The beautiful island state of Hawaii is known for its lush landscapes, warm weather, and unique culture. It is also home to some of the most talented musicians in the world. Over the years, Hawaii has produced a number of musicians who have gone on to achieve international fame and acclaim. From the traditional sounds of the ukulele to the modern beats of hip hop, Hawaiian music is diverse and captivating.
In this article, we will be taking a closer look at 20 famous musicians from Hawaii. These artists come from different backgrounds and genres, but they all share a deep love for their island home and its rich musical traditions. We will explore their journeys to success, the impact they have had on the music industry, and what makes their music so special.
One of the most famous Hawaiian musicians of all time is Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, or “IZ” as he is commonly known. His rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” has become an iconic song that is loved by people all around the world. We will also delve into the careers of other celebrated Hawaiian artists such as Jack Johnson, Don Ho, and Bruno Mars, who have all achieved massive success in the music industry.
Join us as we celebrate the musical heritage of Hawaii and the incredible talent that has come from its shores.
1. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was a Hawaiian musician and activist, known for his soulful voice and ukulele playing. He rose to international fame with his rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” which blended elements of traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary styles. Kamakawiwo’ole was also an advocate for Hawaiian independence and often used his music to promote social and political causes. His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, making him an icon of Hawaiian music.
2. Don Ho
Don Ho was a popular Hawaiian musician and entertainer, known for his laid-back style and charismatic personality. He was a fixture in the Waikiki music scene and performed for decades at his own nightclub. Ho’s music was characterized by its easy-going vibe and incorporation of Hawaiian language and culture. He was also known for his hit song “Tiny Bubbles” which became a signature part of his act. Don Ho’s legacy lives on in the Hawaiian music scene and his influence can still be heard in the music of many contemporary Hawaiian musicians.
3. Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro is a Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso, known for his innovative playing style that blends traditional Hawaiian music with elements of jazz, rock, and pop. He gained international recognition in 2006 when a video of him playing George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral on YouTube. Since then, he has released numerous albums, collaborated with other musicians, and performed on stages all over the world. Shimabukuro’s music is characterized by his technical mastery of the ukulele, his ability to create complex arrangements using only four strings, and his joyful spirit that radiates through his playing.
4. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful voice, dynamic stage presence, and catchy pop hooks. Born in Hawaii to a musical family, he began performing at a young age and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career. Mars has released multiple chart-topping albums and singles, including “Just the Way You Are,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “Uptown Funk,” and has collaborated with other artists across a range of genres. He is also known for his high-energy live performances that showcase his versatile musical abilities and charismatic personality.
5. Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson is a singer-songwriter and musician from Hawaii who gained mainstream success in the early 2000s with his laid-back acoustic sound and thoughtful lyrics. He began his music career while attending college, and his debut album “Brushfire Fairytales” went platinum in the US. Johnson’s music is often associated with the surf culture of Hawaii, and he is known for his environmentally conscious lyrics and advocacy for ocean conservation. His music is characterized by his soothing vocals, simple guitar melodies, and introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, nature, and social issues.
6. Hapa
Hapa is a Hawaiian music duo consisting of Barry Flanagan and Keli’i Kaneali’i, known for their fusion of traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary styles. Their name, which means “half” in Hawaiian, reflects their mission to blend different cultures and musical genres. Their music is characterized by their use of Hawaiian language and instrumentation, including slack-key guitar and ukulele, as well as elements of rock, pop, and jazz. Hapa has released multiple albums and won numerous awards for their innovative approach to Hawaiian music, which has helped to bring the genre to a wider audience.
7. Henry Kapono
Henry Kapono is a renowned Hawaiian musician, singer, and songwriter who has been entertaining audiences for over four decades. Born in 1950 in Hawaii, he grew up surrounded by the rich sounds of the island and started playing music at an early age. He has released over 20 albums throughout his career, earning numerous awards and nominations. Kapono’s music is a blend of rock, pop, and Hawaiian styles, and he often incorporates traditional Hawaiian instruments into his performances. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of the contemporary Hawaiian music movement and continues to inspire a new generation of musicians.
8. Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau
The Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau, on the other hand, are a Hawaiian musical group that formed in 1976. They gained popularity in the 1980s with their unique blend of traditional Hawaiian music and contemporary influences. The group consists of four members who are all of Hawaiian descent and are known for their vocal harmonies and skilled musicianship. They have released over 20 albums and have won multiple awards, including several Grammy nominations. The Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau continue to perform and promote Hawaiian music and culture around the world. Their music is a testament to the beauty and spirit of the Hawaiian people and their traditions.
9. Keali’i Reichel
Keali’i Reichel is a well-known Hawaiian singer, songwriter, hula dancer, and cultural ambassador. Born in 1962 in Hawaii, he began his musical career in the 1980s and has since released numerous albums that have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Reichel’s music is rooted in traditional Hawaiian culture, but he also incorporates contemporary influences, creating a unique and captivating sound. He is known for his powerful and emotive vocals, as well as his captivating hula performances. Reichel has also been recognized for his contributions to preserving and promoting Hawaiian language and culture.
10. Kapena
Kapena is a popular Hawaiian band that has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. The band was formed in 1984 by three brothers, Kelly Boy, Kapena, and Lilo, and has since become a household name in Hawaii and beyond. Kapena’s music is a fusion of traditional Hawaiian, reggae, and contemporary styles, and they are known for their infectious melodies, soulful harmonies, and high-energy performances. They have released numerous albums and have won several Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, which are the equivalent of the Grammys in Hawaii. Kapena continues to tour and spread the aloha spirit through their music.
