Maoli “Feels Like Love”: Hawaii’s Rising Star Breaks into the Mainstream

Maoli is Taking the “Island Soul” Sound Global with “Feels Like Love”

If you haven’t had Maoli on your radar yet, his new single “Feels Like Love” is the perfect excuse to start listening. Born and raised in Hawaii, Glenn Awong (the voice behind Maoli) has spent years building a massive following across the Pacific. Now, he’s officially breaking into the mainstream, and he’s doing it by blending two worlds you wouldn’t necessarily expect: Island Reggae and Country Soul.

It’s a bold move, but it works. Maoli isn’t just making music; he’s on a mission to put Hawaii on the global map in a way we haven’t seen in years.

Why “Feels Like Love” Hits Different

Most “crossover” hits feel forced, like a label executive trying to check too many boxes. “Feels Like Love” feels natural. It keeps that laid-back, sun-drenched reggae rhythm that fans expect, but adds a gritty, soulful vocal performance that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Nashville stage.

Here’s what makes the track stand out:

  • The Vibe: It captures that “windows down, volume up” energy that works whether you’re at the beach or on a long drive.

  • Genre-Bending: It manages to appeal to fans of Luke Combs just as much as fans of traditional Island music.

  • The Mission: You can feel the intention behind the music. It’s polished and “pop” enough for the radio, but it doesn’t lose the organic heart that Maoli is known for.

Putting Hawaii on the Map

For Glenn Awong, the success of this single is about more than just streaming numbers. It’s about representation. While Hawaii has always had a legendary local music scene, Maoli is bridging the gap between “island famous” and “global superstar.”

He’s proving that the “Hawaii sound” isn’t just a niche genre—it’s a powerhouse style that belongs on the world’s biggest stages.

What’s Next?

“Feels Like Love” is already gaining serious momentum, and it’s clear that Maoli is just getting started. If this track is any indication of what’s coming next, the music industry better get ready for a lot more Island Soul.

You can find “Feels Like Love” on all major streaming platforms now. If you’re looking for a fresh sound that feels both nostalgic and totally new, this is the one.