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ECHOES
OF ALOHA
ECHOES
OF ALOHA
The chants, melodies, and words
of the Hawaiian soul.
The chants, melodies, and words
of the Hawaiian soul.
In Hawaiʻi, the hum of the islands is as timeless as the ocean that cradles them—a symphony of sounds that connects past to present, resonating through lush valleys and along sweeping coastlines. From the soulful chants of a traditional oli to the sweet strum of the ‘ukulele, Hawaiʻi’s soundscape tells a story of resilience, culture, and community. In the Hawaiian language, each word echoes with layers of meaning, inviting listeners into a world where voice, melody, and rhythm are expressions of a living heritage. When visiting the islands, keep your ears and heart open to this dynamic symphony that tells a story with every word and every note.
To know Hawaiʻi,
one must first learn
to listen.
To know Hawaiʻi,
one must first learn
to listen.
WHAT IS HULA?
Hula is the living heartbeat of Hawaiian culture, a storytelling medium nearly as ancient as the islands themselves. Through graceful, deliberate movements, rigorously trained dancers convey the narratives of gods, ancestors, and natural wonders, weaving tales of Hawaiʻi’s origins. Whether accompanied by the resonant beats of the pahu (drum) or the delicate strum of the ‘ukulele—each sway and gesture aligns with the rhythm. As a visitor to the Hawaiian Islands, you may attend a lū‘au where you will be gifted with a hula performance. Whether you are watching a performance or taking part in one, remember to be respectful of this revered and traditional dance that has helped preserve ancestral legacies through thousands of years.
WHAT IS OLI?
The oli (chants) are another profound expression of Hawaiian identity, a vocal tradition that conveys history and connection to the land and ancestors. Rooted in ancestral customs, oli are often performed without instrumental accompaniment, allowing the powerful cadence and poetic language to take center stage. These chants mark sacred moments, honor deities, and ask permission to enter or interact with particular places. For visitors, understanding and recognizing oli offers a gateway to appreciating Hawaiʻi’s deep spiritual ties and the sanctity with which Hawaiians approach nature.
WHAT IS HULA?
Hula is the living heartbeat of Hawaiian culture, a storytelling medium nearly as ancient as the islands themselves. Through graceful, deliberate movements, rigorously trained dancers convey the narratives of gods, ancestors, and natural wonders, weaving tales of Hawaiʻi’s origins. Whether accompanied by the resonant beats of the pahu (drum) or the delicate strum of the ‘ukulele—each sway and gesture aligns with the rhythm. As a visitor to the Hawaiian Islands, you may attend a lū‘au where you will be gifted with a hula performance. Whether you are watching a performance or taking part in one, remember to be respectful of this revered and traditional dance that has helped preserve ancestral legacies through thousands of years.
WHAT IS OLI?
The oli (chants) are another profound expression of Hawaiian identity, a vocal tradition that conveys history and connection to the land and ancestors. Rooted in ancestral customs, oli are often performed without instrumental accompaniment, allowing the powerful cadence and poetic language to take center stage. These chants mark sacred moments, honor deities, and ask permission to enter or interact with particular places. For visitors, understanding and recognizing oli offers a gateway to appreciating Hawaiʻi’s deep spiritual ties and the sanctity with which Hawaiians approach nature.
LANGUAGE
A melodic tongue that flows with deep meaning, connection to the land, and reverence for heritage, the Hawaiian language, or ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, is a vital cornerstone of Hawaiʻi’s identity. Once the primary language of the islands, it faced suppression when its use in schools was banned in 1896 under U.S. influence, pushing it toward near extinction by the mid-20th century. However, with perseverance and cultural pride, a remarkable renaissance began in the 1970s, and the language has since been revived with vigor. Today, the Hawaiian language is spoken more widely and can be heard in schools, homes, and public ceremonies as one of the state’s two official languages.
The spirit of aloha is at the very essence of the Hawaiian way of life.
The spirit of aloha is at the very essence of the Hawaiian way of life.
‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i is truly a living link to Hawaiʻi’s soul, capturing the values, beliefs, and natural rhythms of the islands. Nearly every word reflects a worldview deeply respectful of land, family, and spirit. It is particularly descriptive, using vivid imagery to portray natural phenomena and human experiences alike. Words often represent relationships and connections, rather than standalone ideas, symbolizing the Hawaiian belief in interconnectedness. With just thirteen letters—five vowels and eight consonants—it is a language of soft sounds, in which each syllable carries significance. The word aloha is a perfect example of the many layers of meaning in any given word. Though it’s best known as a phrase to say hello and goodbye, it can also be used to express certain feelings, including love and sympathy. For example, you can have aloha for all of nature, as well as your friends and family. Aloha further exists as a model for behavior (to treat others as you would like to be treated), a way of thinking, and a way of life.
Key Hawaiian words to learn and remember
ALOHA
/ ah-LOH-ha /
Love, hello, goodbye
MAHALO
/ mah-HAH-loh /
Thank you
‘OHANA
/ oh-HAH-nah /
Family
MELE
/ MEH-leh /
Music, song, or chant
KAI
/ KAH-ee /
Sea
MANA
/ MAH-nah /
Spiritual power, life force
‘ĀINA
/ EYE-nah /
Land, that which nourishes
LŌKAHI
/ loh-KAH-hee /
Unity, harmony
MUSIC
The music of the Hawaiian Islands is an ornate tapestry woven from traditional rhythms, chants, and melodies that echo the island’s past while embracing the spirit of change. Rooted in traditional forms such as the mele (song) and oli (chant), Hawaiian music originally served as a means of storytelling and spiritual expression, capturing the voices of ancestors, the beauty of nature, and the islands’ cultural values. Over time, Hawaiian music evolved, as it absorbed outside influences, often blending Western instruments like the guitar and ʻukulele into its soundscape. This fusion gave rise to the enchanting slack-key guitar style. Additionally, the invention of the steel guitar in Oʻahu marked a significant contribution of Hawai’i to the music world, influencing numerous genres that continues to shape global music today.
Hawaiians’ deep love and understanding of music is evident in the state (former national) anthem. Composed by King David Kalākaua, Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī (Hawaiʻi’s Own), stands as a powerful symbol of national pride, evoking the strength and unity that binds the Hawaiian people. It is the only state anthem in the United States performed in a language other than English. King Kalākaua’s sister, Queen Liliʻuokalani also left a robust musical legacy that includes beloved pieces such as Aloha ʻOe, which captures the bittersweet beauty of parting. Today, Hawaiian music continues to thrive, celebrated by contemporary artists who boldly but respectfully blend traditional and modern elements.
As travelers set off to explore the islands, they will soon find that music is the vivacious soundtrack to their journey in Hawai‘i, from the cities and beaches to the highest peaks of mountains in the islands. Fans of live music will have no trouble discovering authentic music in Hawai‘i all over the islands, from the summertime Ukulele Festival on Oʻahu’s Waikiki Beach and the informal concerts played at resorts all over Kaua‘i’s Coconut Coast to the Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival taking place every year in June.
A lively soundtrack of drumbeats, full-throated chants, & the dulcet tones of the ‘ukulele floats through the warm island air.
A lively soundtrack of drumbeats, full-throated chants, & the dulcet tones of the ‘ukulele floats through the warm island air.
KEEP ROAMING
KEEP ROAMING
