When people ask me what Hawaiian music I like, it’s sort of a difficult question to answer. The term “Hawaiian Music” is a lot broader than people think. For example, I like the ancient style of Hawaiian music, used in hula dancing or chanting. I also like old Hawaiian music and slack key guitar, the kind that my mom would play as I grew up. Furthermore, I truly enjoy contemporary Hawaiian music, by musicians living today that are active in the Hawaiian community. Jawaiian and local favorites are also something I enjoy listening to while I’m with my siblings. 

With that said, I want to explore the different genres of music within “Hawaiian music,” because there’s simply more than just one type of Hawaiian music. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you can get a better idea of what type of Hawaiian music you’re looking for, and maybe explore other categories within the bigger genre! 

Ancient Hawaiian Music for Hula Dancing, Call & Response 

Mele (music) has always been a huge part of the Hawaiian culture. In fact, there are two types of mele that we talk about, especially when it comes to dancing hula: kahiko and auana. Kahiko refers to the ancient music of Hawaii, involving chanting, blowing the pū, and tapping the ipu. Auana refers to modern Hawaiian music, including piano, slack key guitar, and singing.

I found a playlist that does a wonderful job of encompassing the ancient Hawaiian mele used to dance hula kahiko. As a result, you’ll hear a lot of chanting-like melodies in Hawaiian of course, by a kumuhula (hula instructor) and sometimes the dancers, as well as finger drumming on the ipu, gourd. 

Not all kahiko songs are used to dance to hula because some are used to recite a genealogy, creation myth (such as the kumulipo), or as a call and response. Growing up, it wasn’t uncommon to chant an oli asking permission to enter someone’s space. For instance, in high school, my classmates and I used to chant at the beginning of the day, asking our teachers permission to enter the classrooms. They would reply with an oli of their own to accept us. 

However, if we look at it anciently, when Hawaiians approached a home or even an island, they’d blow the pū, the large conch shell, to announce their arrival. Then they would chant, asking permission to enter, land, or come into the space. Those within the space would chant back their reply. 

Here is a playlist of some Hawaiian mele used for hula kahiko, or as chants that tell a story, genealogy, or act as a call and response. Many of the names within this list are very popular Hawaiian singers and chanters. Enjoy! 

Old Hawaiian Music & Slack Key Guitar 

Hawaiian music drifted into auana (auana actually means “to drift or wander,” which is what Hawaiian music has done over time). Kanikapila is a Hawaiian word used to describe anytime a group of people get together to sing and play instruments. Growing up in Hawaii, kanikapila usually happened unplanned. Someone would bring out an ukulele or guitar, and the next thing we knew, we were all sitting in a circle and singing. 

Many of the old Hawaiian songs, along with the slack key guitar, feel much like a kanikapila. They’re the songs that are most played on the radio and are beloved, and timeless to the Hawaiian culture. These songs fill me with nostalgia, as these are the songs my own mom would play. She had CDs of Na Leo, Makaha Sons, the Brothers Cazimero, and more. 

There are so many hallmarks of each of these groups that I might write an article about how each one has uniquely contributed to what Hawaiian music is today. However, some of the commonalities between the old Hawaiian music is the use of the piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, and singers harmonizing. Every group or musician had their specialities though.

One popular Hawaiian singer, Lena Machado, had a particular talent of holding a note until anyone listening might think she was out of breath. However, Lena would hold the note for an extended period of time and NOT take a breath until she finished the phrase! Fun fact: Later on, Raiatea Helm continued this tradition in her music. 

To sum it up, here is a list of some of my favorite traditional and old Hawaiian musicians: 

• Israel Kamakawiwo’ole 
• Brothers Cazimero 
• Dennis Pavao 
• Na Leo 
• Makaha Sons 
• Hapa
• Amy Hanaiali’i
• Lena Machado 

Slack Key Guitar

Slack Key Guitar is another type of Hawaiian music. Some people sing to slack key guitar, but often it is done without singing. To clarify, slack key is simply a different way of tuning the guitar, and artists would pick and strum to well-known Hawaiian tunes. The playlist below is one of my favorite albums of slack key guitar. In addition, here is a brief list of some of the well-known Hawaiian slack key guitar artists: 

• Keola Beamer 
• Cyril Pahinui
• Sonny Chillingworth 

Popular TV & Movie Hawaiian Music 

Hawaiian music has made appearances in popular tv shows and movies over the years. While there may be more, I’ve listed below some of the more popular songs that you might think of when it comes to “Hawaiian music.” 

Elvis Presley & “Blue Hawaii” 

The Hawaiian Wedding Song, Hukilau, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Blue Hawaii are some of the big hits from the movie, “Blue Hawaii,” starring Elvis Presley. I was genuinely surprised by how many of my Hawaiian friends and classmates adore this movie, because I can’t stand listening or watching it! I guess you either hate or love it! 

