A method for tailored compiler optimization is provided. The method includes extracting kernels from an application program, performance tuning the kernels to determine a tailored optimization strategy for each of the kernels, the tailored optimization strategy different than a default optimization strategy of a compiler for each of the kernels, and annotating the application program, using a computer, to identify the tailored optimization strategy determined for each of the kernels. In an embodiment, the method also includes the design and implementation for adjusting a compiler to customize optimization strategies for different kernels.