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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?

Choosing Hula Dance Songs: Iconic Tracks (21–30) That Evoke Hawaii’s Healing Spirit and Culture

Po La’ila’iUluwehi Guerrero

A beautiful falsetto, unimaginable from Uluwehi’s large frame, enhances the charm of this song even more.

The ukulele he plays so lightly is also very soothing.

Po La’ila’i means a calm night, and it evokes the stars in Hawaii’s beautiful night sky and the whiteness of the moonlight.

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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.

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Choosing Hula Dance Songs: Timeless Classics (31–40) That Evoke Hawaii’s Healing Spirit and Culture

akaka fallsDarlene Ahuna

This is the version sung by DARLENE AHUNA, who won Female Vocalist at the 1997 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

Her voice turns it into a refined hula song.

Akaka Falls is also famous as the tallest waterfall in the state of Hawaii.

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Royal Hawaiian HotelNa Leo

The title Royal Hawaiian Hotel comes from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, nicknamed the Pink Palace, which opened in 1927.

As that suggests, the song was created as a commercial jingle for the hotel.

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Ka Uluwehi O Ke KaiHapa

Hapa – Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai (studio version)
Ka Uluwehi O Ke KaiHapa

If you like Okinawan folk songs, we recommend “Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai.” HAPA is a quintessential Hawaiian music group, highly regarded for their gentle falsetto.

The melody resembles Okinawan folk music, infused with elements of country and Hawaiian styles.

While the tempo is relaxed, the energy rises in the latter half, making it a staple for hula.

It’s also a great pick if you’re looking for Hawaiian music with a folkloric feel.

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Noho PaipaiKa’au Crater Boys

Ka’au Crater Boys – Noho Pai Pai
Noho PaipaiKa'au Crater Boys

If you’re looking for upbeat, fast-tempo Hawaiian music, I recommend “Noho Paipai.” The lyrics are pretty flirty—something like, “How about rocking with me in a rocking chair, baby?” Which totally explains the cheerful, quick tempo! In Hawaii, it’s often played as a traditional party tune.

When it’s used for hula, the dance gets quite energetic, so be sure to check it out!

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Blue Hawai‘iHaunani Kahalewai & Chorus

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

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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Blue HawaiiElvis Presley