Choosing Hula Dance Songs: Timeless Classics that Evoke Hawaii’s Healing Spirit and Culture
Hula, the traditional Hawaiian performing art that heals the mind and body.
What’s essential to its gentle movements and beautiful expression is Hawaiian music.
From timeless classics sung by iconic Hawaiian artists like Don Ho and Teresa Bright to contemporary sounds like Te Vaka, the world of hula is truly profound.
Let yourself drift on soothing, relaxing melodies or let your heart dance to bright, cheerful rhythms.
Why not explore Hawaii’s culture and history through its music?
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Choosing Hula Dance Songs: Timeless Classics (41–50) That Evoke Hawaii’s Healing Spirit and Culture
Pate PateTe Vaka
Te Vaka is a representative group of the genre often featuring tropical melodies known as South Pacific fusion.
If you’re not used to South Pacific fusion, you might hear it as Hawaiian music, similar to the songs we’ve introduced so far.
Since it’s influenced by the music of Tuvalu and Samoa, the sound may end up similar due to geography.
Their track “Pate Pate” is an up-tempo piece that blends tropical-leaning genres such as Hawaiian music and samba.
O Rapa NuiFenua
If you’re looking for upbeat hula, I recommend “O Rapa Nui.” Created by the Hawaiian music group Fenua, this track features a lively melody that evokes the island of Tahiti.
While it’s sung by a mixed chorus, the higher proportion of female vocals makes it easy to enjoy even if you prefer more traditional hula.
Unfortunately, Fenua has already disbanded, but several of their albums are still in circulation, so check them out if you’re interested.
Honolulu City LightsKeola and Kapono Beamer
Honolulu City Lights was released by Hawaiian singer-songwriter Keola Beamer together with his brother, Kapono Beamer.
It’s a popular piece of contemporary Hawaiian music; while the arrangement is reminiscent of a pop song, the melody retains the gentle feel characteristic of hula.
It’s a classic that was later covered by the Carpenters.
Hula O MakeeDanny Carvalho
This song is based on a true story: the ship Makee, which wrecked off Kapa‘a on the island of Kaua‘i in 1897, and the vessel Hall that came to its rescue.
It features a gentle melody and a tender singing voice.
His guitar tone and vocals feel cleansing to the soul.
The guitar solo is breathtaking.
Roselani BlossomsHo’okena
John Kamealoha Almeida, the creator of Roselani Blossoms, was a mandolin player who made his mark on Hawaii’s music scene.
This song is said to be a love song to his beloved wife.
The title translates to “rose blossoms,” a metaphorical expression referring to his beloved wife.
The Hukilau SongJack Owens
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
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.
Hawaiian Wedding SongAndy Williams
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.
Ali’ipoeWaipuna
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.
E Maliu MaiEmma Veary
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.