Hawaii has a rich and diverse musical history that has given birth to some of the most iconic singers in the world. From traditional Hawaiian music to modern pop and rock, Hawaii has produced a wide range of talented musicians who have captured the hearts of music lovers across the globe.
One of the most legendary Hawaiian singers is Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, who is best known for his rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World.” His soulful voice and unique style of blending Hawaiian music with contemporary sounds have made him a beloved figure in the music world.
Another well-known Hawaiian singer is Jack Johnson, who gained international fame with his laid-back acoustic sound and socially conscious lyrics. With hit songs like “Better Together” and “Upside Down,” Johnson has become a household name and an ambassador for Hawaiian music.
Cecilio & Kapono are a classic Hawaiian duo known for their fusion of rock, pop, and Hawaiian music. They gained popularity in the 1970s with their hit song “Friends,” which is still widely loved today.
Other famous Hawaiian singers include The Brothers Cazimero, Kealiʻi Reichel, Kalapana, and Bette Midler, who was born and raised in Honolulu. With their unique sounds and styles, these singers have left an indelible mark on the world of music and continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
1. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z26BvHOD_sg
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, also known as “Bruddah Iz,” was a Hawaiian singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to international fame after his death. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1959, Kamakawiwo’ole started his music career as a teenager, performing with his family band, Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau. He later pursued a solo career, blending traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary styles such as reggae and folk.
Kamakawiwo’ole is best known for his rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World,” a medley of the classic songs that has become one of the most recognizable and beloved recordings in modern music history. The song was featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, and has been covered by countless artists around the world.
In addition to his music, Kamakawiwo’ole was also an advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural preservation. He used his platform to raise awareness about social and environmental issues affecting the Hawaiian people and worked to promote peace and harmony through his music.
Despite his untimely death at the age of 38, Kamakawiwo’ole’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans around the world. His unique voice, musical talent, and message of hope and unity will always be remembered as a true treasure of Hawaiian culture.
2. Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his laid-back acoustic sound and socially conscious lyrics. He was born on May 18, 1975, in North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii, and grew up surfing and playing music with his family. Johnson’s music draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including folk, reggae, and rock, and often incorporates environmental and political themes.
Johnson first gained recognition in the early 2000s with his debut album, “Brushfire Fairytales,” which included the hit single “Flake.” He has since released several successful albums, including “On and On,” “In Between Dreams,” and “Sleep Through the Static.” Johnson’s music has been featured in a number of films and television shows, including “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “Curious George.”
Aside from his music career, Johnson is also known for his environmental activism and philanthropy. He has supported various causes, including ocean conservation and education, and founded the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, which aims to support environmental education in Hawaii’s schools. Johnson’s music and activism have made him a beloved figure in the folk and indie music scenes, and his influence continues to be felt in the music industry today.
3. Ledward Kaapana
Ledward Kaapana is a legendary Hawaiian musician known for his mastery of the slack-key guitar. Born in 1948 on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kaapana grew up in a musical family and started playing the ukulele and guitar at a young age. He developed his unique fingerstyle technique for the slack-key guitar, which involves playing multiple parts of a song simultaneously, creating a rich and intricate sound.
Kaapana’s music is deeply rooted in Hawaiian traditions and often draws inspiration from nature and daily life in Hawaii. He has recorded numerous albums and collaborated with many other musicians throughout his career, including his brothers and fellow slack-key guitarists, Cyril and Martin. He has also played with the popular Hawaiian band, Hui ‘Ohana.
In addition to his virtuosic guitar playing, Kaapana is also known for his smooth and soulful singing voice. His songs range from traditional Hawaiian music to contemporary Hawaiian pop and often incorporate elements of jazz, blues, and country. He has been recognized with multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, the most prestigious music awards in Hawaii.
Kaapana continues to perform and share his music with audiences around the world, carrying on the legacy of slack-key guitar and Hawaiian music.
4. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and record producer from Hawaii. Born in 1985, Mars grew up in a musical family and began performing at a young age. He rose to fame in the early 2010s with his unique blend of pop, R&B, funk, and soul music.
