My Hawaiian Music Playlist

Sometimes when I travel, I like to put together a playlist appropriate to the region I’ll be visiting. The exercise introduces me to music I likely would not have encountered otherwise, and just as important, it gives me an evocative soundtrack to play while relaxing in our room (or anywhere, with my MP3 player). Back at home, when I play the soundtrack a few months later, it never fails to conjure some of the memories of that trip.

Hawaii has a particularly rich musical tradition, which made it a great pleasure to put together a playlist for our journey with Un-Cruise. These songs represent a cross section of styles and eras, including pieces by Hawaiian artists and mainlanders inspired by the islands.

Playing the music again while writing this article brought me right back to the Safari Explorer, where I would listen to it on the upper deck while writing postcards or having a glass of wine in the afternoon and scanning the sea for whales.

My Hawaiian Music Playlist

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World,” performed by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Such was the musical influence and popularity of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole that when he passed away in 1997, he laid in repose in the state Capitol building in Honolulu and some 10,000 mourners attended his funeral. His version of this song, made iconic by Judy Garland, is utterly charming and surprisingly moving.

“’Ulili E,” performed by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Here, Kamakawiwo'ole sings a delightful rendition of an old mele (chant) about a sandpiper on a beach where the sea is always calm.

“You Ku'uipo,” performed by Willie K

This love note to Hawaii showcases the talents of Willie K both as a guitarist and a singer, with his tenor soaring over the instrumentals.

“E Huli Makou,” performed by Genoa Keawe

Genoa Keawe, born in 1918, became a titan of Hawaiian music, winning fans with her clear, powerful voice and remarkable dexterity. In this mele composed by David Chung in 1949 for the Kona Inn’s hula show, she maneuvers between her mezzo-soprano chest voice and ethereal falsetto with grace and expressivity.

“Sweet Leilani,” performed by New Hawaiian Band

Harry Owens wrote this song in 1934 in honor of his newborn daughter, and Bing Crosby turned it into a hit with his 1937 film “Waikiki Wedding.” I’m fond of this languid instrumental version by the New Hawaiian Band, with its balalaika-like guitar work floating above a steel guitar melody.

“Mauna Kea,” performed by Eddie Kamae and Sons of Hawaii

Under the leadership of Eddie Kamae, members of the Sons of Hawaii gathered songs and meles from elders in the Hawaiian countryside. This piece comes from those efforts to preserve Hawaii’s oral traditions. The lyrics describe, with great affection, the view from Mauna Kea to the coast of Puna.

“I’ll Remember You,” performed by Elvis Presley

“Blue Hawaii” would be a more obvious choice, but I prefer this elegiac song written by Kui Lee, a Hawaiian fire-knife dancer and childhood friend of Don Ho.

“Kawika,” performed by Jake Shimabukuro

Honolulu native Jake Shimabukuro puts to rest any doubts as to whether the ukulele is a serious musical instrument. He is a true virtuoso, playing the ukulele with expressive power and, in many songs, astonishing speed. This piece from his 2015 “Travels” album is one of my favorites of his.

“Hi'ilawe,” performed by Gabby Pahinui

Born in 1921, Gabby Pahinui ranks among the greatest performers of Hawaiian slack-key guitar, in which an open-tuned instrument is played by finger picking. His evocative version of this classic song about a waterfall appeared in the soundtrack of the film “The Descendants.”

“Ka Loke,” performed by Makaha Sons and Dennis Pavao

Also from the soundtrack of “The Descendants,” this interpretation of a traditional love song combines slack-key guitar and the signature yodel-like transitions between falsetto and chest voice, in the same style as Genoa Keawe (see above).

“Ukulele Five-0,” performed by Jake Shimabukuro

You may have missed the recent reboot of the “Hawaii Five-0” television series, and that’s not a terrible loss. Nevertheless, Shimabukuro’s interpretation of the series’ theme song has more than kitsch value. I love the forceful rhythms and the quick precision with which he plays.

“Palehua,” performed by Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom

Willie K composed the melody of this song, as well as the crystalline slack-key guitar that accompanies Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom’s vocals. She wrote the lyrics as a paean to the charms of Palehua, and her voice — at once strong, clear, elegant and delicate — makes it sound like paradise.

“Wood & Steel Slack Key,” performed by Ledward Kaapana

Ledward Kaapana is frequently cited as one of Hawaii’s greatest slack-key guitar artists, and I have no reason to doubt the assertion. I particularly enjoy this work, which reminds me of Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavier.”

“Na Pua Lei Ilima,” performed by Barefoot Natives

This driving arrangement belies the song’s subject matter, the beauty of a wreath of yellow ilima flowers. Willie K and Eric Gilliom collaborated on this version, which appears in the soundtrack to the film “Get a Job.” The original composition was written by Abbey Palea in 1908.

“Ke Kali Nei Au” (The Hawaiian Wedding Song), performed by Barney Isaacs

Composed in 1925 by Charles E. King for a Hawaiian operetta, this song has been performed by countless musicians over the years. I like this otherworldly version by steel guitar master Barney Isaacs, which feels so slow and loose that it might fall to pieces at any moment.

“Wicked Game,” performed by Chris Isaak

Pop star Chris Isaak comes from the mainland, but his biggest hit never fails to evoke the tropics for me. Herb Ritts directed the steamy music video on location in Hawaii, and the steel guitar slides owe an obvious debt to Hawaiian musical traditions.

“E O Mai,” performed by Keali'i Reichel

Winner of numerous prestigious musical awards, Keali'i Reichel approaches this love song with a simple, affecting tenderness.

“Ke Alaula,” performed by the Makaha Sons

This song about the sunrise and sunset was originally intended as a hula chant. The Makaha Sons’ ringing vocal harmonies accompanied by guitar and violin turn it into something of a wistful anthem.