Talking ‘Āina & Inspiration with Hawaiian Musical Artist Izik

To hear the voice of musician Izik carry out over Palikea, with the Waianaʻe mountain range in the background, is an experience that will give you chicken skin. The local artist brings a vibrant presence, humble energy, and incredible talent to every performance — and when it’s at Ossipoff Cabin, it’s in an intimate environment that lends itself to connection to ʻāina and each other. 

Izik grew up in Maunalua, Mānoa, Waimānalo, and Kapolei on Oʻahu and Kaunakakai on Molokaʻi. One of his first and biggest musical inspirations was Mariah Carey, whose voice, lyrics, and melodies resonated with him a kid. (Today, Izik’s voice voice is likely an inspiration to keiki in Hawaiʻi! This month, KŌWĀ won Alternative Album of the Year, and Izik won Male Vocalist of the Year, at the Na Hoku Hanohano awards.) While he’s been singing as long as he can remember, he started writing his own songs in high school. In 2025, he released his third album, KŌWĀ, which is a joy to listen to—reflecting the depth of his connection to Hawaiian culture and the joy he found in making it, recording with his best friends and capturing the nuances of life in Hawaiʻi, with people and places you love.

Recently, Izik recorded acoustic performances of several songs at Ossipoff Cabin. He’s returning for two live performances for an intimate audience on August 29.

PCI: Is ʻāina an inspiration for you at all? If so, in what way? 

Izik: ‘Āina is a huge inspiration for my art and what I do. Being able to see the beauty in āina has helped me to see the beauty in myself and that has transformed the well that I create from. It helped me to create from a place of joy where once I created from a place of mourning and sadness.

Did you know Mountain Apple had a recording studio at Pālehua for a time? 

I did! I just learned that on my last visit to Pālehua. 

What do you think musicians like IZ and Amy Hanaialiʻi, and other artists, have found inspiring about Pālehua?

I think they probably were inspired by the stillness of Pālehua. It can be hard to find these kinds of spaces on Oʻahu with the military presence and over-tourism.

What is something that you enjoy about performing at Ossipoff Cabin? 

I love how intimate the space is. As a musician, I think a lot of people aspire to performing in large stadiums and arenas but I’ve always been drawn towards smaller and more intentional spaces where I’m able to center the storytelling aspect of what I do as an artist. 

What’s one detail of Ossipoff Cabin you appreciate? 

I appreciate the small details that contribute to the flow of the cabin. Ossipoff Cabin really showed me how intentional architecture can turn a dwelling into a living, breathing thing. 

If you were to join another experience at Pālehua, what would it be?

I’d take any opportunity to experience Pālehua!

Whatʻs one thing you hope for the next generation of musicians in Hawaiʻi? 

I hope for the next generation to use their music and voices to honor more of their joy and to use their gifts to uplift marginalized people and places. 

Get tickets for Izik’s upcoming performance here.

View all upcoming events at Pālehua, including mālama ʻāina, here.