Mars has released four studio albums to date, all of which have been commercial successes. His debut album, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” released in 2010, spawned hit singles such as “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade,” which earned him multiple Grammy nominations. His second album, “Unorthodox Jukebox,” released in 2012, further solidified his status as a chart-topping artist with singles such as “Locked Out of Heaven” and “When I Was Your Man.” Mars’ third album, “24K Magic,” released in 2016, earned him several Grammy awards, including Album of the Year. He followed it up with “Silk Sonic,” a collaborative project with Anderson .Paak that released in 2021.
Mars is known for his dynamic live performances and his ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music. He has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, and has sold over 130 million records worldwide. He continues to be a major force in the music industry and a beloved performer for audiences around the world.
5. Don Ho
Don Ho was a Hawaiian musician and entertainer, known for his laid-back style and charismatic personality. Born in Honolulu in 1930, Ho began his musical career in the late 1950s, playing at various venues throughout Waikiki. He became a local sensation, performing regularly at the iconic Duke Kahanamoku’s nightclub, and eventually landed a record deal with Reprise Records.
Ho’s breakthrough came in 1966, with the release of his album “Tiny Bubbles,” which spawned the hit single of the same name. The song became a signature tune for Ho and is still considered a classic of Hawaiian music. Ho continued to release albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and also hosted his own variety show, “The Don Ho Show,” which aired nationally.
Aside from his music career, Ho was also known for his larger-than-life personality and his role in promoting tourism to Hawaii. He was a fixture in the Waikiki community and continued to perform until his death in 2007 at the age of 76. Today, he is remembered as a beloved icon of Hawaiian music and culture, whose music continues to inspire and entertain people around the world.
6. Yvonne Elliman
Yvonne Elliman is a singer-songwriter and actress born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1951. She is best known for her hit songs in the 1970s, including “If I Can’t Have You” and “Love Pains,” as well as her role as Mary Magdalene in the original Broadway production and film adaptation of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Elliman began her music career as a backup singer for artists like Eric Clapton and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees before pursuing a solo career. Her breakout hit came in 1977 with “If I Can’t Have You,” which was featured on the soundtrack of the film “Saturday Night Fever” and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance. She followed up with other successful singles like “Love Pains” and “Hello Stranger.”
In addition to her music career, Elliman has also acted in film and television. She played Mary Magdalene in the original 1970 Broadway production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and reprised the role in the 1973 film adaptation. She also had recurring roles on the television shows “Magnum, P.I.” and “Hawaii Five-O.”
Elliman’s distinctive voice and catchy pop songs have made her a beloved figure in the music industry, and her contributions to both music and theater have earned her a place in entertainment history.
7. Moe Keale
Moe Keale was a Hawaiian musician and entertainer who became well-known for his soulful vocals, skillful ukulele playing, and Hawaiian music performances. Born in 1939 in Niihau, Hawaii, Keale was raised in a musical family and began playing the ukulele at a young age. He later learned to play the guitar and bass, and by the 1960s had formed the band “The Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau” with his cousins.
Keale’s music was deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and often featured themes of love, nature, and spirituality. He was known for his soulful interpretations of traditional Hawaiian songs, as well as his original compositions. Keale also acted in a number of Hawaiian films and television shows, and was a frequent performer at tourist destinations throughout the state.
In addition to his music career, Keale was also a respected cultural educator and advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty. He worked to preserve and promote Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions, and was a beloved figure in the Hawaiian community. Despite battling health issues in his later years, Keale continued to perform and record music until his passing in 2002. He is remembered as one of Hawaii’s most talented and beloved musicians.
8. James Mercer
James Mercer is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the indie rock band The Shins. Born on December 26, 1970, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mercer was raised in a military family and lived in different parts of the world before settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Mercer formed The Shins in 1996, and the band released their debut album, “Oh, Inverted World,” in 2001. The album’s catchy, melodic pop songs and Mercer’s evocative lyrics quickly gained critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. The band’s subsequent albums, “Chutes Too Narrow” and “Wincing the Night Away,” continued to receive critical praise and commercial success.