11. John Cruz
John Cruz is a Hawaiian singer-songwriter and musician known for his soulful and emotive style. Born in 1967 in Hawaii, he grew up surrounded by music and began playing guitar at a young age. He gained recognition in the 1990s with the release of his debut album, and has since become a well-respected figure in the Hawaiian music scene. Cruz’s music is a fusion of rock, reggae, and traditional Hawaiian styles, and he is known for his powerful vocals and impressive guitar skills. He has won numerous awards and nominations for his music, and continues to tour and record new material.
12. Raiatea Helm
Raiatea Helm is a Hawaiian singer who has been celebrated for her powerful voice and interpretations of traditional Hawaiian music. Born in 1984, Helm began singing at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her talent. She released her first album at the age of 21, which earned critical acclaim and commercial success. Helm’s music is rooted in the traditions of Hawaiian culture, and she is known for her ability to convey the depth and emotion of the music. She has won numerous awards and has been recognized for her contributions to preserving and promoting Hawaiian language and culture. Helm continues to perform and record new material, inspiring a new generation of Hawaiian musicians.
13. Kalapana
Kalapana is a Hawaiian band that rose to prominence in the 1970s with their unique blend of rock, pop, and Hawaiian music. The band’s name is derived from the small town on the Big Island of Hawaii where they originated. Kalapana’s music is characterized by their smooth vocal harmonies, infectious melodies, and skilled musicianship. The band has released numerous albums over the years, including several that have achieved gold and platinum status. Their music continues to be popular in Hawaii and around the world. Kalapana’s music is a testament to the beauty and spirit of Hawaii, and their legacy has inspired many musicians who have followed in their footsteps.
14. Ledward Kaapana
Ledward Kaapana is a legendary Hawaiian musician and master of the slack-key guitar. Born in 1948 in Hawaii, he grew up in a musical family and began playing music at a young age. Kaapana is known for his innovative fingerstyle guitar playing, which incorporates elements of traditional Hawaiian music and jazz. He has released numerous albums throughout his career and has been recognized for his contributions to preserving and promoting Hawaiian music and culture. Kaapana continues to tour and perform, sharing his love of music with audiences around the world. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest slack-key guitar players of all time.
15. Martin Pahinui
Martin Pahinui was a renowned Hawaiian musician and singer known for his mastery of traditional Hawaiian music. Born in 1951 in Hawaii, he grew up in a musical family and began playing music at a young age. Pahinui played numerous instruments, including the slack-key guitar, ukulele, and bass, and was known for his powerful and emotive voice. He was a member of the legendary Pahinui family band and has collaborated with numerous other Hawaiian musicians throughout his career. Pahinui passed away in 2018, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.
16. Opihi Pickers
Opihi Pickers is a popular Hawaiian band known for their upbeat and catchy music. Formed in 1995, the band consists of five members who play a variety of instruments, including the ukulele, guitar, and bass. Opihi Pickers’ music is a fusion of Hawaiian, reggae, and pop styles, and they are known for their energetic and engaging performances. They have released numerous albums over the years and have won several Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, which are the equivalent of the Grammys in Hawaii. Opihi Pickers continue to tour and record new material, spreading the spirit of aloha through their music.
17. Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom
Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom is a Hawaiian musician and hula dancer born on Maui. She is widely known for her beautiful and powerful vocals, which blend traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary influences. Gilliom has released numerous albums and has won multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, which are Hawaii’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical talents, Gilliom is also a respected hula dancer and has choreographed and performed in many hula shows. Her passion for Hawaiian culture and music is evident in all of her work, making her a beloved figure in the Hawaiian music scene.
18. Moe Keale
Moe Keale was a Hawaiian musician, actor, and cultural ambassador who was born and raised in Hawaii. He was a prominent figure in the Hawaiian music scene and played a significant role in the preservation of Hawaiian culture. Keale was a member of the influential music group Sons of Hawaii and released several solo albums throughout his career. He was also an actor and appeared in popular TV shows and movies such as Hawaii Five-O and The Hawaiians. Keale was known for his warm personality, beautiful voice, and his commitment to spreading aloha (love) and promoting Hawaiian culture. He passed away in 2002, but his legacy continues to live on through his music and the many lives he touched.
19. Brother Noland
Brother Noland, also known as Noland Conjugacion, is a Hawaiian musician who is widely recognized as the “Father of Jawaiian Music.” He is a skilled songwriter, ukulele player, and vocalist, and his music blends traditional Hawaiian sounds with reggae and rock influences. Noland has released many albums throughout his career, including the iconic hit “Coconut Girl.” He is also a respected teacher and cultural practitioner who is passionate about sharing his knowledge and love of Hawaiian culture. His contributions to the Hawaiian music scene have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades.
20. John Keawe
John Keawe is a Hawaiian slack-key guitarist and composer from the Big Island of Hawaii. His music is deeply rooted in the Hawaiian tradition and reflects the natural beauty and spirit of the islands. Keawe is a self-taught musician who has released many albums, including the award-winning “Hawaii Island…Is My Home.” He is also a respected teacher who shares his love of slack-key guitar with students from around the world. Keawe’s music is known for its gentle, soothing melodies and the way it captures the essence of Hawaiian culture and spirit.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
