Hawaiian Music & Ukulele: Island Sounds and Where to Hear Them

Music is the heartbeat of Hawaiian culture. From ancient chants that preserve history to the gentle strumming of ukulele, the islands' musical traditions are deep, rich, and very much alive.

Traditional Hawaiian Music Styles

Slack-Key Guitar (Ki Ho'alu)

Hawaii's signature guitar style, developed in the 1800s. The strings are "slacked" to create open tunings, allowing a single guitarist to play bass, rhythm, and melody simultaneously. The sound is relaxing, contemplative, and uniquely Hawaiian.

Artists to know: Gabby Pahinui, Ledward Kaapana, Keola Beamer, Cyril Pahinui

Hawaiian Steel Guitar

Invented in Hawaii around 1885, the steel guitar is played with a metal bar to create its distinctive sliding, crying sound. This Hawaiian innovation influenced country music and countless other genres.

Artists to know: Sol Ho'opi'i, Jerry Byrd, Alan Akaka

Ukulele

The ukulele arrived with Portuguese immigrants in the 1870s and was quickly adopted into Hawaiian music. Its cheerful, portable nature made it perfect for beach gatherings and family sing-alongs.

Artists to know: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Jake Shimabukuro, Taimane Gardner

Mele (Traditional Chant)

Before Western contact, Hawaiians preserved their history, genealogy, and spiritual practices through chant. Mele oli (unaccompanied chant) and mele hula (chant with dance) remain important cultural practices.

Contemporary Hawaiian Music

Hawaiian Renaissance

The 1970s saw a cultural revival that brought traditional Hawaiian music back to the mainstream. Artists like the Sunday Manoa, Hui Ohana, and the Brothers Cazimero blended tradition with contemporary sounds.

Jawaiian (Hawaiian Reggae)

A fusion of Hawaiian music and reggae that emerged in the 1980s. The laid-back rhythm perfectly complements Hawaii's relaxed lifestyle.

Artists to know: Natural Vibrations, Fiji, SOJA (collaborations)

Contemporary Artists

Today's Hawaiian musicians continue to innovate while honoring traditions:

• Kalani Pe'a: Grammy-winning traditional Hawaiian
• Keauhou: Young musicians keeping traditions alive
• Kuana Torres Kahele: Master falsetto singer
• Iam Tongi: American Idol winner from Hawaii

Where to Hear Live Music

Hilo Area

• Palace Theater: Historic venue hosting Hawaiian music concerts
• Hilo Farmers Market: Often has live music on market days
• Local restaurants: Many feature live Hawaiian music weekends

Kona Side

• Resort lounges: Many Kohala Coast resorts feature live Hawaiian music
• Kona Brewing Company: Live music on the patio
• Gertrude's Jazz Bar: Jazz and Hawaiian fusion

Luaus

Commercial luaus typically feature live Hawaiian music alongside cultural performances. While touristy, they offer an entertaining introduction to Hawaiian music and dance.

Festivals & Events

• Merrie Monarch Festival (April): Features Hawaiian music alongside hula
• Big Island Slack Key Guitar Festival: Annual celebration of ki ho'alu
• Hawaii Island Festival: Showcases Hawaiian arts and music
• Waimea Ukulele & Slack Key Festival: Intimate performances by masters

Learn to Play

Want to bring some Hawaiian music home? Consider:

• Ukulele lessons: Several Hilo shops offer lessons
• Buy a ukulele: Support local makers like Big Island Ukulele
• Hula classes: Music and dance go hand in hand
• Workshops: Watch for visiting artist workshops

Hawaiian Music Etiquette

• Don't talk during performances—listen respectfully
• Clap after songs, not during
• Hawaiian music often has spiritual significance
• Feel free to hum along quietly
• Support musicians by buying their albums

Building Your Hawaiian Playlist

Essential albums to explore:

• Facing Future - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• Pure Gabby - Gabby Pahinui
• Gently Weeps - Jake Shimabukuro
• Ke'alaokamaile - Keali'i Reichel
• E Walea - Kalani Pe'a