In addition to his work with The Shins, Mercer has collaborated with a number of other artists, including Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse on the album “Dark Night of the Soul,” and Broken Bells with Danger Mouse. Mercer’s songwriting is characterized by his distinctive melodic sense, literate and often cryptic lyrics, and eclectic musical influences that range from classic pop to folk and psychedelic rock.
Throughout his career, Mercer has been praised for his songwriting, singing, and guitar playing, and his work with The Shins has been cited as a major influence on the indie rock genre.
9. Eddie Kamae
Eddie Kamae was a Hawaiian musician and filmmaker who was born on August 4, 1927, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was known for his musical prowess on the ukulele and guitar and for his work in preserving the traditional Hawaiian music and culture. Kamae began his musical career in the 1940s and was a founding member of the influential group, the Sons of Hawaii. He played a key role in the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s, a movement that helped to revive interest in Hawaiian music, dance, and culture.
In addition to his music career, Kamae was also a filmmaker and made several award-winning documentaries about the Hawaiian culture and music. His films, which include “The Hawaiian Way” and “Liʻa: The Legacy of a Hawaiian Man,” were widely praised for their sensitivity and accuracy in depicting the Hawaiian way of life.
Throughout his career, Kamae was recognized for his contributions to Hawaiian music and culture. He was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 1995 and was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1997 for his lifetime contributions to American culture. Kamae passed away on January 7, 2017, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hawaii’s most important musical and cultural figures.
10. Alfred Apaka
Alfred Apaka, born on March 19, 1919, in Honolulu, Hawaii, was a Hawaiian singer who was best known for popularizing the Hawaiian style of music during the 1940s and 1950s. He was often referred to as the “Golden Voice of Hawaii” due to his smooth and effortless vocal style.
Apaka began his career as a performer in his family’s band, the Royal Hawaiian Serenaders, and quickly gained popularity in the local music scene. He eventually landed a gig at the Moana Hotel in Waikiki, where he became a star attraction and earned a reputation as one of the best Hawaiian singers of his time.
Apaka’s music was a fusion of traditional Hawaiian music with Western pop and jazz influences. He had a rich baritone voice that lent itself well to romantic ballads, and his performances were characterized by his laid-back charm and easy-going personality.
Apaka recorded numerous albums throughout his career, including “My Isle of Golden Dreams” and “The Best of Alfred Apaka.” His music continues to be celebrated today, and his legacy lives on in the Hawaiian music scene.
11. Cecilio & Kapono
Cecilio & Kapono, often referred to as “C&K,” are a Hawaiian music duo that gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. The duo consists of Henry Kapono Ka’aihue and Cecilio David Rodriguez. They first met in high school in Honolulu and began playing music together at parties and local venues. Their music is a blend of rock, pop, and traditional Hawaiian music, with a strong emphasis on vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar.
C&K’s first album, “Cecilio & Kapono,” was released in 1974 and quickly became a hit in Hawaii. Their music resonated with audiences across the Pacific, and they went on to release several more albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Some of their most popular songs include “Sailing,” “About You,” and “Friends.”
The duo’s success helped to pave the way for other Hawaiian musicians and helped to establish a unique Hawaiian music scene. They were known for their live performances, which were filled with energy and enthusiasm, and they toured extensively throughout Hawaii and the mainland United States.
Despite their eventual split in the late 1980s, Cecilio & Kapono’s music continues to be popular in Hawaii and among fans of Hawaiian music. Their blend of rock, pop, and Hawaiian music has had a lasting impact on the music scene in Hawaii and beyond.
12. The Brothers Cazimero
The Brothers Cazimero is a Hawaiian music duo that was formed in 1975 by Robert Cazimero and his brother Roland. They are known for their unique blend of traditional Hawaiian music and contemporary pop and rock styles. Over the years, the duo has released numerous albums and has won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the most prestigious award in Hawaiian music.
Robert Cazimero is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and kumu hula (hula teacher), who is highly respected in the Hawaiian music and dance communities. His brother Roland is a gifted musician who plays a variety of instruments, including the guitar, bass, and ukulele. Together, the Brothers Cazimero have created a sound that is distinctly Hawaiian, yet modern and accessible.
