The mesmerizing islands of Hawaii, known for their breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, have gifted the world with an abundance of musical talent. From the rhythmic beats of traditional Hawaiian music to the soulful melodies that transcend boundaries, the Aloha State has nurtured and produced some of the most exceptional vocalists of our time. In this article, we delve into the captivating world of music, paying homage to the top 10 famous singers from Hawaii who have captivated hearts and minds around the globe.
Hawaii’s vibrant music scene has given rise to a diverse array of talented artists, showcasing a fusion of traditional Hawaiian sounds with influences from various genres. These celebrated singers not only embody the essence of the islands but have also left an indelible mark on the international music industry.
From the heavenly voice of a Grammy-winning legend to the powerhouse performers who have dominated the charts, each artist on this list possesses a unique style and a distinct ability to transport listeners to a place of tranquility, joy, and emotional depth. Whether it’s the smooth crooning of a ballad or the energetic harmonies of contemporary pop, the Top 10 Famous Singers from Hawaii encompass a spectrum of musical prowess that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Prepare to embark on a melodic journey through the tropical paradise of Hawaii as we explore the lives, careers, and musical legacies of these extraordinary artists. Get ready to be enchanted by the sublime vocal talents that have emerged from these magical islands, forever etching their names in the annals of music history.
1. Nicole Scherzinger
One of the most popular singers from Hawaii is a talented artist who has taken both the music and television industries by storm. With her soulful voice and unmatched stage presence, she has made a name for herself not just in Hawaii, but around the world. She is known for her exceptional performances, singing prowess, and incredible beauty.
Nicole Scherzinger, born in Honolulu, is recognized as one of the most successful artists from Hawaii. She rose to fame as a member of The Pussycat Dolls, which quickly became one of the hottest girl groups in the world. After leaving the group to pursue a solo career, she achieved even greater success with hits like "Don't Hold Your Breath" and "Right There." In addition to her musical talents, she has also appeared on a variety of reality television shows including The Masked Singer and Dancing with the Stars.
What sets Scherzinger apart from many other singers from Hawaii is not just her incredible voice and musical talent but also her involvement in numerous charitable causes. She has used her platform to advocate for important causes such as education reform, animal rights initiatives, and other social issues.
Interestingly, one lesser-known fact about Scherzinger is that she was originally studying to become a lawyer before deciding to pursue music full-time. This unique background likely contributes to her well-rounded persona and ability to connect with audiences on both an emotional and intellectual level.
Overall, Nicole Scherzinger represents everything that makes Hawaiian music great; passion, dedication, talent, and heart. Her contributions have been significant not only to Hawaii's music scene but also globally where she continues to be an inspiration for aspiring musicians everywhere.
William Kahaiali'i sings so beautifully, it's like hearing the sound of Hawaii's waves crashing against the shore in perfect harmony.
2. William Kahaiali’i
William Kahaiali'i is a popular Hawaiian singer known for his soulful tunes and distinctive voice. He has won numerous awards for his exceptional music career and has sold over ten million records worldwide. His style of singing combines traditional Hawaiian music with modern influences, making him a unique artist in the industry.
Kahaiali'i's successful career extends beyond singing, as he is also a songwriter and record producer. He has worked with other famous artists, such as Carlos Santana and Bonnie Raitt, showcasing his talent on a global platform. Kahaiali'i's music reflects the essence of Hawaii, embracing his cultural roots and spreading it to the world through captivating melodies.
Apart from his musical achievements, Kahaiali'i's philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact on Hawaii's community. He is an advocate of education, supporting local schools through various fundraising events and charity concerts.
Kahaiali'i remains one of Hawaii's most celebrated artists and an inspiration to many aspiring musicians around the world. His contributions to the music industry have solidified his place in history as one of Hawaii's finest singers.
Jack Johnson proves that paradise doesn't just exist in Hawaii, it's also found in his soothing music.
3. Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson, the Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter, is widely recognized for his blend of folk, rock and pop music. He has gained fame through his soulful voice, acoustic guitar tunes and socially relevant messages in his songs. His albums have sold millions worldwide and he is known for hits like “Better Together” and “Banana Pancakes”.
