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

Ka Hīnano O PunaKainani Kahaunaele

Ka Hīnano O Puna

Heartwarming Hawaiian music infused with the rich nature and culture of Hawaiʻi Island.

The songs woven by Hawaiʻi-born singer-songwriter Kainani Kahaunaele gracefully portray the beautiful landscapes and traditions of the Puna region.

Blossoming wildflowers, passing winds, and the legend of Pele, goddess of the volcano—these uniquely Hawaiian elements of nature and myth harmonize beautifully in this piece.

First featured on the March 2003 album “Naʻu ʻOe,” it was released by ʻAha Pūnana Leo, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the Hawaiian language.

With its gentle, soothing melodies, this is a recommended song for those who wish to connect with the spirit of Hawaiʻi, or for those seeking a deeply meaningful accompaniment for hula.

Fish and PoiSean Na’auao

Fish and Poi

A song that joyfully celebrates Hawaii’s food culture embodies love for home and a strong sense of identity.

In the voice of Hawaii’s top musician, Sean Naʻauao, traditional elements blend beautifully with a modern approach, creating a rhythm as soothing as ocean waves.

Released in 1998, this work served as the title track of the acclaimed album “Fish & Poi” and received high praise at that year’s Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.

While honoring Hawaiian traditional music, its sound incorporates light, pop-inflected elements that pair perfectly with the graceful movements of hula.

Its calming, sea-breeze-like melody is ideal for moments when you want to unwind away from everyday bustle or connect with Hawaiian culture.

Lei NaniHui Ohana

Hui Ohana ” LEI NANI ” Hui Ohana

This is sudden, but are you familiar with the lei, Hawaii’s traditional flower garland? It’s the large floral decoration worn around the neck, and I think most people have seen it before.

“Lei Nani” compares that lei to a lover.

In this way, Hawaiian music often uses lyrics that liken someone you love or someone important to you to elements of nature, such as flowers and trees.

Perhaps those romantic lyrics are part of its popularity.

The melody is upbeat, so it’s great for driving and the like!

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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.

Iāʻoe E Ka LāPalani Vaughan

Palani Vaughan – Iāʻoe E Ka Lā (Official Music Video)

Palani Vaughan, known as an important bearer of Hawaiian music traditions, left behind masterpieces that convey the glory of the Hawaiian Kingdom to the present day.

Among his album series honoring the Kingdom’s seventh monarch, this gem combines a gentle, soothing melody with profound historical depth.

Beginning with the 1973 release of the album “Ia ‘Oe E Ka Lā – Vol.

1,” the series was produced in four volumes through 1980.

This work continues to be cherished by many hula dancers as an embodiment of Hawaiian traditional music and its rich culture.

Its unhurried, graceful melody is ideal for moments of relaxation or as background music for hula practice.

Please enjoy this track, which encapsulates the essence of Vaughan—an inductee of the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.

Lovely Hula HandsDon Ho

Lovely Hula Hands

Don Ho, a veteran artist from Hawaii, is a Hawaiian musician known not only in Hawaii but around the world.

In his later years, he was active not just as an artist but also as an entertainer, hosting television shows and more.

One song that is essential when talking about him is “Lovely Hula Hands.” It’s a very famous piece in the hula dance community, known for its relaxed tempo and the charm of Don Ho’s rich, low voice.

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Ka Uluwehi O Ke KaiHapa Hawaiian Music

Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai by Hapa Hawaiian Music

Uluwehi is a Hawaiian word meaning beautiful fresh greenery.

Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai is said to refer to the island.

The song celebrates Hawaii’s beautiful nature and the plants and creatures that live there.

Listening to it brings to mind Hawaii’s natural scenery and the ocean.