Their music reflects the beauty and spirit of the islands, and their lyrics often celebrate the people and places of Hawaii. Many of their songs have become beloved classics in Hawaii, and are frequently played on local radio stations and at social gatherings. The Brothers Cazimero have also toured extensively, both in Hawaii and on the mainland, and have gained a large and loyal following around the world.
13. Bette Midler
Bette Midler is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and comedian who has enjoyed a successful career spanning several decades. Known for her powerful vocals, larger-than-life personality, and distinctive stage presence, Midler has won multiple awards for her work, including three Grammy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and three Emmy Awards.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1945, Midler began her career singing in local nightclubs and coffeehouses before moving to New York City in the late 1960s. There, she gained a following performing in various clubs and theaters, eventually landing her breakthrough role in the Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Midler’s music career took off in the 1970s, with hit songs such as “The Rose,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and “From a Distance.” She has released over a dozen studio albums, with her music spanning a variety of genres, including pop, rock, and jazz.
In addition to her music career, Midler has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “The Rose,” “Beaches,” and “Hocus Pocus.” She has also been a vocal advocate for environmental causes and social justice issues, using her platform to raise awareness and support for various causes.
14. Larry Ching
Larry Ching, also known as the “Sinatra of Chinatown”, was an American singer and actor of Chinese descent who gained popularity during the swing era. Born in Hawaii in 1913, Ching started his career performing in local clubs and hotels before being discovered by bandleader Harry Owens, who brought him to the mainland to perform in his orchestra.
Ching’s unique style of blending swing music with Chinese lyrics and melodies gained him a loyal following, particularly within the Chinese American community. He went on to record several albums and singles, including the popular “Shanghai Lil” and “Chinatown, My Chinatown”.
In addition to his music career, Ching also appeared in several films, including the 1946 movie “Flame of Barbary Coast” alongside John Wayne. He continued to perform and record music until his death in 2002 at the age of 88.
Larry Ching’s legacy lives on as a pioneer of Asian American representation in music and entertainment. He paved the way for future generations of Asian American artists and his influence can still be heard in contemporary music today.
15. Kealiʻi Reichel
Kealiʻi Reichel is a Hawaiian singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer, and teacher who has played a significant role in the revival and preservation of Hawaiian language and culture through his music. He was born on May 10, 1961, in Lahaina, Maui, and was raised in a family of musicians and dancers.
Reichel has released several albums over the years, and his music combines traditional Hawaiian chanting and hula with contemporary melodies and instrumentation. He is known for his beautiful, soothing voice, and his performances are often accompanied by hula dancers who bring the stories he sings about to life.
Aside from his music career, Reichel is also a respected teacher and cultural ambassador. He is the founder and kumu hula (master teacher) of the hālau (school) Keʻalaokamaile, where he has trained hundreds of students in the art of hula and Hawaiian language. He is deeply committed to preserving the Hawaiian culture and has worked tirelessly to promote the use of the Hawaiian language in schools and in everyday life.
Throughout his career, Reichel has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Hawaiian music and culture, including the Hawaiian Music Award for Male Vocalist of the Year and the Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Album of the Year. His music has touched the hearts of countless people both in Hawaii and around the world, and he continues to inspire others with his passion and dedication to his culture.
16. Kalapana
Kalapana is a Hawaiian band that gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with their unique blend of rock, pop, and Hawaiian music. The band was formed in 1973 by Malani Bilyeu, Mackey Feary, and Kirk Thompson, all of whom shared a passion for music and a deep connection to their Hawaiian roots. Over the years, Kalapana became known for their smooth harmonies, catchy melodies, and dynamic live performances, which often featured hula dancers and other elements of Hawaiian culture.
Some of Kalapana’s most popular songs include “Naturally,” “The Hurt,” and “Many Classic Moments,” all of which showcase the band’s signature sound and lyrical themes of love, nature, and the beauty of Hawaii. Despite the tragic loss of Feary in 1999, Kalapana continued to perform and record music, with Bilyeu taking on a leadership role in the band.
Today, Kalapana is recognized as one of the most influential bands in Hawaiian music history, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Their music represents a unique fusion of Hawaiian traditions and contemporary styles, and their enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.
