November 5. Then from January 2026 we’re releasing a bunch of singles leading up to an album.

What are your thoughts on the Grammys?
I think the Grammys are great recognition, but reggae doesn’t live or die by that. The people and the artists keep reggae alive.

Any favorite reggae tunes this year?
I’ve been rocking DJ Khaled’s new one — You Remind Me. And shoutout to Kaylan Arnold — she’s on that track. We’ve worked on three songs: Waikiki, Bad For You, and Relax. She’s killing it.

After the album, are you going on tour?
Yeah, man. We’re building a band now. Got shows in Hawaii early 2026, then we’ll hit the road.

Your real name is Akoni Palomino?
Yeah, bro. My dad wasn’t around, and my wife’s family was proud of their name. So I took it. It’s 2025, man — times change!

Thanks, my bro. Tell us again the song that drops next week.
Philia — November 5. Go stream it everywhere.

Thank you so much, Akoni.
Aloha, my bro. Appreciate you.