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

Blue HawaiiElvis Presley

Blue Hawaii by Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, known as the King of Rock and Roll.

With over 600 million records sold across formats like vinyl and CDs, he’s a legendary artist known to everyone.

Although he was from Mississippi, he had a deep love for Hawaii and covered many Hawaiian songs.

Among them, the most famous is “Blue Hawaii.” It was used as the theme song for the film of the same name, and this event helped bring Hawaiian music to worldwide recognition.

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On A Coconut IslandLouis Armstrong With The Polynesians

Louis Armstrong With The Polynesians – On A Coconut Island

Louis Armstrong is an African American jazz musician.

At the time, there was a Hawaiian boom in the United States, and he, as a jazz musician, also performed it.

The contrast between jazz and traditional Hawaiian music is expressed quite well.

Beautiful Kaua`iDon Ho

don ho – beautiful kauai

“Beautiful Kaua‘i” is an anthem for the island of Kaua‘i, and Don Ho’s rendition was a major hit at the time.

It’s still a staple in his tour setlists.

The combination of his voice and the lyrics’ love for Kaua‘i makes it a very captivating piece—a Hawaiian song that fully conveys a man’s allure.

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.

Honolulu City LightsKeola and Kapono Beamer

Honolulu City Lights

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.

He Aloha Ku’u IpoGeorge Helm And Homer Hu

He Aloha Ku’u Ipo／George Helm And Homer Hu

George Helm was a legendary falsetto singer who died at the age of 27.

The song is a very sweet love song.

Though the tone is restrained and understated, you can keenly feel the passion directed at a loved one—love that, even when held back, inevitably spills out.

O Rapa NuiFenua

O Rapa Nui E

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.

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