Hawaiʻi’s Finest presents the debut single “Hawaiʻi Nei” from Last Minute, a Waimānalo, Oʻahu-based island reggae band blending three-part vocal harmonies, roots reggae, Hawaiian influences and conscious storytelling.
“Hawaiʻi Nei” will be available July 17 on all major streaming platforms.
The new single introduces Last Minute with a message rooted in love for home and the lived reality of being priced out of paradise. It reflects on the difficult choice many local families face when opportunity, affordability and survival pull them away from the islands they call home.
“Hawaiʻi Nei” also arrives with an official music video filmed in the band’s hometown Waimānalo. The video — shot along the beach, mountains and ironwood forests — visually grounds the song in the place that shaped the band’s sound, story and identity.
“This release means a lot to us because it’s been a long time coming,” said Last Minute songwriter and vocalist Josh Grace in a release about the upcoming release. “‘Hawaiʻi Nei’ was written nearly 17 years ago, and for most of that time it was just a song that lived in the backyards, family parties and local gatherings. Finally sharing it with the world feels like a huge accomplishment and a reminder of how far we’ve come. Being our first release, we are excited to share ‘Hawaiʻi Nei’ as our introduction to the world.”
“Hawaiʻi Nei” represents more than a debut single for producer Calvin Canha — it is a meaningful statement from a new band with a clear sense of purpose.
“Last Minute is making music that speaks directly to the kanaka maoli experience unapologetically,” said Canha in the release. “Their songs aren’t just catchy; they’re courageous. ‘Hawaiʻi Nei’ captures the quiet heartbreak of a community told they have to leave their home to be somebody, and the beauty is that they, as a band, are living proof that you don’t have to.”
Last Minute formed in 2023 and features Grace, Matthew Maikai-Kahanaoi and Chavis Cabanting on vocals, with Maikai-Kahanaoi also on drums and Cabanting on ʻukulele as well; Damien Kealoha also on ʻukulele; and Keith Tsukamaki on bass.
The band’s sound is built around warm vocal contrast, tight rhythm and unexpected fullness of two ʻukulele, bass, drums and layered harmonies.
Last Minute built momentum prior to its first official release, performing live throughout Hawaiʻi at venues and events such as Beastside Kitchen, Mai Tai’s Ala Moana, Secret Spot Waikīkī, Valor Hawaiʻi, Moani Waikīkī and private events alongside artists they grew up admiring.
The band performs from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at Beastside Kitchen in Niu Valley on Oʻahu.
Last Minute’s connection to Hawaiʻi’s Finest also runs through Cabanting, who was named the 18-and-older winner of the 2022 Hawaiʻi’s Finest Talent Contest, a statewide music competition presented in partnership with Pacific Media Group’s local radio stations.
Last Minute plans to release additional singles leading into their debut project, Kanaka EP, expected in December 2026. The project continues to explore themes of home, identity, unity and Hawaiian pride while showcasing original music from each band member.
