Hawaii isn’t just a paradise of sun, surf, and stunning landscapes—it’s also a vibrant cradle of musical talent that has gifted the world some truly unforgettable voices. From the gentle strums of the ukulele under swaying palms to the electrifying pop anthems that dominate global charts, the Aloha State has been the birthplace and home of artists who’ve transcended borders and genres. In this lush cultural melting pot, music is more than entertainment—it’s a way of life, a celebration of heritage, and a powerful expression of identity.
In this article, we’re diving into the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from Hawaii, a list that spans generations and styles—from traditional Hawaiian mele to funk-fueled stadium anthems. You’ll meet soulful legends, genre-bending innovators, and global superstars, each with a unique story and sound rooted in the islands’ rich musical tapestry. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these artists for the first time, prepare to be inspired by the voices that continue to shape Hawaii’s cultural legacy and enchant audiences around the world. So tune in, turn it up, and let the sounds of Hawaii whisk you away on a musical journey like no other. 🌺🎶
1. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, affectionately called “Bruddah Iz,” remains one of the most beloved voices to ever come out of Hawaii. With just a ukulele and a voice full of soul, he had the power to quiet a crowd and stir the deepest emotions. His medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” didn’t just go viral—it became an international anthem of peace, nostalgia, and hope. But Iz was more than that song. A proud Hawaiian, he was deeply committed to cultural preservation and vocal in his support of Hawaiian independence. His songs weren’t just melodies—they were messages. They carried the weight of history, the love of his homeland, and the pain of marginalization. Despite his struggles with health, which ultimately claimed his life in 1997, he left behind a timeless legacy. His music still drifts through the air in beachside cafés, on film soundtracks, and at family gatherings, always evoking that signature feeling of aloha. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole didn’t just represent Hawaiian music—he became its spiritual voice, offering comfort, unity, and pride to generations both on and beyond the islands.
2. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez in Honolulu, is the kind of artist who seems to exist outside of time—pulling sounds from every era and turning them into something unmistakably his own. A born performer, he was already impersonating Elvis Presley on Waikiki stages as a child, surrounded by a family steeped in music. That early exposure gave him a showbiz polish and a work ethic that’s fueled his meteoric rise. Whether he’s crooning on “Just the Way You Are,” throwing down funk on “Uptown Funk,” or bringing retro romance to “Versace on the Floor,” Bruno delivers each performance with charisma, precision, and soul. His band, The Hooligans, adds energy and old-school flair to his live shows, which feel more like celebrations than concerts. With an ear for hooks, a flair for the dramatic, and a voice that shifts effortlessly between silky smooth and raw power, he’s become a global icon. Yet through it all, Bruno’s Hawaiian roots remain a part of him—shaping his rhythm, grounding his charm, and adding that unique flavor only someone from the islands can bring.
3. Don Ho
Long before Hawaii was a vacation destination in the minds of millions, Don Ho was already spreading the aloha spirit far and wide. With his laid-back charm, twinkling eyes, and voice like a Hawaiian sunset, he became a global ambassador for island culture during the 1960s and ’70s. His breakout hit, “Tiny Bubbles,” became synonymous with tiki lounges, tropical cocktails, and gentle ocean breezes. But Don was more than a lounge singer—he was a trailblazer who brought Hawaiian music to the Vegas Strip and into the living rooms of middle America via TV appearances and specials. Born in Honolulu, Don embraced his local roots while embracing showbiz in a way few Hawaiian artists had done before. He featured local musicians in his acts, kept his humor self-deprecating and warm, and never lost the personal touch—even when performing for presidents. His performances were a blend of kitsch and sincerity, humor and heart. He made people feel good, and in doing so, he put Hawaii on the map for millions. Don Ho wasn’t just a performer—he was Hawaii’s musical smile to the world.
4. Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson grew up riding the waves on Oʻahu’s North Shore, and you can hear the ocean in every song he writes. Known for his mellow voice, simple acoustic melodies, and introspective lyrics, Jack emerged from the surf scene with a debut album that felt like a handwritten note passed between friends. But what began as quiet beachside storytelling quickly grew into a worldwide movement. With songs like “Better Together,” “Banana Pancakes,” and “Upside Down,” Jack speaks to love, nature, and the desire to live more simply. Before music, he was a pro surfer—and that chill, grounded attitude carries into everything he does. His concerts are low-key yet powerful, and his commitment to sustainability is no side project: his tours run on biodiesel, he recycles on the road, and he founded the Kokua Foundation to promote environmental education. Jack’s music isn’t flashy, but that’s the point—it’s meant to calm, connect, and make you breathe a little easier. In a fast-moving world, Jack Johnson is the musical reminder to slow down and appreciate what matters.