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch 

“Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” really catches the enthusiasm of the Hawaiian spirit. While I didn’t love the movie, I think they did a great job with the music, even having local artists and choirs record the songs. 

Disney’s Moana

The music in “Moana” isn’t Hawaiian or spoken in the Hawaiian language but it definitely has the island and Polynesian vibe! 

Braddah Iz “Over the Rainbow” 

This is an iconic song featured in many movies! I really enjoy Braddah Iz’s version of this song. While strumming an ukulele, his voice is so soothing and, in many ways, nostalgic. 

Recent Hawaiian singers who actively put out new music 

These are the current, most recent preservers of Hawaiian music and people I admire for their creativity, knowledge, and sheer talent. From speaking fluent Hawaiian, writing their own lyrics and music, and sharing their love of Hawaii with the world, these artists are truly amazing. I appreciate their contributions to preserving and evolving the Hawaiian culture and music.

I didn’t attach any playlist here, but the playlist in the “Traditional Hawaiian Music” section features many of these artists. So definitely give it a listen! 🙂 

Kuana Torres Kahele Hawaiian Music

Kuana has become my favorite artists in all of Hawaiian music over the years. In each of his albums he features a different Hawaiian island or location. He also has a few holiday albums and sang the song “Lava” for Pixar’s short film. He loves making lei and dancing hula, and occasionally does live streams on Facebook. Can’t recommend Kuana enough! 

Raiatea Helm

Raiatea is a lot like Lena Machado in style and ability to hold her breath for a long time. However, Raitea’s music is still her own: fun, upbeat, and quite traditional. Highly recommend! 

Keali’i Raichel

If you’ve never heard “Kawaipunahele” can you say you’ve listened to Hawaiian music? 😛 This song is played at nearly every big event—weddings, graduations, may day, etc. It’s a classic song for a woman to dance to alone. I can’t even say how many times I’ve heard this song. Keali’i is very talented, and continues to put out new music here and there. Growing up, my mom would play the album “Kawaipunahele” so I recommend that one if you’re just learning about Keali’i! 

Weldon Kekauoha

Weldon and I are related somehow haha. I grew up listening to the CD “Hawaiian Man” so that will always be my favorite album of his. He has continued to write music in recent years that is still heartfelt and both in Hawaiian and English. His voice is soothing and the music is relaxing. 

Henry Kapono

I’m not as familiar with Henry as my own readers and followers, but he is very active on social media, does a lot of covers, and has a very happy, upbeat personality. Henry does live shows at Duke’s on Oahu, which is awesome considering so few artists go live anymore!

Kalani Pe’a

Kalani has won a Grammy award for the best regional roots music album. His music is both traditional and sometimes contemporary. All his music is in the Hawaiian language too. 

Jawaiian or Local Hawaiian Music 

There is a category under Hawaiian music called “Jawaiian.” Jamaica (reggea) + Hawaiian = Jawaiian. That’s probably the easiest way I can explain it. Many local artists in Hawaii have captured the beat, rhythm, and vibe of Jamaican reggae music but have mixed it either with Hawaiian language, Pidgin English, or local island culture. 

This is the sort of music played on the radio in Hawaii. It’s not quite reggae, but not quite Hawaiian so it’s a mix of both! The playlist below covers it all really well. I enjoy listening to this music when I’m with my siblings, but because the radio and locals seem to play the same songs for years, I’ve gotten sort of burnt out. While I don’t love this type of music anymore, it still carries nostalgia. 

Here is a list of some popular Jawaiian artists. Not all of them fit perfectly but these all have the same vibe and would usually perform at local ho’olaule’a performances in the park. 

• Anuhea 
• Keahiwai 
• Kolohe Kai – Cool Down 
• Ehukai 
• Opihi Pickers 
• Rebel Souljahz – Nothing To Hide 
• J Boog
• Common Kings 
• Sammy Johnson 
• The Green
• Maoli – No One is one of their most popular songs. 
• Sean Na’auao 

Reggae Music 

Reggae music originated in Jamaica and is mostly represented by Bob Marley. Many locals enjoy listening to Bob Marley, so I thought it was only fair to feature his work here! This playlist also features some other Reggae artists.

Other Artists Beloved by Hawaiian Islanders 

• Jack Johnson – A lot of locals have spotted Jack around town and have said he’s really nice. With that said, his music is really great too!
• Colbie Caillat – I’m not sure if she’s from Hawaii, but Hawaiians and locals love her music. It’s chill, simple, and meaningful. 

Notable Ukulele Players (mostly from Hawaii) 

Here is yet another little genre of music in Hawaii: ukulele music. While some ukulele players write their own music, others do covers of music. Either way, they’re all quite talented! 

• Jake Shimabukuro 
• Kalei Gamiao 
• Kris Fuchigami
• Taimane 

Let’s hear from you!

What is your favorite kind of Hawaiian music? Is there a Hawaiian artist that you love? Let us know in the comments below! 

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