By: AlohaImZane
Like many cultures all across the globe, the musical roots of Hawaii can be traced back thousands of years, and still be heard today through todayʻs rhythms, percussion instruments, chants, and vocal styles. Hawaiian musicians have also incorporated various styles world wide. From country, reggae, jazz, modern rock, hip-hop, and more. In this blog we will share some favorite Hawaiian Artists to add to your playlist!
Queen Liliʻuokalani – Last Ruling Monarch of Hawaiʻi
Weʻll start with the last ruling Queen of Hawaiʻi, Her Royal Majesty Queen Liliʻuokalani. During her lifetime, the Queen composed more than 200 works. Beginning in 1845, she started her musical training at seven years old as part of her schooling. During her time in school she was an adept sight-singer that developed perfect pitch and proficient in playing the guitar, piano, organ, autoharp, and zither. Her best known work, and our suggested song to add to your playlist of Hawaiʻi, is the song of the loverʻs embrace, known as “Aloha ʻOe”.
Makaha Sons of Niʻihau – Where Israel Kamakawiwoʻole started
Formed in 1976, the group started off with five members, Jerome Koko, Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Sam Gray, Skippy Kamakawiwoʻole, and the world famous Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. The group that I remember, and brings nostalgic memories, consisted of Moon, Jerome, and Jeromeʻs brother John. We suggest the song Mehaeha/White Sandy Beach. Itʻs somewhat a sad song, but you donʻt feel sad, at least I donʻt, but relaxed…
Ekolu – Hawaiian Reggae from Maui
Starting in 1994 with members Lukela Keala, Akoni Dellomes, and Makapu Hoopii, they were all enrolled in Baldwin High School music class. Day after day they would have jam sessions, and as the years grew, so did their talents. Their style of Hawaiian Reggae has reached people all over the world. Performing in Alaska, Seattle, LA, Colorado, and internationally in Japan. Of all these achievements, their big goal is to share their music with the rest of the world, which they have done many times over. They’re not done though, their latest album was released in 2020 called… 2020. My suggestion would be Honestly from their 2001 album Shores of Waiehu.
Don Ho – No, Iʻm not suggesting THAT song.
Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Don Ho actually left the U.S. Air Force in 1959 due to his mothers developing illness. He began singing at her club in Kaneohe that year. Honeyʻs (his mothers club) grew to be a hotspot for locals and the growing customer base from the Kaneohe Marine Base. He always honored the military remembering his own years of service. In 1963 he moved his mothers club to Waikiki, and later moved his show to the nightclub called Dukeʻs (owned by world renowned suffer Duke Kahanamoku). I would suggest “Iʻll Remember You” written by his friend Kui Lee. Many people have covered the song, including the king of Rock-and-Roll Elvis Presley.
Genoa Keawe – Hawaiian Lady of Song
Genoa Keawe, simply known as Aunty Genoa, is one of the most celebrated Hawaiian recording artists in the first half of 20th century. Hawaiian ethnomusicologist Amy K. Stillman describes Keawe’s importance to Hawaiian music: “In addition to her unrivaled falsetto technique, bell-like yodeling, and her trademark ability to hold high notes for over two minutes, Genoa Keawe is particularly significant for her focus on presenting repertoire for modern hula, i.e., hula performed to westernized melodies and the accompaniment of western instruments such as guitar and ukulele. She operated a hula studio in Pauoa for many years, and has served as a resource for scores of Hawaiian musicians throughout a career that has spanned over 50 years.” If you want music of renaissance Hawaii, Aunty Genoa is our choice.