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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Selecting hula dance songs: Classic tracks (1–10) that evoke Hawaii’s healing spirit and culture.
Lei Ho’ohenoWeldon Kekauoha
A classic of Hawaiian music, “Lei Ho‘oheno.” It’s a masterpiece frequently used for hula as well.
The title translates into Japanese as “a precious person,” and in the lyrics, the beloved is compared to a lei, the flower garland worn around the neck.
Although the song is sung in Hawaiian, it’s known for having especially easy-to-understand lyrics among Hawaiian songs.
For that reason, many people learn Hawaiian through this piece.
If you like orthodox Hawaiian music, be sure to check it out!
He Aloha No O HonoluluTeresa Bright
If you’re in the mood for something a little wistful, I recommend “He Aloha No O Honolulu.” It was released in 1999 by Teresa Bright, a leading artist in Hawaiian music.
While the tempo is as relaxed as other Hawaiian songs, this track features a slightly melancholic melody.
Teresa Bright’s voice is pretty cool, so be sure to give it a listen!
Kaulana Na PuaProject KULEANA
Kaulana Na Pua was written right after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.
It may be hard to imagine from today’s Hawaii, but at the time the islands were in a state of war, and people’s spirits were exhausted.
Kaulana Na Pua was composed to encourage the people of Hawaii—a kind of fight song to lift them up.
Both its melody and its lyrics share elements in common with Okinawa.
The melody itself is crafted to be soothing and bright, but once you understand the meaning embedded in the song, it sounds quite different.
Kaimana HilaAuntie Geri
Kaimana Hila,” with its cheerful melody, leaves a lasting impression.
It’s a very famous song and is frequently used in hula.
Hawaiian music often compares feelings and people to elements of nature like plants and mountains, and this song is no exception—it takes Diamond Head, a well-known tourist spot in Hawaii, as its theme.
Incidentally, the title “Kaimana Hila” means “Diamond Hill,” referring to Diamond Head.
If you like fast-tempo Hawaiian music, be sure to check it out!
Lei PakalanaNā Wai ʻ Ehā
A harmony group formed by two sets of brothers from Maui, Nā Wai ʻEhā delivers a beautiful piece wrapped in gentle warmth.
Centered on the theme of the pakalana lei, a traditional Hawaiian flower, its graceful melody resonates deeply.
Featured on their November 2018 album “Nā Wai ʻEhā,” this track showcases the members’ clear, pristine vocals carried by the soft tones of ukulele and slack-key guitar.
While cherishing elements of traditional Hawaiian music, the captivating, modern-tinged sound design has won the hearts of many listeners.
Perfect for peaceful moments or as background music for hula practice, it creates a truly blissful atmosphere.
Aloha OeRose Ensemble
Many of you have probably heard this song, right? “Aloha ʻOe” is a very old song; its sheet music was published in 1895.
So it turns out it’s an incredibly old piece.
The song was composed by Liliʻuokalani, the eighth and last queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Some say the lyrics reflect the situation of the kingdom as it stood on the brink of collapse, and in some circles there are whispers that parts of its story were fabricated by the United States.
Although the song is shrouded in mystery, it has spread as a beloved national song of Hawaii.
WaikīkīDavid Nalu & Gabby Pahinui & Joe Diamond & Ralph Alapa’i & Cummings Signature
If you’ve watched hula a few times, this tune might sound familiar.
“Waikīkī” is a well-known piece of Hawaiian music, often used for solo performances in the hula world.
It was composed by the legendary Hawaiian composer Andy Cummings.
Born in 1913, he had a very long career and remained active in music until his passing in 1995.
Pua HoneBrothers Cazimero
This timeless song beautifully expresses feelings for a loved one through a gentle, translucent melody and heartwarming lyrics.
Performed by Hawaii’s iconic duo, the Brothers Cazimero, it’s a gem that blends traditional Hawaiian sounds with modern arrangements.
Included on the 1978 album Ho‘āla, the song was written and composed by Dennis Kamakahi.
Its acoustic instrumentation and refined harmonies weave a lovely tune that washes over the heart like calm waves.
The unhurried rhythm and soothing tones are perfect for the graceful movements of hula.
It also makes a wonderful soundtrack for quiet nights—an ideal choice when you want to relax and feel the Hawaiian breeze.
KawaipunaheleKeali’i Reichel
Chant is a form of traditional music that could be called Hawaii’s folk song.
Kealiʻi Reichel, an elite who mastered chant at the young age of 17 and even founded a hula organization at 19, is a standout figure.
His song “Kawaipunahele” is his biggest hit and even took the No.
1 spot, surpassing Madonna, who was at the top of the charts at the time.
Even those not familiar with Hawaiian music will likely find it recognizable.
The melody leans toward pop, and it features phrases reminiscent of Okinawan folk music.
AlekokiDennis Pavao
Dennis Pavao is a Hawaiian musician known for his falsetto.
Active in the 1970s, he is famous for popularizing traditional Hawaiian music called ‘ka leo kiʻekiʻe.’ Although Dennis Pavao left behind many classic songs, this ‘ka leo kiʻekiʻe’ is particularly popular.
The tempo is moderate, and the melody is crafted to be very cheerful.
The vocals, which make extensive use of falsetto, are also a highlight.