Are you looking for Hawaii songs for a party, or just want something fun to listen to while you plan your Hawaii vacation? Keep scrolling to find out the 20 most famous Hawaiian songs!
This post about the most famous Hawaiian songs was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Believe me when I say that when it comes to famous Hawaiian songs, I can definitely give you a good list. I have heard thousands of Hawaii songs over the years, most of which are due to my 20-year professional hula dance career.
Not only that, but I used to stream Hawaiian music at work for years and always listen to Hawaiian radio stations when I’m visiting Hawaii.
Previously, I’ve written about popular Hawaiian musicians that I think people should know about before heading to Hawaii.
But today, I thought I’d break down the top Hawaiian music, from traditional Hawaiian songs to Hapa Haole classic Hawaiian songs to Hawaiian pop music of today. There’s even a song or two from Elvis Presley!
There are SO many great songs from Hawaii, so I narrowed it down to my top 20 of all time.
These are awesome to add to your luau playlist or to get yourself pumped for your next trip to Hawaii! So sit back, relax, and enjoy these famous Hawaiian songs as you sip your Hawaiian cocktail for a perfect island vibe.
Many of these tunes are part of the broader tradition of Hawaiian music, which ranges from ancient chants to slack key guitar instrumentals and modern island reggae hits.
If you’re looking for songs about Hawaii that reflect both its cultural heritage and contemporary island life, this curated list will get you started.
Be sure to find out the top Hawaiian musicians to add to your Spotify List!
Famous Hawaiian Songs FAQs
Jawaiian music is a hybrid of Hawaiian and Jamaican/Reggae music popular in Hawaii. It has an island vibe and usually a beat you can dance to. It was super popular in the 1990s, but you can still hear it today. Sean Na’auao has many Jawaiian songs.
While traditional Hawaiian music is all in the Hawaiian language, Hapa Haole music is mostly in English. This type of music became popular in the 1930s and 1940s as more travelers from the Mainland started vacationing in Hawaii. It usually has a jazzy style.
Jake Shimabukuro is a genius ukulele player who has released many albums. While you might not immediately recognize his music, you’ll be impressed with its intricacies and beautiful melody. He plays many popular Hawaiian songs on the ukulele.
The Portuguese brought over small guitar-like instruments to Hawaii. They morphed into the popular Hawaiian instrument. Because there are only 4 strings and the size is small, it’s an easy instrument for kids and adults.
20 Super Famous Hawaiian Songs to Check Out
1. Aloha ‘Oe
I had to start this list with Hawaii’s most famous Hawaiian song, written by the last queen of Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani.
She originally wrote Aloha ‘Oe during a horseback ride when she saw two people embrace and bid each other farewell.
However, this song became most popular while she was imprisoned in her home during the annexation of Hawaii.
She used this song as a farewell to her people. You can feel her sorrow in the lyrics and melody.
Kids will recognize this song from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch! It’s the song Nani sings to Lilo.
It’s definitely one of the most well-known Hawaii songs and the epitome of traditional music from Hawaii.
It remains a staple in any collection of songs about Hawaii for its emotional depth and historical significance.
2. Hawaii Aloha
This is probably one of the most special songs in Hawaii of all time. That’s because it’s all about bringing people together.
It was written by a missionary named Lorenzo Lyons and uses the melody of the hymn “I Left It All With Jesus.”
It’s customary to join hands and sing “Hawaii Aloha” at the end of events, parties, celebrations, etc. It’s always a crowd favorite.
And it’s not just in Hawaii. If you attend a Hawaiian cultural event or listen to live Hawaiian music anywhere in the world, you will most likely participate in a Hawaii Aloha sing-along at the end of the event.
Many consider it a famous Hawaii song because of its unifying message and widespread use in community gatherings.
3. Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World
This is hands-down one of the most recognizable Hawaiian songs across the world. It’s been featured in tons of movies and TV shows (I still cry at that ER scene.)
It was recorded by legendary Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (aka IZ) in just one take. The arrangement is absolutely brilliant, and it’s special because he recorded it for his daughter.
While the song itself is pretty amazing, it’s also a bit haunting because IZ died so young.
It’s one of the most popular Hawaiian songs, and this rendition is magical. Once you’ve heard it, all other versions will pale in comparison.
4. Hawaiian War Chant
First of all, this isn’t a chant. And the original version is actually a love song.
This has been a popular hula song, in which the dancer uses hula implements (like split bamboo or feather rattles).
