Hawaii isn’t just paradise for its beaches and breathtaking landscapes—it’s a vibrant wellspring of musical genius. From the soulful strum of a ukulele under swaying palms to the electric energy of global pop stages, the Aloha State has given rise to some of the most beloved and influential artists in music history. These voices aren’t just entertainers—they’re storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and genre-defying trailblazers who carry the spirit of the islands in every note.
In this list of the Top 10 Most Popular Famous Singers from Hawaii, we celebrate the legends and modern icons who’ve left an indelible mark on the world. Whether it’s Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s heart-stirring rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Bruno Mars lighting up arenas with funk and flair, or Jack Johnson’s acoustic melodies echoing the rhythm of the ocean—each artist brings a unique sound shaped by Hawaii’s rich cultural tapestry.
Get ready to explore the voices that have made Hawaii a musical force far beyond its shores. From timeless classics to chart-topping hits, this is more than a list—it’s a journey through the sounds of aloha. 🎶🌺
Let’s dive in!
1. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (Bruddah Iz)
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, lovingly known as “Bruddah Iz,” remains one of Hawaii’s most beloved musical icons. Born and raised in Honolulu, Iz had a voice like no other—gentle, heartfelt, and resonant with deep cultural pride. His most famous song, a medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World,” introduced millions around the world to the peaceful spirit of Hawaii. Released in the early 1990s, the track became a global anthem of comfort and serenity, appearing in films, television shows, and weddings across continents. But there was much more to Iz than his soothing melodies. A passionate advocate for Native Hawaiian rights, he used his growing platform to bring attention to social and political issues affecting his homeland. Singing in both Hawaiian and English, he bridged cultures with ukulele-driven ballads that celebrated island life and aloha. Despite lifelong health challenges due to his weight, his optimism and love for his people never waned. When he passed away in 1997, Hawaii mourned deeply. Today, his music lives on as a symbol of hope, pride, and cultural identity—a reminder that one gentle voice can echo across the world and touch countless hearts.
2. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez in Honolulu, is a dazzling performer whose talent defies genre boundaries. Raised in a showbiz family steeped in music, Bruno was impersonating Elvis Presley in Waikiki shows before he even started school. That early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for performance. After moving to Los Angeles, Mars paid his dues behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer before bursting into the spotlight with his debut single “Just the Way You Are” in 2010. Since then, he’s become a global superstar known for electrifying live shows and timeless hits like “Uptown Funk,” “24K Magic,” and “Locked Out of Heaven.” With a style that draws from Prince, James Brown, Michael Jackson, and doo-wop soul, he crafts music that’s both retro and refreshingly modern. Mars has earned multiple Grammy Awards, sold millions of records, and continues to top charts worldwide. Despite his success, he remains deeply connected to his Hawaiian roots—shouting out “808” in his songs and supporting causes back home. Charismatic, versatile, and wildly talented, Bruno Mars is Hawaii’s brightest modern musical export, proving that the island spirit can shine just as brightly on the global stage.
3. Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson is the soundtrack to a sunset surf session—mellow, sincere, and unmistakably Hawaiian at heart. Born and raised on Oahu’s famed North Shore, Johnson first made his mark as a professional surfer. But after a serious accident sidelined his athletic career, he turned to music, a passion that soon became his calling. His 2001 debut album, Brushfire Fairytales, introduced the world to his soft acoustic strumming and warm, introspective lyrics. Songs like “Better Together” and “Banana Pancakes” radiate beachy calm and emotional honesty, earning him a devoted following. But Johnson is more than just feel-good tunes—he’s a staunch environmental advocate. Through his Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation and the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, he supports ocean conservation, sustainable living, and music education. His eco-conscious tours and minimal-footprint lifestyle reflect his values. Johnson’s music and activism go hand in hand, creating a unique legacy rooted in compassion, simplicity, and authenticity. Whether he’s headlining a festival or strumming on a beach, Jack Johnson remains one of Hawaii’s most cherished voices—a musician who lets the rhythms of nature guide both his art and his life.
4. Don Ho
Don Ho was more than a singer—he was Hawaii’s original superstar, a showman who brought the aloha spirit to the world stage. Born in Honolulu in 1930, Ho began his musical career in local bars before rising to national fame with his easygoing charm and signature tune, “Tiny Bubbles.” Released in 1966, the song became an instant classic, turning Don Ho into a household name. His smooth voice, cheerful stage presence, and Hawaiian-shirted persona made him a favorite on TV shows like The Tonight Show and The Brady Bunch. For decades, tourists and locals alike flocked to his Waikiki showroom for a taste of island hospitality and breezy entertainment. But Ho was no novelty act—he was a skilled performer and savvy businessman who helped elevate Hawaiian music into the American mainstream. He performed alongside legends like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., introducing audiences to Hawaiian sounds with style and pride. Don Ho’s legacy lives on not just in his music, but in the generations of artists he inspired. He was, and remains, an enduring symbol of Hawaii’s warmth, hospitality, and musical joy.
5. Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro didn’t just master the ukulele—he redefined what the instrument could do. Born in Honolulu, he picked up the uke at age four and never put it down. With jaw-dropping speed, soulful nuance, and fearless creativity, Jake transformed the ukulele from a folksy island staple into a globally respected instrument. His breakthrough came in 2006 with a viral video of him playing a dazzling rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in New York’s Central Park. That performance catapulted him into international fame. Since then, he’s toured the world, collaborated with icons like Yo-Yo Ma, Bette Midler, and Jimmy Buffett, and released albums that blur the lines between classical, jazz, rock, and Hawaiian traditions. But Jake isn’t just about technique—his music tells stories. Whether interpreting Queen or composing originals, he pours his heart into every note. He’s also a tireless advocate for music education, giving back to Hawaii’s youth and supporting cultural preservation. Jake Shimabukuro’s artistry proves that the ukulele is far more than a novelty—it’s a vessel for innovation, emotion, and global connection.
6. Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom
Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom stands as one of the most powerful and enduring voices in Hawaiian music today. Born into the musical Gilliom family on Maui, Amy was surrounded by cultural tradition from the start. Her early immersion in hula and oli (chant) laid the foundation for a career that beautifully merges the old with the new. Rising to prominence in the late 1990s, she captivated audiences with her deep, expressive vocals and genre-blending sound. Her music draws from Hawaiian, jazz, pop, and even classical influences, making her a versatile and sophisticated artist. Amy has earned multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and Grammy nominations, solidifying her place in the pantheon of contemporary Hawaiian greats. Equally at home performing Hawaiian-language ballads or jazz standards, she brings authenticity and grace to every stage she graces. Offstage, she’s a passionate advocate for Hawaiian culture, women’s empowerment, and the arts, often using her platform to uplift her community. Elegant, grounded, and always evolving, Amy Hānaialiʻi bridges generations and genres, preserving the soul of Hawaiian music while continuing to push its boundaries.
7. Kalapana
Kalapana isn’t just a band—they’re a cornerstone of modern Hawaiian music. Formed in the 1970s in Honolulu, the group emerged during a period of cultural renaissance in Hawaii, blending soft rock, jazz, and local island rhythms into a sound that was fresh, soulful, and distinctly Hawaiian. Original members like Mackey Feary and Malani Bilyeu brought smooth vocals and poetic songwriting that resonated deeply with island audiences. Songs such as “The Hurt,” “Nightbird,” and “Naturally” became instant classics, offering heartfelt reflections on love, life, and island identity. Kalapana’s sound was often likened to mainland acts like America or Steely Dan, but their lyrical themes and style were rooted in Hawaiian life. Despite facing internal struggles and lineup changes over the decades, their music continued to influence new generations of artists. For many Hawaiians, Kalapana’s songs are the soundtrack to youth, beach days, and road trips—timeless and deeply personal. Their legacy is more than musical; it’s emotional, cultural, and enduring. Kalapana helped shape an era, and their songs remain a cherished part of Hawaii’s musical history.
8. Anuhea
Anuhea Jenkins is the voice of a new era in Hawaiian music—vibrant, heartfelt, and relatable. Born and raised on the island of Maui, Anuhea blends reggae, acoustic pop, R&B, and island soul into a style that feels both refreshingly modern and rooted in aloha. She burst onto the local music scene in 2009 with her self-titled debut album, featuring the hit single “Big Deal,” and quickly gained a devoted following. Her lyrics are honest and empowering, often drawing from personal experiences about love, heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery. With her laid-back charisma, acoustic guitar, and breezy vocals, Anuhea has become a role model for young listeners, especially women looking for strength and authenticity in music. She’s shared stages with reggae legends like SOJA and Ziggy Marley and has racked up several Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards along the way. Anuhea also gives back through her work in education and mental health awareness, using her platform to uplift her community. Whether she’s performing at home in Hawaii or touring abroad, Anuhea brings a fresh voice and a fearless heart to the evolving landscape of island music.
9. Kealiʻi Reichel
Kealiʻi Reichel is much more than a singer—he’s a cultural guardian whose music and teaching preserve the soul of Hawaii. Born and raised on Maui, Reichel grew up immersed in hula, oli (chant), and Hawaiian language, all of which became central to his artistic expression. His 1994 debut album Kawaipunahele was a revelation, blending traditional Hawaiian chant with contemporary melodies and instantly earning him critical acclaim. His songs are rich in poetic imagery and cultural reverence, sung with a voice that is both tender and powerful. As a kumu hula (hula master), Reichel has trained countless dancers and remains a respected authority in the cultural community. His live performances are immersive, often weaving in stories, chants, and hula that offer audiences a window into the depth of Hawaiian tradition. A multi-award-winning artist with global recognition, Reichel is also a tireless advocate for the Hawaiian language and education. In everything he does, from concerts to classrooms, he honors his ancestors and inspires future generations. Kealiʻi Reichel stands as one of Hawaii’s most important cultural ambassadors—an artist who sings not just with his voice, but with his heart and heritage.
10. Willie K
Willie Kahaialiʻi—better known as Willie K—was a once-in-a-generation talent whose musical range defied all expectations. Born on Maui, Willie could seemingly do anything: shred on the guitar like a rock god, sing Hawaiian falsetto with tender beauty, belt out blues with gritty passion, and even perform opera with astonishing vocal control. His genre-bending brilliance made every performance an unforgettable experience. He rose to prominence in the 1990s, often collaborating with Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom on award-winning albums that fused Hawaiian tradition with blues and jazz. But his solo work proved just how far he could stretch creatively—from searing Hendrix-inspired solos to soul-stirring Hawaiian ballads. Willie’s concerts were part spectacle, part spiritual journey, overflowing with charisma, humor, and emotional depth. Behind his musical gifts was a generous spirit beloved by fans and fellow musicians alike. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Willie continued to perform with incredible energy and grace, leaving it all onstage until his passing in 2020. His legacy is one of fearless artistry, cultural pride, and boundless talent. Willie K didn’t just break the mold—he smashed it, forever changing the landscape of Hawaiian music.
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.
