After recording Malu'e and taking my music half way around the world, I was fortunate enough to find myself in Tahiti, on the island of 'Bora Bora'. I lived amongst the locals and their visitors for a month. While continuously performing at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort, seeing new love, rekindled love and friendships that last forever was an hourly vision. Fortunately, some friends from California, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Simmons, were familiar faces amongst amorous natives and their visitors. During my stay, I was able to gather my thoughts and reflect upon my music. I noticed immediately the abundance of love amongst the Honeymooners on the island. In every glance, seeing a couple in love brought me to the birth of this album, "An Island Romance"

"Matthew Akiona is one of those Island boys who heard something a little different calling in his soul, causing him to explore worlds outside of his roots. He has answered the call by blending his life and his music into something a little different than the others, as well. His style is his own, but it feels warm and familiar, like something we all are part of and connected to. Maybe it's the A'ina, shifting where the sea meets the shore... and maybe it's just the soul of humanity, searching for it's bearings in changing and uncertain times." -by "Stevie Guitar" Sparks from Maui newspaper