While the song is in both English and Hawaiian, most of the time you’ll just hear the Hawaiian version of it.
Usually, you’ll hear this song at free hula shows in Hawaii and the melody speeds up as the song goes on, making it a show-stopping number.
If you are a Disney fan, you’ll recognize this tune from the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction.
It’s also a key example of how Hawaiian lyrics often carry layered meanings, with some songs originating as love ballads before being adapted into performance pieces.
5. Pearly Shells/Tiny Bubbles
Don Ho is one of the most famous Hawaiian musicians from the 1960s. He used to perform in Waikiki and became a global sensation.
Even though these Don Ho songs are different, I listed them together because they have the same melody, and sometimes musicians perform them as a medley.
The song Pearly Shells is a popular song for learning to hula dance. The lyrics are simple, and the hand motions depicted in the song are easy to do.
And Tiny Bubbles is all about drinking wine.
Both are great examples of famous Hawaiian songs to dance to, especially for beginners learning hula or planning a fun family luau.
6. Blue Hawaii
If you don’t already know, Elvis Presley loved Hawaii and filmed a few movies there (Blue Hawaii, Paradise Hawaiian Style, and Girls!)
Out of these, Blue Hawaii is probably the most famous of all time, and the title song is definitely iconic.
It’s the kind of song you’ll hear at just about every bar in Hawaii, especially if they have live music. It’s a crowd favorite among the older generation.
The last time I was on Kauai, they invited a bunch of us hula dancers up to perform our own versions of Blue Hawaii. It was really cool!
7. Hawaiian Wedding Song
While this song was originally written in the 1920s, it was Elvis Presley who made it popular in his 1961 film Blue Hawaii. And Bing Crosby and Andy Williams recorded their own versions of it.
This beloved classic is mostly in English, but there’s a verse in Hawaiian.
As the name might suggest, it’s a super popular song to play at weddings. I actually walked down the aisle to the Hawaiian wedding song at my own wedding in Seattle!.
You’ll also hear this song at luaus in Hawaii dedicated to all the newlyweds, honeymooners, and people celebrating anniversaries.
While Elvis Presley made it famous, many Hawaiian artists have recorded their own versions of it.
8. Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai
This is actually a traditional Hawaiian song that became super popular after the group Hapa recorded it. They even added their own special Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai ending.
On the surface, it’s about collecting seaweed from the ocean. But Hawaiian songs are known for having “hidden meanings,” and this is actually comparing the different types of seaweed to different lovers.
Almost all hula dancers know a version of this son,g and you’ll see it performed in lots of Hawaiian cultural festivals.
It’s one of those Hawaiian hula songs that are taught to dancers across all levels because of its beautiful lyrics and symbolic imagery. And lots of popular Hawaiian singers cover Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai.
9. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride
If you have kids and watch Disney movies, you’ll recognize Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride from Lilo & Stitch. It’s in the scene where Lilo is swimming in the ocean at the beginning of the movie.
It also gets played on Disney Pandora ALL THE TIME.
What’s special about this song is that it was recorded by Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu (a hula teacher and musician) and the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus.
The whole song is about surfing (aka Hawaii’s version of a roller coaster ride!)
10. My Little Grass Shack
When many people think about Hawaiian music, they think of the Hapa Haole music from the 1930s and 1940s.
My Little Grass Shack was originally meant as a parody of the 1920s song “Back in Hackensack, New Jersey.” However, after a lot of tweaking and adding in local flavor, it morphed into an iconic Hawaiian song.
This old Hawaiian song is set in Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii, and it’s hard to drive through the town without this song popping into your head.
My Little Grass Shack is about someone who is homesick for the Big Island and all that makes it special.
11. I’ll Remember You
I get teary-eyed just about every time this song plays. That’s usually because it’s played at many funerals or in remembrance of someone who has passed away.
Both Don Ho and Elvis Presley recorded popular versions of this song, but there are many other versions that are hauntingly beautiful.
The origins of the song are also somber. Kui Lee wrote the song after his wife left him, and then he got cancer and died young.
It’s one of the most beautiful, yet sa,d Hawaiian songs you’ll hear.
12. Fish and Poi
Okay, this might have been my jam back in the 90s! It’s a really fun song about Hawaiian food and island life!
It’s by Sean Na’auao and it’s definitely in the Jawaiian style with a slight reggae beat. And there’s a whole reggae verse in the middle.
