Hawaiian Music Traditions
Hawaiian music is far more than background sound for luaus—it's a living art form that carries the history, values, and spirit of the Hawaiian people. From ancient chants to modern interpretations, Hawaiian music offers a window into island culture.
Slack-Key Guitar (Ki Ho'alu)
Slack-key guitar is Hawaii's most distinctive musical contribution to the world. The name comes from the practice of "slacking" or loosening the strings to create open tunings, producing a rich, resonant sound that evokes ocean waves and swaying palms.
Characteristics of slack-key guitar:
- Open tunings that allow bass notes to ring while playing melody
- Fingerpicking style that creates multiple melodic lines
- Traditionally passed down within families as closely guarded secrets
- Often instrumental, allowing the guitar to "sing"
Steel Guitar
The steel guitar, invented in Hawaii in the 1880s, produces the signature "crying" sound associated with Hawaiian music. Played horizontally with a metal bar, steel guitar later influenced country, blues, and rock music worldwide.
Ukulele
The ukulele arrived in Hawaii with Portuguese immigrants in the 1880s and was quickly adopted and adapted by Hawaiian musicians. Its cheerful sound has become synonymous with Hawaiian music, though it's now popular worldwide.
Traditional Hawaiian Music
Mele (Chants and Songs)
Before Western contact, Hawaiian music consisted primarily of mele—chants and songs that preserved history, honored the gods, and celebrated nature. Traditional mele remains an important part of Hawaiian culture.
Hula
Hula and Hawaiian music are inseparable. The ancient form (hula kahiko) accompanied traditional chants, while modern hula (hula 'auana) interprets contemporary Hawaiian songs through graceful movements.
Modern Hawaiian Music
Today's Hawaiian music scene blends traditional elements with contemporary styles:
- Contemporary Hawaiian: Modern songwriting with traditional instruments
- Jawaiian: Hawaiian reggae fusion that's hugely popular locally
- Hawaiian Slack-Key Revival: New generations keeping traditional sounds alive
- Island Pop: Pop music with Hawaiian themes and instrumentation
Beyond Hawaii: Tropical Music
The spirit of island music extends throughout the tropics:
- Reggae: Jamaica's gift to the world, built on messages of peace and resistance
- Calypso: Trinidad's storytelling tradition with African and Caribbean roots
- Bossa Nova: Brazil's smooth fusion of samba and jazz
- Steel Drum: Trinidad's unique instrument creating carnival sounds
Experiencing Island Music
To truly experience Hawaiian and island music:
- Attend a slack-key guitar concert in Hawaii
- Visit the Ukulele Festival in Honolulu
- Listen to local radio stations when visiting the islands
- Explore recordings from master musicians