A soundtrack of Hawaii isn’t just any ol’ soundtrack. It’s a soundtrack that celebrates local talent and rhythms. From Iz and Gabby Pahinui to Jawaiian bangers –let’s create a paradise playlist and see how each song captures different parts of the islands.
What Makes a Soundtrack a “Soundtrack of Hawaii”
Let’s be honest: Hawaii doesn’t just have a soundtrack –it is a soundtrack. This isn’t just music you hear on repeat at the tourist traps. This is the stuff that feels like the islands – the way the breeze tastes salty, the way the palm fronds rustle, the way the ocean hums beneath it all.
If you want to truly know Hawaii, you need to know its music. Here’s a soundtrack of Hawaii (and for Hawaii) that captures the spirit, mood, and stories of the islands. These are the songs you’ll hear drifting from backyard barbecues, dusty beach bonfires, and sometimes even out of a beat-up old truck rolling down the highway.
1. “Hi‘ilawe” – Gabby Pahinui
Gabby is the grandfather of slack key guitar. This song isn’t just a tune; it’s a doorway. “Hi‘ilawe” is about a waterfall in Waipi‘o Valley, but you don’t have to understand the words to feel the gentle pull of Hawaiian soul in every note. It’s raw, beautiful, and somehow peaceful – like a deep breath after a long paddle.
2. “Hawai‘i ’78” – Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole (Iz)
Iz has the voice of an island itself–soft, strong, and carrying the weight of history. “Hawai‘i ’78” isn’t your typical aloha anthem. It asks what the old chiefs would think if they saw the modern islands. Melancholy, honest, and utterly unforgettable.
3. “Moloka‘i Slide” – Ehukai
This one’s a gentle nod to homesickness and island nostalgia. Locals who move away keep it on loop; visitors catch it once and it lingers. It’s the perfect soundtrack for staring at the ocean, thinking about what you left behind–or what you’ve yet to find.
4. “Island Style” – John Cruz
The unofficial anthem for backyard barbecues and barefoot living. If you’ve ever been fed by someone’s aunty and left with more food than you came with, you know the vibe. Laid-back, warm, and just a little bit cheeky.
5. “Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai” – Hapa
A celebration of the ocean’s bounty and the beauty of everyday life, this song rolls like a gentle wave. It’s about seaweed, yes – but it’s also about rhythm, language, and the quiet moments that define island living.
6. “E Ala E” – Na Leo
This harmony feels like sunrise breaking over the Ko‘olaus. If you’ve ever found yourself unexpectedly moved in a rental car, this is probably why. It’s soft, uplifting, and somehow hopeful.
7. “Guava Jelly” – Ka‘au Crater Boys
The soundtrack of Hawaii includes sounds beach days and slow afternoons. Grab a cold one, find some shade, and let this one loop while the waves roll in. No rush, no fuss.
8. “Koke‘e” – Dennis Kamakahi
A slow, misty love letter to Kaua‘i’s highlands. It moves like fog creeping over cliffs, best saved for rainy days when you want to disappear into the landscape.
9. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World” – Iz
Sure, it’s everywhere – and for good reason. That ukulele intro still has the power to stop you mid-scroll and remind you why Hawai‘i’s music is something special.
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