21 Songs About Hawaii, from Blue Hawaii to Somewhere Over the Rainbow

What is the most famous song about Hawaii?

"Aloha 'Oe", written by Queen Lili'uokalani, is the most famous Hawaiian song, a farewell sung around the world. "Blue Hawaii" is the classic mainland hit, made famous by Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley, and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is the island recording everyone knows today.

Songs from Hawaii's royal history

1. "Hawai'i Pono'ī", King Kalākaua and Henri Berger: once the kingdom's national anthem, now the state song.
2. "Aloha 'Oe", Queen Lili'uokalani: a farewell song written by Hawaii's last queen in 1878.

Classic songs about Hawaii

3. "Sweet Leilani", Bing Crosby: an Oscar-winning lullaby by bandleader Harry Owens.
4. "Hawaiian War Chant", Tommy Dorsey: a swing hit based on a song by a Hawaiian prince.
5. "Mele Kalikimaka", Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters: the Hawaiian Christmas classic.
6. "Beyond the Reef", Bing Crosby: a gentle song of longing by the sea.
7. "Hula Love", Buddy Knox: a 1957 rockabilly crush.
8. "Pineapple Princess", Annette Funicello: a sunny 1960 pop hit.

Elvis, the Beach Boys and 60s Hawaii songs

9. "Blue Hawaii", Elvis Presley: the title song of his 1961 film.
10. "Rock-A-Hula Baby", Elvis Presley: an upbeat number from the same movie.
11. "Hawaii", The Beach Boys: dreaming of the surf on the islands.
12. "Ride the Wild Surf", Jan and Dean: the theme from a movie about surfing the North Shore.
13. "Pearly Shells", Don Ho: a sing-along adapted from a Hawaiian song.
14. "Tiny Bubbles", Don Ho: the signature song of Waikiki's favorite entertainer.
15. "Hawaii Five-O", The Ventures: the famous TV theme.

Modern songs about Hawaii

16. "Honolulu City Lights", Keola and Kapono Beamer: a tender song about leaving the islands, later covered by the Carpenters.
17. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: his ukulele medley with "What a Wonderful World".
18. "Hawai'i '78", Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: a moving song about how the islands have changed.
19. "Island Style", John Cruz: a local favorite about family life on the islands.
20. "He Mele No Lilo", from Lilo & Stitch: a joyful chant in Hawaiian.
21. "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride", from Lilo & Stitch: the surfing song from the Disney film.

Why are there so many songs about Hawaii?

Music has always been at the heart of Hawaiian life, from chants and hula to the royal composers of the 1800s. In the early 20th century, Hawaiian steel guitar and ukulele became a craze on the mainland, and songwriters turned out hundreds of hapa haole songs, mixing English lyrics with island themes. Radio shows and movies spread the sound, and visitors still bring the songs home with them.

The story behind Aloha 'Oe

Lili'uokalani wrote "Aloha 'Oe" in 1878, more than a decade before she became queen, reportedly after seeing a couple say a tender goodbye. It became a song of farewell, played as ships left Honolulu harbor, and later took on deeper meaning after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. It is still sung at graduations, departures and funerals across the islands.

The story behind Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's Rainbow

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, known as IZ, recorded his ukulele version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in a single late-night take in 1988. It appeared on his 1993 album Facing Future and has since been used in countless films, commercials and weddings. IZ was also a passionate voice for Hawaiian culture, and when he died in 1997, his body lay in state at the State Capitol.

Songs for a luau

For a backyard luau, start with "Tiny Bubbles" and "Pearly Shells" as guests arrive, play "Hawaiian War Chant" and "Rock-A-Hula Baby" for the hula contest and finish with IZ's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" at sunset. For more beach music, see our songs about the ocean and songs about summer.

A Hawaiian Christmas

"Mele Kalikimaka" is Hawaiian for Merry Christmas. R. Alex Anderson wrote the song in 1949, and Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters made it a holiday standard the next year. It famously plays during the swimming pool daydream in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. For a Hawaiian-themed holiday party, pair it with "Pearly Shells" and "Tiny Bubbles" under the string lights.

Songs for a trip to Hawaii

For the flight over, play "Hawaii" by The Beach Boys and "Blue Hawaii", and save "Honolulu City Lights" for the last night, when the view of the city from the plane window says goodbye for you. Many travelers also learn a few words of Hawaiian before they go, starting with aloha and mahalo. For a West Coast stop on the way, see our songs about California.

Hawaiian songs for a wedding

For an island wedding or vow renewal, see our Hawaiian wedding songs, from "The Hawaiian Wedding Song" to slack key guitar for the ceremony.

A song about your time in Hawaii

A personalized song can capture a honeymoon in Maui, a family trip to the Big Island or a life spent on Oahu, with names and favorite places in the lyrics, in an acoustic, pop or folk style. It makes a beautiful anniversary or farewell gift.

How to create a personalized song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: acoustic, pop, folk and more.
2. Add their name.
3. Share three memories from your time on the islands.
4. Review the lyrics and edit or regenerate them for free before any music is made.
5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $24.99, or $29.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Bring your island memories home in a song: create a song and hear four previews for free.