It’s about a guy from Hawaii who is missing all his favorite foods from home. He reminisces and lists off all kinds of tasty dishes like Beef Stew, Lomi Salmon, and Lau Lau.
It’s so catchy and easy to sing along with friends! And it’s one of the best Hawaiian songs for a party!
13. Better Together
Jack Johnson is one of my favorite musicians. He lives in Hawaii. Although his songs aren’t in the Hawaiian language, they definitely have a chilled-out island vibe.
He’s got a lot of awesome songs, but my favorite is Better Together. This was the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding.
Because Jack Johnson was born and raised in Hawaii, you’ll hear him a ton on the radio there.
This is another popular Hawaiian wedding song.
14. You Ku’uipo
So, the term “ku’uipo” literally translates to “sweetheart” in the Hawaiian language. You’ll also see it on a bunch of jewelry.
This song is actually a love song to the island of Maui. The composer fell in love with Hana, Maui, back in the 1980s and then partnered up with top Hawaiian singer Willie K. to release it.
It’s still one of Willie K.’s most recognizable songs about island life from his career. And it’s one of the most upbeat songs, perfect for a Hawaiian playlist.
15. Honolulu City Lights
I admit, I always hum this song anytime I hear about the Hawaiian Christmas festival on Oahu with the same name.
The song has nothing to do with Christmas, however.
It’s an island-style song about a guy (Keola Beamer) who’s leaving Hawaii to go to the Mainland, and he’s feeling a bit sad to leave behind his beloved city.
While Keola Beamer was one of the most famous Hawaiian singers, this was one of his most famous Hawaiian songs.
16. Hi’ilawe
Hi’ilawe is one of the most classic Hawaiian songs. It was written a long time ago and has become a hula dancing standard song.
It’s all about a scandalous love affair that takes place at the Big Island waterfall, Hi’ilawe. The song complains about people gossiping about the lovers, but that doesn’t deter them.
It’s a really popular Hawaiian slack key guitar song made famous by Gabby Pahinui. And it’s on The Descendants soundtrack.
17. Henehene Kou ‘Aka
This is one of those traditional Hawaiian songs that you’ll hear on the radio, in stores, and at Hawaiian music shows across Hawaii. It was copyrighted by Andy Cummings; however, no one really knows why he wrote it.
It’s based on a true story about a couple riding a streetcar in Hawaii in the 1920s. The story discusses the different places they go and what they do when they get there.
While it’s always been one of those old Hawaiian songs you hear, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole made this beloved classic even more popular.
It’s another great addition to any playlist featuring songs about Hawaii, thanks to its playful tone and cultural storytelling.
It was also recently featured in the new Netflix movie Finding ‘Ohana!
18. Kawaipunahele
I had a hard time picking which Keali’i Reichel song to include in this list. He’s written so many popular Hawaiian songs.
I ended up listing Kawaipunahele because it’s the title track to his debut album and the song that kicked off his celebrity status.
It’s a Hawaiian love song that’s basically about a guy begging his partner to come back to him. Instant classic.
19. Mele Kalikimaka
This Hawaiian Christmas song is now known all over the world. This island-style Christmas song was made popular by Bing Crosby in the 1950s.
What made it so special is that it was the first Hawaiian Christmas song. And of course, it gets played a LOT every holiday season both in Hawaii and on the Mainland.
The whole song is in English, except for the phrase “Mele Kalikimaka” which is the Hawaiian translation for “Merry Christmas.”
While there are lots of versions, Bing Crosby’s is definitely the most famous.
20. Beyond the Reef
I’m ending this list of famous Hawaiian music in a kind of weird way.
Beyond the Reef isn’t really a Hawaiian song. It was written by a Canadian (Jack Pitman) and there is no mention of Hawaii in the lyrics.
But, famous Hawaiian singer Alfred Apaka made it super popular in the islands.
It’s really a heartbreaking song about someone who loses their true love. It’s played at a lot of funerals.
Famous Hawaiian Songs Wrap-Up
If you’re planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, this list of my top 20 favorite songs from Hawaii will make it feel like you never left. You can listen to these before your vacation starts and throughout your stay in Hawaii.
When you get back home, keep listening for that authentic Hawaiian sound to remind yourself why people love living in Paradise! From Don Ho and Elvis Presley to more modern Hawaiian artists, we have you covered.
Whether you’re looking for classic slack key guitar melodies, lively luau hits, or heartfelt ballads, this guide to famous Hawaiian songs has something for everyone.
Check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about Hawaiian culture and traditional music.