Music of Hawaii

The music of Hawaii is a diverse collection of styles and traditions. It ranges from native Hawaiian folk music to modern genres like rock and hip hop. Traditional music is often functional and deeply tied to the community. It is used to express praise, communicate mythology, or share genealogy. Native Hawaiian music includes complex chanting, known as mele, and rhythmic dance music. This music serves as a vital way for people to connect with their history and spiritual beliefs.

Performing traditional music requires specialized skills and specific instruments. Chanting can take several forms, such as mele oli, which is an individual song performed a cappella. When chanting is accompanied by dancing and drums, it is called mele hula pahu. Dancers often use various implements to maintain rhythm and express movement. These include the ipu, a single gourd, or the ipu heke, which is a double gourd. Other tools include ʻuliʻuli, which are feathered gourd rattles, and puʻili, made of split bamboo. Dancers might also use iliili, which are waterworn lava stone castanets, or kalaau rhythm sticks.

There are distinct styles of hula dance that reflect different eras and purposes. Kahiko is the older, more formal style of hula. In contrast, auana is the modern version of the dance. The music itself is governed by strict rules and various vocal styles. For example, chanters might use the rapid kepakepa style or the enunciated koihonua style. Chants can serve very specific roles in society. Some are for prayer, called mele pule, while others are for naming, called mele inoa. There are even chants specifically for surfing, known as mele heʻe nalu.

History shows how different cultures have shaped the sounds of the islands. After non-Hawaiians arrived in the late 18th century, new styles began to merge with local traditions. Protestant missionaries introduced hymns, or himeni, to the islands. Mexican cowboys, known as paniolos, were influential immigrants who brought the guitar. They also may have introduced the technique of falsetto singing. Portuguese immigrants brought the braguinha, a small four-stringed instrument. This instrument was a precursor to the modern ukulele.

Music history in Hawaii is often divided into distinct periods. One era from 1900 to 1915 saw the rise of hapa haole songs. These songs use the English language and include only superficial Hawaiian elements. The recording industry began in 1906 when the Victor Talking Machine Company made the first 53 recordings. Another important era was the "Golden Age" from 1930 to 1960. During this time, the radio show Hawaii Calls introduced many Americans to Hawaiian music. This show featured performers like Lani McIntire and Sol Hoʻopiʻi.

Hawaii hosts many large venues and festivals to celebrate these musical traditions. The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival brings hula groups from all over the world to the islands. There are also specialized events like the Big Island Slack Key Guitar Festival. For jazz lovers, the annual Pacific Rim Jazz Festival is held at the Hawaii Convention Center. Large venues like the Waikiki Shell provide space for massive performances. This outdoor theater in Kapiolani Park seats 2,400 people on benches. It can actually hold up to 6,000 more people on the surrounding lawn area.

Musical institutions and innovators continue to support the local culture. The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1900 and is the oldest orchestra west of the Rocky Mountains. Businesses like the Kamaka Ukulele company have become key manufacturers for local musicians. In the 1970s, the Hawaiian Renaissance helped spark a modern revival of many traditions. This led to new genres like Hawaiian Rap, or na mele paleoleo, and Jawaiian. Today, Hawaiian music remains a unifying factor for modern Pacific musics. It connects the islands to the broader world through its unique sounds.