Taking their name from the wind of Kapālama, ʻŌlauniu features Kealiʻiokalani Kalima (guitar), Kyle Moriguchi (ʻukulele) and ʻElia Akaka (bass), who first met as classmates at Kamehameha Schools. United through their experiences in the Concert Glee Club and later at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the trio crafts harmonies inspired by the elegance of the Kahauanu Lake Trio. Their leo nahenahe sound pays homage to an earlier era of Hawaiian music, carrying listeners gently like the breeze of Kapālama.

As the 2025 winners, ʻŌlauniu receives a performance contract for four shows in 2026 at Kani Ka Pila Grille, Waikīkī's home for Hawaiian music.