[Recommended for ukulele singing and playing!] Classic Hawaiian music masterpieces
In this article, we’ll introduce classic Hawaiian songs that are perfect for ukulele singing and playing.
The mellow atmosphere and lively tempos create tones filled with a comforting sense of Hawaii’s breeze.
We’ve picked out soothing Hawaiian music ranging from traditional tunes to popular music!
These are great when you want to enjoy a Hawaiian mood even while in Japan, and they also work well as background music for studying or working.
By all means, use these selections not only when you perform and sing with your ukulele, but also for your relaxation time.
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Recommended for ukulele playing and singing! Classic Hawaiian music songs (1–10)
Hawaiian Wedding Song (The Wedding Song of Hawaii)
Charles E.
King, a Hawaiian educator and composer, released a piece in 1962 titled “Ke Kali Nei Au.” As it came to be frequently used at Hawaiian weddings, the piece became affectionately known as the “Hawaiian Wedding Song.” Its familiar melody makes it perfect for singing and playing an instrument at the same time.
It might be fun to perform this song as a sing-and-play act for a friend’s wedding someday.
Aloha ʻOe
Aloha Oe, composed by Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii.
The title means “my love to you,” and it’s a famous Hawaiian song cherished in many countries.
Its greatest charm is the familiar melody that even feels akin to Japanese folk songs.
The gentle, soothing tone is irresistible—it really calms the heart when you listen.
It’s also perfect for singing and playing, since it uses simple chords like C, F, G7, and C7.
Hanalei Moon
Hanalei Moon, composed and released in 1976 by pianist and composer Bob Nelson, is one of the most famous Hawaiian songs written in English, known as a hapa-haole song.
The song is inspired by Hanalei Beach on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, and I can’t help but admire how it captures the moonlit, dreamlike shoreline with a melody that’s both beautiful and bittersweet.
Recommended for Ukulele Playing and Singing! Classic Hawaiian Music Songs (11–20)
Kaimana Hila (Kaimana Hila)
Kaimana Hila, inspired by Diamond Head, the volcano on Oahu in Hawaii.
The song blends a bright tone with a melody that evokes Hawaii’s cheerful atmosphere, making it very easy to listen to! By the way, “kaimana” means “diamond” in Hawaiian, and “hill” means “hill” in English; combined, they form “Kaimana Hila.” The title’s naming is a bit witty and fun, isn’t it?
On a bustling beachHino Teruko
One song whose Japanese lyrics are widely loved is “Baribari no Hamabe.” Its romantic lyrics and gentle melody make it a truly lovely piece.
It was originally composed in the United States, and the Japanese lyrics are said to be a translation.
However, because it’s better known in Japan than in the U.S., the Japanese version has become the one most people are familiar with.
By the way, the “Baribari” in the title is said to be a fictional place name.
Try performing it along with this little bit of trivia.
Papalina Lahilahi
Rhymed lyrics and double meanings are also a big part of Hawaiian music’s appeal.
How about giving “Papalina Lahilahi” a try? It’s a song that portrays a man and woman in a delicate relationship, and its nuance shifts depending on how you listen.
Each time you delve deeper into the lyrics, you’ll likely find yourself amazed—“Oh, so it can mean that too.” And once you understand the words, the way you hear the ukulele’s sound will probably change as well.
Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai (Tafuwafuwai)
I think everyone has heard “Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai (Tahuwafuwai)” at least once.
It’s a piece composed around 1960, and lyrics that are widely known today were later added.
Those lyrics depict the pure love of a couple.
Incidentally, in Japan the parody version “Yannacchatta-bushi” is very popular.
Be that as it may, the charm of this tune is that you can challenge yourself with fast picking.
Since the chords are simple, once you get used to them you can gradually raise the tempo, which also works well as a performance trick.