[Chill Track] A Classic of Hawaiian Music

Over the RainbowIsrael “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole

OFFICIAL Somewhere over the Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole is a singer-songwriter who enjoys great popularity in Hawaii.

He’s an artist known for his sweet vocals—something you wouldn’t expect from his enormous physique—and he has long energized Hawaiian pop music.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend is Over the Rainbow.

It’s a well-known classic arranged with a Hawaiian flavor, and it has a chiller vibe than the original.

How about giving it a listen when you want to relax?

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Ku’u Home O Kahalu’uOlomana

Olomana- Ku’u Home O Kahalu’u

This song paints nostalgic Hawaiian landscapes through a gently resonant vocal and the sound of slack-key guitar.

Released by Olomana on the 1976 album “Like a Seabird in the Wind,” it tenderly expresses deep affection for the place called Kahaluʻu and feelings toward a hometown in transition.

The well-balanced harmonies by Santos and Beaumont and the lyrics skillfully interweaving English and Hawaiian leave a strong impression.

Often used in Hawaii’s tourism promotions and cultural events, it is also cherished as an accompaniment for hula.

Like calm waves soothing the heart, this piece is recommended for slow, relaxing moments or when you want to bask in fond memories.

Pearly ShellsDon Ho

Pearly Shells

Don Ho, a singer whose warm vocals earned him the respect of many Hawaiians.

He was a figure who could be called the king of Hawaiian music and laid the foundation for Hawaiian pop that continues to this day.

Among Don Ho’s works, a particularly recommended classic is Pearly Shells.

It’s arranged with a cheerful yet laid-back melody that feels like a mix of rockabilly and Hawaiian music.

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Flying With AngelsNa Leo Pilimehana

Flying with Angels

In the 1980s, sophisticated pop styles like synthwave and synth-pop were gaining popularity around the world.

Hawaii had its own version of this movement, and the female trio Nā Leo Pilimehana, who sing “Flying With Angels,” became popular for blending urban pop music with elements of Hawaiian music.

The guitar that evokes slack-key playing and the uniquely ‘80s-tinged bass pair perfectly, making for a chill track.

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E Maliu MaiEmma Veary

E Maliu Mai

A song distinguished by a beautiful melody that washes over the heart like gentle waves.

The clear, soaring voice of Hawaiian soprano Emma Veary evokes the islands’ great natural beauty and soft breezes.

Featured on the 1976 album “Emma At The Royal,” this piece was recorded live in the Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, a prestigious landmark in Hawaii.

As one of Emma’s signature works—she received the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994—it conveys the full charm of Hawaiian music.

Perfect not only as background music for hula, but also for moments of relaxation or when you want to soothe the soul.

Mai `Italia Ko Lei NaniKaumakaiwa Kanaka`ole

“Mai ‘Italia Ko Lei Nani”, Sung By Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole With Shawn Pimental

The beautiful melodies performed by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole, a renowned musician who carries Hawaiian traditional music into the present, gracefully portray the historical tale surrounding King Kalākaua’s coronation in February 1883.

This heartwarming piece honors the dignity and grace of Queen Kapi‘olani and includes praise for the lavish crown imported from Italy.

Brought to life through a collaboration with guitarist Shawn Pimental, the work breathes new vitality into a traditional mele.

Its unhurried, chant-like melody and gentle rhythm weave a soothing soundscape—perfect for moments of calm or for immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture.

Our Hawai’iManoa DNA

Manoa DNA – “Our Hawai’i” – 2011 Hawai’i Tourism Japan Campaign

The soothing melodies of ManoaDNA, a Japanese American family band that Hawaii is proud of, gently wrap you in the charm of the southern islands.

Released in June 2010, this work captivated many as the campaign song for the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Its warm acoustic guitar and tightly blended three-part harmonies—only possible with family—leave a lasting impression.

Vivid imagery evokes leisurely moments on the beach, the sunrise over Diamond Head, and breathtaking views from Hanalei to Kona, painting Hawaii’s beauty in your mind.

With a refreshing sound that blends a relaxed atmosphere and modern pop elements, it’s perfect both as accompaniment for hula and as background music when you want to feel the spirit of Hawaii.