In addition to performing on stage, Jack Johnson also takes part in various environmental and social projects around the world. Through the Kokua Hawaii Foundation that he co-founded with his wife Kim, he has supported various educational programs that focus on environmental awareness and sustainability.
Pro Tip: Listen to Jack Johnson’s music with a pair of quality headphones to fully appreciate the rich nuances of his unique sound.
Bob Shane may not have been born in Hawaii, but he sure could make the waves with his smooth vocals.
4. Bob Shane
Bob Shane was a famous Hawaiian singer who resonated with the audience with his soulful voice. He had a remarkable career shaped by his love for music and dedication to honing his craft.
As a founding member of The Kingston Trio, he made significant contributions to the music industry, selling millions of records worldwide, and winning several awards for his outstanding performances.
Throughout his illustrious music career, Bob Shane's style stood out as unique, fusing traditional Hawaiian melodies with modern pop beats. His versatility earned him recognition from both fans and critics alike, cementing his place as one of the pioneers of Hawaiian music.
Notably, Bob Shane continued to influence younger generations of musicians long after he retired from active performance due to health reasons. To this day, he remains an iconic figure whose legacy continues to impact contemporary Hawaiian music.
Many remember Bob Shane for creating the distinct sound that defined The Kingston Trio classic tunes that are still beloved by fans globally. He was instrumental in inspiring a new generation to embrace folk music as an essential aspect of their cultural identity.
Gabby Pahinui's music is so soulful, it could make a palm tree shed a tear.
5. Gabby Pahinui
Gabby Pahinui was a renowned Hawaiian musician who played a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional Hawaiian music. He is considered to be one of the founders of the "Hawaiian Renaissance" and his musical style, which included slack-key guitar, vocals, and ukulele, often incorporated religious themes. His influence extended beyond Hawaii, as he toured extensively throughout North America and Europe in the 1970s.
Pahinui was born into a family of musicians on the island of Oahu and began playing music at a young age. He later formed his own band, The Sons of Hawaii, which included other notable musicians such as Eddie Kamae and Cyril Pahinui (his son). The band's music often focused on the culture and history of Hawaii.
A particularly unique aspect of Pahinui's legacy is that his home became a gathering place for many notable musicians in Hawaii during the 1960s and 1970s, including Bob Dylan. These informal jam sessions helped to cultivate a sense of community among Hawaiian musicians and support for traditional cultural practices.
Pro Tip: If you want to experience Gabby Pahinui's music for yourself, check out his album "The Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band" which features some of his most popular songs.
James Mercer may have been born in Hawaii, but his music is so indie it's practically underwater.
6. James Mercer
With a distinct voice and poetic songwriting, James Mercer has become an influential figure in the indie rock scene. As the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Shins, he has released critically acclaimed albums such as "Oh, Inverted World" and "Wincing The Night Away". Mercer also formed Broken Bells, a collaboration with producer Brian Burton (Danger Mouse). Their first album was released in 2010 and garnered positive reviews.
Mercer's ability to blend melodies and lyrics showcase his talents. It's no wonder he has been listed as one of the best songwriters of his generation by publications such as Rolling Stone. He is also passionate about environmental causes, particularly preserving Hawaii's marine life. A versatile artist, Mercer has worked on various projects outside of music. He composed the soundtrack for Zach Braff's film "Wish I Was Here" and even made a cameo appearance alongside Natalie Portman in the movie Garden State.
Pro Tip: Explore Mercer's diverse discography beyond The Shins to discover his musical range.
Move over Elvis, Bruno Mars has got the moves and the voice to make Hawaii proud.
7. Bruno Mars
One of the most successful singers from Hawaii, Bruno Mars has conquered the music industry with his impressive vocal range and eclectic style. Mars began in music as a young child and has since released several chart-topping hits such as "Just The Way You Are", "Uptown Funk" and "24K Magic". He has won numerous awards including Grammy Awards for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best R&B Performance. Mars continues to captivate audiences around the world with his electrifying performances.
