On September 13th, 2025 in Irvine, California, a group of talents took the stage. The breezy skies over Great Park Live in Irvine set the perfect tone for a second night of island vibes, positivity, and reflection. Kolohe Kai’s What Aloha Means tour rolled into town, following the first night’s show on September 12, and delivered a heartfelt, soulful performance that grew in intimacy and message as the night unfolded.
Openers: Setting the Stage
Before the headliner took over, Fia opened the night. He brought a warm energy, performing several of his songs, including a standout single “Love Me.” His set, though concise, warmed the crowd up nicely — bringing that island soul, soft vocals, and a gentle build toward deeper themes.
After Fia, Katchafire, hailing from New Zealand, took stage. Known for their rich reggae roots, they played many of their tracks, including “Always With You.” Their performance was polished and set a solid foundation for what was to come: strong vocal harmonies, tight instrumentation, and a crowd already feeling the rhythm.
Kolohe Kai: The Heart of the Evening
When Kolohe Kai came on, they opened with “What Aloha Means,” the namesake track for the tour and album, immediately transporting the audience into their world. From there, the flow of the setlist built both energy and emotional weight.
The sequence that followed included “Good Morning Hawaii” and “Paradise,” leading into “Addicted to Life.” It was during this song that lead singer Roman De Peralta shared a personal story about his wife and the northern light. The visuals behind him displayed northern lights while lyrics scrolled on screen, adding a visceral layer to the moment.
Other songs during the first half of their set included “He‘e Roa,” as well as, “Natural High.”
Themes of Aloha
One clear thread through night two was the message of aloha — in its many dimensions: self‑love, concern for others, healing. A segment titled “Aloha for You and Me” underscored that. Roman addressed the idea we often forget: we must remember to love ourselves. Songs like “I Wanna Live” followed, bridging into “Day by Day,” “Round and Around,” and “Ua Li’i.”
Another segment, “Aloha Others,” showed outreach. During “We All Need Love,” leis were placed on fans in the front row and passed along toward the back — a physical gesture of connection and sharing. The audience’s participation here was telling: this was more than passively listening; it was being part of community.
Highlights & Surprises
“Butterflies” was another moving moment in the set—soft yet uplifting, capturing a delicate emotional resonance. Shortly after, “Calm My Nerves” brought Fia back on stage, and their collaboration highlighted the deep sense of support and mutual respect among the artists. It was a powerful reflection of the tour’s emphasis on mental wellness and genuine connection.
One of the most emotional points of the night came with a heartfelt tribute to the late Fiji, whom Roman affectionately referred to as ‘Uncle Fiji’ and honored as the King of Reggae. The moment felt deeply sincere—an homage rooted in influence, lineage, and love.
Following the tribute, the energy shifted as they launched into a cover of “All My Life,” then transitioned into “First True Love.” The momentum continued with fan favorites like “Heartstrings,” “Dream Girl,” and the ever-iconic “Ehu Girl.” That last track held special weight—it was the first of their songs to hit the radio. Hearing it live evoked nostalgia and joy, a vivid reminder of how far they’ve come in their musical journey.
Moving Toward Healing
It’s no coincidence the tour happens during Suicide Prevention Month. The themes, stories, the way the set list shifted between reflection, pain, love, community — all seemed geared toward healing. Songs weren’t just for entertainment; many were invitations to feel, to connect, to hope.
The Encore and Closing
After the main set, the encore came with “Cool Down,” a fitting exit song that left the crowd floating — mellow, grateful, and full of aloha.
The venue itself—outdoors at Great Park Live—set the tone for the evening. With breezes drifting through and an open sky above, the natural setting added a sense of openness and ease. As the night grew cooler, a certain magic settled in the air, creating the perfect atmosphere for a show rooted in emotion, connection, and community.
Visuals played a subtle yet powerful role throughout the performance. Northern lights shimmered behind lyrics, lighting shifted between vibrant and soft to match the mood, and leis made their way through the crowd, blurring the line between stage and audience. At times, the spotlight seemed less about performance and more about a shared experience, allowing key emotional moments to land with sincerity and depth.
The crowd was fully engaged and welcoming, singing along, reacting warmly to Roman’s personal stories, and participating in gestures like the leis. The tribute to Fiji, in particular, struck a chord—drawing visible emotion from many and reinforcing the deep sense of community that defined the night.
Final Thoughts
Night two in Irvine was more than just a concert; it was a gathering of aloha in its many forms — joy, remembrance, vulnerability, love. What Aloha Means isn’t just an album title — it’s a mission, and on September 13th, Kolohe Kai delivered that mission in full force.
This show offered something rare: a musical journey that uplifted, reminded, and healed. For fans of reggae, island music, and singer-songwriters who perform with heart and vulnerability, it was one of those unforgettable nights you carry with you long after the final note.
Written by: Mari | Photos by: Diana Kamel