17. Bob Shane
Bob Shane was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the founding member and lead vocalist of the popular folk group The Kingston Trio. The trio was formed in 1957 and quickly gained popularity with their blend of traditional folk music and contemporary themes, becoming one of the most successful groups of the era. Shane’s smooth baritone voice was a signature of the group’s sound, and his arrangements of classic folk songs helped to define the genre for a generation.
Shane remained with The Kingston Trio until his retirement in 2004, after which he continued to perform and record as a solo artist. Throughout his career, he released several solo albums, including “Bob Shane: Solo”, “The Other Side of Bob Shane”, and “Homestead Years”, which showcased his versatility as a musician and songwriter. He was also a respected historian and collector of American folk music, and his contributions to the preservation and popularization of the genre are widely recognized.
Bob Shane was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Pop Music Hall of Fame, and his influence on the American folk music landscape is immeasurable. He passed away on January 26, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and a lasting impact on the world of folk music.
18. Ooklah The Moc
Ooklah The Moc is a reggae band from Hawaii that was formed in the late 1990s. The band’s unique sound blends traditional reggae with elements of rock, funk, and soul, creating a sound that is both modern and timeless. The band’s name is a play on words, with “ooklah” meaning “to smoke” in Hawaiian and “moc” being short for “moccasin,” a type of shoe commonly worn by Native Americans.
Ooklah The Moc has released several albums, including their self-titled debut in 2001 and their most recent album, “Every Posse Needs A Cowboy,” in 2010. The band has also toured extensively, playing shows all over Hawaii and the mainland United States. Their live shows are known for their high energy and infectious groove, with fans dancing and singing along to the band’s catchy tunes.
Ooklah The Moc’s music is deeply rooted in the Hawaiian culture, with lyrics that often deal with issues such as social justice, environmentalism, and love for the land. The band’s music is also heavily influenced by the Rastafarian movement, with many songs containing references to the teachings of Haile Selassie and the importance of spiritual enlightenment. Overall, Ooklah The Moc is a band that has managed to carve out its own unique niche in the crowded world of reggae music, thanks to their distinctive sound and deeply felt lyrics.
19. Sacred Rite
Sacred Rite is a heavy metal band from Hawaii, formed in 1980. The band was known for their unique sound that blended traditional heavy metal with the musical elements of their native Hawaiian culture. Sacred Rite’s music was also characterized by their fast tempos, intense guitar riffs, and soaring vocals.
The band’s debut album, “Sacred Rite,” was released in 1984 to critical acclaim, featuring songs that explored the themes of fantasy and mythology, such as “Wings of Pegazus” and “White Boy”. The album helped to establish Sacred Rite as a major player in the heavy metal scene, and they quickly gained a loyal following.
Despite their early success, Sacred Rite faced numerous setbacks throughout their career, including lineup changes and struggles with their record label. Nevertheless, the band continued to release several albums over the years, including “The Ritual” and “Is Nothing Sacred?”.
Sacred Rite’s legacy lives on as one of the most influential bands in the history of heavy metal music in Hawaii. Their unique sound, combined with their passion for their cultural heritage, has inspired countless musicians in Hawaii and beyond.
20. Ray Kinney
Ray Kinney was a Hawaiian singer and musician who played a significant role in popularizing Hawaiian music outside of Hawaii in the mid-20th century. Born in Honolulu in 1900, Kinney started his career as a vaudeville performer and then moved on to performing in Hollywood films. It was during this time that he began incorporating Hawaiian music into his performances, and he soon became known as the “Hawaiian Ambassador of Song.”
In the 1930s and 1940s, Kinney made a number of recordings that showcased his smooth, crooning style and his ability to blend traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary popular styles. Some of his most popular recordings include “Hawaiian Hospitality,” “My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii,” and “Aloha Oe.”
Kinney also had a successful career as a bandleader, performing with his group, The Aloha Serenaders, in nightclubs and other venues across the United States. He continued to perform and record music until his death in 1974.
Today, Kinney is remembered as an important figure in the history of Hawaiian music and as a pioneer in introducing this music to a wider audience. His smooth, soothing voice and his ability to blend Hawaiian melodies with other popular styles continue to inspire musicians and listeners alike.
Simon Robinson 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.