As a multi-talented artist, Bruno Mars is not only known for his singing but also songwriting, producing and playing instruments such as guitar, drums, keyboard and bass. He draws inspiration from a variety of genres like soul, funk, and reggae which gives him a unique sound that's all his own.
Mars was born into a musical family in Honolulu with Puerto Rican and Filipino roots. His father was a Latin percussionist while his mother was a singer; this musical influence became ingrained in him from an early age. His interest in music drove him to pursue it as a career despite facing some failure at first. But, he persevered to become one of the most iconic figures of modern pop music.
Don't miss out on experiencing the incredible talent of Bruno Mars. Catch him live or stream his music to see why he is one of Hawaii's proudest exports!
Move over, Maui – Yvonne Elliman is the real star of Hawaii's music scene.
8. Yvonne Elliman
Yvonne Elliman – The Golden-Voiced Singer from Hawaii
With a voice that can soothe even the most restless of souls, Yvonne Elliman is a renowned name in the music industry. This talented Hawaiian singer has contributed significantly to the world of music with her mesmerizing performances and soulful tunes.
Elliman's career began when she became a backup singer for several iconic musicians such as Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, and Barbra Streisand. She later went on to release solo albums and found success with hits like "If I Can't Have You" from the movie 'Saturday Night Fever'.
What sets Elliman apart from other artists is her unique ability to blend rock, R&B, and pop music into her performances seamlessly. Her vocal range coupled with her commanding stage presence set her apart as an exemplary artist in modern music history.
Fun fact: Yvonne Elliman played the character of Mary Magdalene in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Jesus Christ Superstar' on Broadway.
Glenn Medeiros may be one of the 10 famous singers from Hawaii, but I still can't get his 1987 hit "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You" out of my head.
9. Glenn Medeiros
One of the famous singers from Hawaii is a multi-dimensional personality, who is not just a singer but an award-winning songwriter and educator too. He gained international recognition with his hit song "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You." This talented performer is known as Glenn Medeiros.
Glenn Medeiros started his professional journey in the 80s and has sold over 7 million records worldwide. In addition to singing, he also shared his love for music through teaching music courses at different universities in Hawaii. He was appointed as the principal of Saint Louis School in Hawaii, which is notable for its music program. Medeiros was also awarded several accolades for his contribution to education.
Apart from his contributions to music and education, Glenn Medeiros has also involved himself in philanthropic activities by starting the Glenn & Aimee Medeiros Scholarship Fund at Chaminade University of Honolulu. The fund supports students from lower-income families who aspire to pursue higher education.
Pro Tip – Just like Glenn, it's important to not limit ourselves to one field and explore our hidden talents to make a difference in society.
Anuhea's voice is as soothing as a Hawaiian breeze, but with more power than a lava flow.
10. Anuhea
An established singer-songwriter, Anuhea blends elements of pop, reggae and folk to create a distinct sound. Her music has garnered attention from fans worldwide and has even earned her nominations for prestigious awards in the music industry. Anuhea also actively uses her platform to promote environmental awareness and advocate for social causes.
A product of Hawaii, Anuhea grew up surrounded by music and cultural traditions that shaped her identity and influenced her artistic expression. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical genres, she seamlessly incorporates these influences into her work, creating a dynamic sound that appeals to a broad audience.
In addition to her music career, Anuhea is also recognized for her philanthropic efforts. She has worked with non-profit organizations and has been involved in various charity projects aimed at supporting communities in need. This dedication to social impact further solidifies Anuhea's role as not only an accomplished musician but also as a positive force within the global community.
One notable moment in Anuhea's career came when she was selected to perform at the popular Sunset Sessions event hosted by radio station KBCO in Colorado. The performance was a major milestone in her career and allowed her to reach new fans outside of Hawaii.
As one of the most recognizable voices from Hawaii's music scene, Anuhea continues to inspire others with her talent and dedication to making meaningful contributions through her artistry.
Samuel Moore 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.