5. Kealiʻi Reichel
Kealiʻi Reichel is more than a singer—he’s a cultural torchbearer. Raised in Maui, he’s a kumu hula (hula master), a composer, a chanter, and one of the most respected voices in modern Hawaiian music. When he released “Kawaipunahele” in the mid-1990s, it wasn’t just a hit—it was a revelation. With each album since, Reichel has woven traditional Hawaiian chants and language into contemporary melodies, creating a bridge between past and present. His voice is rich and soulful, carrying not just lyrics but entire histories. Trained in both Western classical music and Hawaiian arts, he performs with equal reverence in concert halls and cultural festivals. His shows are immersive—often accompanied by graceful hula dancers and poetic narration, offering audiences an emotional, educational experience. Beyond the stage, he’s fiercely dedicated to preserving the Hawaiian language and perpetuating native practices. Kealiʻi’s work isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about identity, pride, and remembering where we come from. Through him, Hawaiian music remains not just alive, but deeply meaningful.
6. Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom
Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom is the kind of artist who commands attention from the moment she sings her first note. Born into a family of musicians on Maui, Amy’s musical roots run deep, and her sound reflects both the beauty of tradition and the daring of innovation. She’s perhaps best known for reviving Hawaiian falsetto singing, a challenging and expressive style historically performed by male singers. With powerful vocals and a commanding stage presence, Amy took that tradition and made it her own—earning multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and a Grammy nomination along the way. But she’s no purist: her music flirts with jazz, classical, pop, and even operatic tones, blending influences into a sound that’s uniquely hers. Whether she’s performing a Hawaiian ballad or singing with a full symphony orchestra, Amy brings raw emotion and technical brilliance to every performance. She’s not just a singer; she’s a storyteller, an innovator, and a cultural ambassador. Amy represents the strength, versatility, and grace of Hawaiian women in music—respected at home and celebrated around the world.
7. Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro didn’t just pick up a ukulele—he reinvented it. Born and raised in Honolulu, Jake first gained fame after a video of him playing “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral. But he was no flash in the pan. His skill is unmatched, his creativity boundless, and his passion for music contagious. With rapid-fire fingerpicking and emotional nuance, Jake has taken the four-string ukulele into uncharted territory, playing everything from classical to rock, jazz to flamenco. Watching him perform is like witnessing a musical magician—his hands blur, but the sound is precise, clean, and full of feeling. And yet, despite the technical fireworks, there’s a humility about him that makes his success even more endearing. He often works with schools and young musicians, advocating for music education and sharing the joy of the ukulele with anyone willing to learn. To Jake, the ukulele isn’t just an instrument—it’s a voice, a friend, and a bridge across cultures. In his hands, this humble Hawaiian icon becomes a global phenomenon.
8. Anuhea
Anuhea is the sound of modern Hawaii—fresh, honest, and full of heart. Born and raised on Maui, she brings a unique blend of pop, reggae, R&B, and acoustic soul that reflects her island roots and global perspective. With a guitar in hand and lyrics straight from the heart, she first made waves with “Simple Love Song,” a track that introduced the world to her warm vocals and laid-back style. Since then, she’s released multiple albums, toured internationally, and built a loyal fanbase drawn to her authenticity. Anuhea’s music often centers on personal growth, relationships, and female empowerment, making her voice not just musically appealing, but emotionally resonant. She sings like she’s having a one-on-one conversation—inviting, honest, and a little playful. Offstage, she’s deeply involved in her community, supporting local causes and uplifting other women in the industry. With every new song, Anuhea proves that aloha is more than a greeting—it’s a way of life. And she’s carrying that message across the world, one soulful verse at a time.
9. Makana
Makana is not your typical slack-key guitarist. While he honors the deep traditions of Hawaiian ki ho‘alu (slack-key guitar), he’s also fearlessly experimental—pushing the genre into new and often unexpected directions. Raised on Oʻahu, Makana was a prodigy, learning from legendary slack-key masters as a teenager. But he didn’t stop there. His music fuses Hawaiian roots with rock, flamenco, blues, and even political protest, resulting in a sound that’s as fiery as it is fluid. His live shows are dynamic journeys, moving from delicate, finger-picked ballads to explosive, guitar-driven anthems. Makana’s lyrics are poetic and powerful, often calling for change or reflecting on the complexities of life in modern Hawaii. He’s performed for presidents and at massive festivals, yet he remains deeply connected to his community and cultural heritage. Makana isn’t afraid to challenge norms, both musically and socially. He’s an artist who respects the past but refuses to be confined by it—keeping Hawaiian music alive not by preserving it in amber, but by letting it evolve and roar.
10. Willie K (Willie Kahaialiʻi)
Willie K was a force of nature—an artist so versatile and talented, he seemed to contain multitudes. Born on Maui, he could move effortlessly between genres, from traditional Hawaiian to blues, opera, rock, country, and jazz. One minute, he was delivering a heart-wrenching Hawaiian ballad; the next, he was shredding blues riffs or belting out an aria in perfect pitch. His voice was powerful, expressive, and utterly unique. Willie didn’t just play music—he embodied it. Whether on stage with Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom in one of their iconic duets or performing solo in intimate venues, he gave everything he had. Offstage, he was just as impactful—generous with his time, active in charity work, and devoted to his fans. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, he continued to perform as long as he could, inspiring everyone with his courage and passion. Willie K didn’t fit into any one category, and he wouldn’t have wanted to. He was a musical chameleon with the soul of a warrior—bold, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
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.
