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

WaikīkīDavid Nalu & Gabby Pahinui & Joe Diamond & Ralph Alapa’i & Cummings Signature

Waikiki – 1946

If you’ve watched hula a few times, this tune might sound familiar.

“Waikīkī” is a well-known piece of Hawaiian music, often used for solo performances in the hula world.

It was composed by the legendary Hawaiian composer Andy Cummings.

Born in 1913, he had a very long career and remained active in music until his passing in 1995.

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KawaipunaheleKeali’i Reichel

Kealii Reichel – Kawaipunahele

Chant is a form of traditional music that could be called Hawaii’s folk song.

Kealiʻi Reichel, an elite who mastered chant at the young age of 17 and even founded a hula organization at 19, is a standout figure.

His song “Kawaipunahele” is his biggest hit and even took the No.

1 spot, surpassing Madonna, who was at the top of the charts at the time.

Even those not familiar with Hawaiian music will likely find it recognizable.

The melody leans toward pop, and it features phrases reminiscent of Okinawan folk music.

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Pua AhihiMaddy Lam, Mary Kawena Pukui

Pua Ahihi

Maddy Lam, an artist who left behind many masterpieces and stands alongside Charles E.

King—often called the father of Hawaiian music—was active during what could be called the golden era of Hawaiian music from the 1930s to the 1980s.

“Pua Ahihi” is one of her signature songs, and the composer Mary Kawena Pukui—who was also an educator known for protecting the Hawaiian language when it was on the verge of disappearing due to political reasons—also contributed to its composition.

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AlekokiDennis Pavao

Dennis Pavao ” Alekoki ” The Golden Voice Of Hawaii

Dennis Pavao is a Hawaiian musician known for his falsetto.

Active in the 1970s, he is famous for popularizing traditional Hawaiian music called ‘ka leo kiʻekiʻe.’ Although Dennis Pavao left behind many classic songs, this ‘ka leo kiʻekiʻe’ is particularly popular.

The tempo is moderate, and the melody is crafted to be very cheerful.

The vocals, which make extensive use of falsetto, are also a highlight.

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Morning DewDon Ho, Larry Lindsey Kimura

Morning Dew

Don Ho is a Hawaiian music singer who represents Hawaii.

Among his songs, Morning Dew is especially famous as a particularly sultry, alluring track.

Its laid-back, quintessentially Hawaiian tempo pairs perfectly with Don Ho’s dapper, suave voice.

Many people associate Hawaiian music with midday or evening.

Morning Dew, however, stands out with a sophisticated, nighttime mood—an adult melody that leaves a strong impression.

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Ke Kali Nei AuCharles E. King

Hawaiian Wedding Song – Ke Kali Nei Au (Charles E. King) – Hawaii’s Greatest Hits Vol. 2

Charles E.

King is considered one of the greatest composers of Hawaiian music.

He left behind an extraordinary number of classic Hawaiian songs—over 400 in total.

Among his many masterpieces, “Ke Kali Nei Au” is especially popular.

In addition to being a staple song for hula, it is also widely recognized in Hawaii as a classic wedding song.

Its catchy melody makes it well worth a listen!

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LakalakaTe Vaka

Te Vaka – Lakalaka

This is a song released in 2017 by Te Vaka, a group from New Zealand.

While they may not be very familiar to many Japanese listeners, they are known as a popular and accomplished group, having performed at the Olympics and contributed music to Disney’s film Moana.

The track features a fast tempo with intense, powerful vocals and percussion—perfect for hula and Tahitian dance, the kind of song that makes you want to start dancing just by listening.