From L. Pierce Carson @ Napa Valley Register -
"Kapakahi just released its second independently produced CD, "Light Up.” The band performed the agreeable title track, which exposed Dayao’s “addiction to smiling,” a bit of Smokey Robinson, some righteous reggae and ska, plus a crowd pleaser called "[She Could Be] The One.” When the band returns this Saturday to open for Blondie, let’s hope it includes in its opening set a couple of other songs from the new CD — particularly the danceable “Closer.” This was an unexpected find — a band that plays appealing originals for both listening and dancing."

From Iain Axness @ ThePier.org -
"That being said, Light Up will continue to be played on my headphones because the sheer funk power seeps in and makes you wonder, "Did the band turn the amp up to 11 to reach this level of talent?" EPs are generally a taste of what is to come, I say bring it on. George Clinton look out, Ozomatli beware. I see big things in Kapakahi's future."

From Corey Schmidt @ PastePunk.com -
“...KAPAKAHI's greatest strength is their tightness as a band. Their songs, while sometimes longer than desired, never drift from their central focus. "Africa" is a prime example of this as much of it consists of rhythmic jam sessions, yet as a whole it never enters un-listenable territory. "One Good Deed" is another jam-based tune with a heavy reggae influence that's heard both in the bass guitar and the vocals. However, this band does indeed have a commercial aspect to their sound, as heard in "She Could Be The One." It's a laid-back tune with insanely smooth vocals that makes for the album's most memorable chorus...”

From Todd Jones @ KCSCradio.com -
“...and then I put in the c.d. all I can say is that it has not left my car stereo yet, this album is simply amazing. Now I know that I am going to raise some eye-brows here, but I think that this band is better then Sublime, yeah I said it and I will stand by it. GET THIS ALBUM!!!!”

From JK @ AllAgesZine.com -
“I am not going to lie about this, but when I read the bio for Kapakahi and it mentioned a hip hop influence, I went into this album thinking the worst. I was wrong, actually dead wrong on this. Kapakahi is a perfect blend of reggae, soul, hip hop, and so much more and by the time you are done listening to this album you get the same feeling you did when you first heard Sublime...This is a solid, record chalked full of catchy, upbeat, reggae driven tracks with an extra kick of spunk for good measure. A must have! (JK)”

From Pernell @ SkylinePress.net -
“...Being that bands of this style haven’t graced me with a worthy album as of late, I was glad to hear how successful and carefully thought out this effort has been. Never judge a book by its cover because this unusual group name offers some of the most soulful music that the warm water island style has launched in some time. This wasn't in my ideal range of listening at first but I don’t really have any problems with it after being exposed to this kind and ample selection of funky beats that infiltrate the mind with infectious and catchy rhythm. Someone Lei me already!”

From Lilia Cabello @ ULV Campus Times -
"Although Kapakahi, a reggae-ska band from San Francisco, has titled its debut album “Twisted, Bent and Confused,” the album is anything but. To the contrary, each song is perfect, polished and refined to bring out the best qualities and facets of the music played. This is because the band cannot be simply described as reggae-ska. The influences of pop, Latin music, hip hop, funk, jazz and rock can be heard throughout the entire album, combined to create a distinctive, catchy sound."