Choosing Hula Dance Songs: Timeless Classics that Evoke Hawaii’s Healing Spirit and Culture

The Hukilau SongJack Owens

The Hukilau Song

This song was written by Jack Owens, who was born in Oklahoma, based on his experiences in Hawaii.

In hukilau, huki means “to pull,” and lau means “leaf.” The song is also considered a children’s song and is loved by people of all ages.

I’ll Remember YouKui Lee

I’ll Remember You

Cui Lei is an artist from Shanghai, China.

Although he was not very well known at first, he rose to prominence after his song “I’ll Remember You” was covered by Don Ho, a legendary Hawaiian artist, and by Elvis Presley, the world-famous rock musician.

Sadly, his time in the spotlight was brief, as he passed away from cancer in 1966.

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Hawaiian Wedding SongAndy Williams

Andy Williams – The Hawaiian Wedding Song

The Hawaiian Wedding Song is famous as a Hawaiian music wedding song.

While it doesn’t feature many melodies typically associated with Hawaiian music, it’s extremely well known in Hawaii.

As the title suggests, the song is sung in English, so it’s also familiar in English-speaking countries.

It even won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, so I think quite a few people in Japan know it as well.

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Ali’ipoeWaipuna

Waipuna – Ali’ipoe

Alii Poʻe is a flower you often see along the roadsides in Hawaii.

It’s famous for being used as a material for the ʻuliʻuli, a traditional Hawaiian percussion instrument.

The song “Aliʻipoe,” themed around this flower, is well-known as a love song in Hawaiian music.

It makes extensive use of the distinctive falsetto often heard in Hawaiian music, giving it a strong impact.

It’s a classic that blends elements of both Hawaiian style and standard jazz.

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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.