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Music genre

Music of Hawaii

Music of Hawaii is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of music of Polynesia. Explore its 4 subgenres, key artists and related styles.

About Music of Hawaii

Music of Hawaii is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of music of Polynesia.

Among the best-known names in the style are Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and Tia Carrere.

Music of Hawaii has given rise to 4 subgenres on this site, such as Hapa haole music, Mele, Kanikapila and Na mele paleoleo.

From Wikipedia

The music of Hawaii includes an array of traditional and popular styles, ranging from native Hawaiian folk music to modern rock and hip hop. Styles like slack-key guitar are well known worldwide, while Hawaiian-tinged music is a frequent part of Hollywood soundtracks. Hawaii also made a contribution to country music with the introduction of the steel guitar. In addition, the music which began to be played by Puerto Ricans in Hawaii in the early 1900s is called cachi cachi music, on the islands of Hawaii.

The traditional music of Hawaii's Native Hawaiian community is largely religious in nature, and includes chanting and dance music. Hawaiian music has had a notable impact on the music of other Polynesian islands; Peter Manuel called the influence of Hawaiian music a "unifying factor in the development of modern Pacific musics".

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Music of Hawaii.

Key artists

  • Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
  • Tia Carrere

Related genres

Frequently asked questions

What is Music of Hawaii?

Music of Hawaii is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of music of Polynesia.

Who are famous Music of Hawaii artists?

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and Tia Carrere.

Sources & credits