Hawaiian music is more than just a soundtrack for sunsets and surfing. It’s a living expression of heritage, history, and heart. Born from chants, rhythms, and storytelling traditions passed down for generations, Hawaiian music has evolved into a rich and layered art form that continues to resonate across the islands today. From ancient mele (chants) and hula to contemporary slack key guitar and ukulele, Hawaiian music reflects the soul of its people. If you’re staying at our Big Island bed and breakfast, you’re in luck. There are plenty of local places where you can experience this cultural treasure live, surrounded by the beauty of the rainforest.
The Origins: Music as Oral History
Long before instruments or recording studios, Hawaiian music began with the voice. Ancient Hawaiians used mele, or chants, to tell stories, pass down genealogy, preserve myths, and honor gods and chiefs. These chants were performed with a strong, rhythmic cadence and often accompanied by hula, which used movement to help convey the story. Instruments like the pahu (drum) and ipu (gourd drum) were added to provide rhythm and ritualistic grounding.
These early traditions were deeply sacred. Each mele served a specific purpose, whether spiritual, celebratory, or genealogical. The use of tone, breath, and phrasing was carefully preserved across generations through oral instruction and memorization, ensuring that each chant maintained its integrity over time.
Himeni: The Harmony of Faith and Culture
With the arrival of Christian missionaries in the 19th century came new instruments and a new form of vocal expression: himeni or hymns. Missionary Hiram Bingham introduced “singing schools” that taught Hawaiians Western musical scales and choral techniques. These hymns, often based on existing melodies and sung in Hawaiian, were embraced in churches throughout the islands.
To this day, the beauty of the Hawaiian language is preserved in many churches through Bible readings and himeni. Their influence also helped shape other local music traditions, blending Polynesian tonality with Western harmonies.
Falsetto Singing: The Voice That Soars
Another unique hallmark of Hawaiian music is leo ki‘eki‘e, falsetto singing. Unlike Western falsetto, which tries to hide the vocal break, Hawaiian falsetto embraces it, sometimes exaggerating it in a yodel-like style called ha‘iha‘i. Originally shaped by mele chanting and Christian hymns, falsetto quickly became an essential vocal technique, especially among male singers.
This style lends itself beautifully to storytelling and emotional expression, which is why it remains a beloved part of local performances today.
Immigrant Influences and a Global Stage
Hawai‘i’s musical evolution didn’t stop with slack-key and hymns. As workers arrived from Japan, China, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and elsewhere, they brought their own rhythms and instruments. This cultural fusion enriched local music, layering new sounds into the island’s growing musical identity.
King David Kalākaua encouraged these innovations, even writing the state anthem, “Hawai‘i Pono‘ī.” His sister, Queen Lili‘uokalani, penned the iconic “Aloha ‘Oe.” The Royal Hawaiian Band, founded in the 1830s, helped bring these songs to life, and in 1915, it won acclaim at the Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco.
By 1916, Hawaiian records were outselling all others on the U.S. mainland. Radio shows like Hawaii Calls introduced the islands’ music to a global audience. Hotels in Waikīkī became hotspots for live bands and hula performances, and the genre known as hapa haole (part-Hawaiian, part-English) further boosted its appeal.
The Evolution of Hawaiian Music
Instruments that Define the Sound
Modern Hawaiian music features a mix of native and imported instruments, each adding texture to the overall soundscape:
- Ukulele – Small, bright, and versatile, the ukulele is a symbol of island life.
- Slack Key Guitar (ki ho‘alu) – Tuned to open chords and played with intricate fingerpicking.
- Steel Guitar – Introduced in the late 19th century, this instrument produces a smooth, gliding tone.
- Ipu – A percussion instrument made from gourds used in hula.
- Pahu – A sacred drum used in traditional ceremonies and hula.
- ʻOhe Hano Ihu – A bamboo nose flute traditionally used in storytelling and courtship.
Where to Hear Live Music Near Volcano Village
Hawaiian music lives not just in its history but in its ongoing traditions. The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, held each summer in Kona, is one of the most popular celebrations of this enduring art form. With free admission and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a joyful way to connect with local culture through the sounds of ki ho‘alu.
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy great music, though. Some of the best live performances are just minutes from Volcano Village.
Volcano Art Center
Located in the heart of Volcano Village, the Volcano Art Center has an ongoing commitment to showcasing musical talent, offering two standout concert series in an intimate rainforest setting. Jazz in the Forest takes place on the second Saturday of each month and features top jazz talent from across Hawaiʻi, blending island style with classic and contemporary sounds. Sounds at the Summit showcases a wide variety of genres, from traditional Hawaiian and slack key to global and experimental music, highlighting both local and international artists. Concerts are held at Dietrich Varez Hall, usually starting at 5:30 pm, with wine, beer, and pupu available for purchase.
Lava Rock Cafe
Less than a mile away from Volcano Village Estates, Lava Rock Cafe hosts live local music on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights from 5 to 8:30 pm. With hearty Hawaiian food and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, it’s a fun spot to kick back after a day of exploring the island.
Lava Lounge at Kilauea Military Camp
This lesser-known spot inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park features nightly entertainment Tuesday through Sunday evenings. Guests are welcome to enjoy drinks, dancing, and music in a low-key setting. Check their website for updates on the upcoming lineup.
Celebrate Hawaiian Music with a Stay at Volcano Village Estates
Whether you’re relaxing in your private hot tub under the stars or winding down in your cozy rainforest cottage, music is the perfect companion to your Big Island escape. Staying at our Big Island bed and breakfast puts you just minutes away from live performances and historic venues that celebrate the musical soul of Hawai‘i.
Book your stay and let the rhythm of the islands carry you through every unforgettable moment.