The music of Hawaii has many traditional and popular styles, ranging from native Hawaiian folk music to modern rock and hip hop. Hawaii's has influenced much of the music of the United States. Hawaiian music is a frequent part of Hollywood soundtracks. Hawaii also made a contribution to country music with the introduction of the steel guitar.^[1]

On May 20, 1959, Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole was born. In Hawaiian his last name translates “the fearless eye, the bold face.” His first taste in performing was at Steamboats in Waikiki, where his father was a bouncer and his mother was the manager. As early as 10 years old, they would call him up onstage with his ‘ukulele. Israel won the admiration and praise of his elders. All the musicians thought Israel was something special. They knew someday he would be somebody. For now, they called him “the kid with the ‘ukulele.” Universal Films contacted The Mountain Apple Company about an exclusive license to use IZ’s recording, “Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World” in the movie “Meet Joe Black”. Next, eToys.com adopted IZ’s music for a series of national television commercials. Israel’s sweet voice was matched perfectly to these television commercials, which celebrate the innocence and beauty of childhood and the discovery of a world filled with wonder.

Dance

Music of Hawaiian people is largely religious in nature, and includes chanting and dance music. The music tells stories of native traditions and legends through dance and native language.^[

Instruments

Most people know that the ukulele is a Hawaiian instrument, but it is a variation of a Portuguese instrument known as a machete de braga. The small stringed instrument was introduced to the island by Portuguese travelers and then adapted by the Hawaiians and made into what is now known as the ukulele. But there are other instruments native to the Hawaiian culture itself and these you may not be able to find anywhere else in the world.

Kahuli Aku

Let's learn to sing a traditional Hawaiian song from Mrs. Freeman's Youtube Channel: Freeman Outside. Sing the Mele with the Ukulele. As always, have fun!