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

He Mele No LiloMark Keali’i Ho’omalu

Lilo & Stitch- He Mele No Lilo

This is a song that became famous for being used as an insert song in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch in 2002.

Mark Keali‘i Ho‘omalu began his musical career at the age of 15.

The song opens with a chorus by The Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus together with Mark.

It’s a very powerful song.

Hawai’i AlohaNa Leo

Hawai`I Aloha

Since their debut in 1984, Na Leo have continued to thrive as leading artists in Hawaiian music.

When they first debuted, all the members were high school girls, and they enjoyed idol-like popularity.

Now that they are all mothers, they serve in a symbolic role within Hawaiian music.

Their song “Hawai‘i Aloha” is one of their hits and is widely used as background music for hula dancing.

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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.

Beyond the RainbowIsrael Kamakawiwoʻole

OFFICIAL Somewhere over the Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole

The late Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.

With a delicate voice that seemed mismatched to his large frame, he sings the famous number from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.

The only accompaniment is a ukulele.

Dance in a way that’s loved by those around you—just like Israel, who was cherished by many Hawaiians!

Ehoikapiri

E Ho‘i i ka Pili — Kealiʻi Reichel (Keali’i Reichel)

E Hoi Ka Pili means “come close to my side” in Hawaiian.

It’s a signature song by Kealiʻi Reichel, who has been active since the 1990s.

A relaxed rhythm led by acoustic guitar intertwines with vocals that feel like drawing a loved one into an embrace.

TutukiTe Vaka

Te Vaka – Tutuki

Te Vaka is a group that brings together dancers and musicians against a backdrop of diverse Polynesian music.

As you can hear from the very beginning of the track, it strikingly features the pate, a traditional drum.

While the music is very lively, it’s also a piece that conveys a sense of cultural pride.

E Wai’anaeThe Pandanus Club

The Pandanus Club – E Wai’anae (Hawaiian Music)

Famous for being frequently used in hula, “E Wai‘anae” depicts climbing the Wai‘anae mountains to pick maile flowers to make lei, the traditional Hawaiian garlands worn around the neck.

As the lyrics suggest, the song is characterized by a refreshing, memorable melody.

Within Hawaiian music, it falls on the faster side of the tempo range, making it a rare piece where you can see a slightly more vigorous style of hula.

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Manu O’OGary Haleamau

Gary Haleamau ” Manu O’O ” Lei Poina Ole

From the melancholic intro, you wouldn’t imagine it’s a Hawaiian song, but once the singing begins, it shifts into traditional Hawaiian music.

The melancholy woven by the guitar matches perfectly, and his crystalline voice invites tears, making the listener feel as if they’re traveling on the wind.

Pearly ShellsConnie Francis

Pearly Shells ( with lyrics ) – Connie Francis

Pearly Shells is a Hawaiian pop song that was widely listened to in the 1960s.

It is sung by Connie Francis.

Connie Francis is an Italian American from the state of New Jersey.

Her husky voice matches Hawaiian music very well.

Blue Hawai‘iHaunani Kahalewai & Chorus

Blue Hawai’i – Haunani Kahalewai & Chorus (Leo Robin, Ralph Rainger) – Hawaii’s Greatest Hits Vol. 2

The 1961 film Blue Hawaii starring Elvis Presley.

In addition to being used as the movie’s title, Blue Hawai‘i was also used as the theme song, which boosted its worldwide fame.

The song itself is quite old: it was composed by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger as the theme for the 1937 Paramount film Waikiki Wedding.

With its very relaxed tempo, it’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a soothing experience!

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