Close your eyes and picture this: warm tradewinds, a golden Hawaiian sunset, and the gentle strum of a slack-key guitar drifting on the breeze. That sound you hear? That’s mele—the music of Hawai‘i. More than a melody, mele is storytelling, culture, and aloha wrapped into song. The Hawaiian word ‘mele’ translates to ‘chant’ or ‘song,’ highlighting its emotional and cultural significance in Hawaiian life. Whether you’re attending a luau, cruising the Hāna Highway, or relaxing under a palm tree, mele sets the rhythm of island life.
In this guide, we’ll explore the roots of Mele in Hawaiian with a look at traditional music, iconic instruments, legendary artists, and where you can hear authentic mele. From beachside bars to hula shows, mele is the soundtrack of the islands—and it’s still evolving today.
musician playing hawaiian ukulele (Shutterstock)
What is Mele in Hawaiian?
Mele (pronounced MEH-leh) means “song” or “chant” in Hawaiian, but its meaning runs much deeper. Traditionally, mele serves as the way Hawaiians pass on history, culture, and values. Before written language, these oral chants and songs preserved family genealogies, spiritual beliefs, and legends of gods and goddesses. Some mele were composed for ali‘i (royalty), others honored sacred places, and many continue to tell stories that resonate today.
One of the most beautiful aspects of mele is how it lives not just on stage, but in everyday island life. Family gatherings, especially on weekends, often turn into spontaneous jam sessions. This practice, known as kanikapila, is all about playing music with ‘ohana (family) and friends.
Picture a backyard barbecue in Kāne‘ohe or Hilo, the smell of grilled fish and chicken long rice in the air, kids running around barefoot, and someone pulling out a ‘ukulele. That’s kanikapila. There’s no script, just pure joy and connection through music. Oli refers to a type of chant in Hawaiian culture, distinguishing it from mele, which can also include songs involving dance and musical accompaniment.
Even today, kanikapila keeps mele alive across generations. “I learned to play slack-key by watching my uncle during our backyard jams,” shared @kaleo_kanikapila on Instagram. “No lessons—just heart, memory, and love.” Mele is akin to poetry in Hawaiian culture, emphasizing its emotional impact and connection to memories and experiences in Hawaii.
Whether sung formally at a hula performance or casually among friends, mele speaks to the soul of Hawai‘i. As @moanakealapua notes, “When we sing mele, we connect with our kūpuna. It’s our way of remembering who we are.”
bassist playing ukulele bass (Shutterstock)
History and Significance of Mele
Instruments and Songs That Define the Sound of Hawai‘i
You can hear the spirit of Hawai‘i in its instruments. From the rhythmic beat of the pahu drum to the cheerful tones of the ‘ukulele, each plays a part in the island’s musical story.
In Hawaiian dictionaries, ‘yellow’ is used as an adjective to describe various cultural expressions, linking it to the meanings and translations of words such as ‘merry’ and its relation to songs and poetry.
Here are a few that bring mele to life:
- ʻUkulele: Small in size, big in personality. Introduced by Portuguese immigrants in the 19th century, this four-stringed instrument became a Hawaiian icon. It’s known for its bright, playful sound and is a staple at luaus and local jams.
- Slack-Key Guitar (Kī Hō‘alu): This finger style guitar technique involves “slacking” or loosening the strings for open tunings. The result? A rich, mellow sound that feels like a slow island breeze. Legendary artists like Gabby Pahinui helped make slack-key famous worldwide.
- Steel Guitar: Invented in Hawai‘i, this sliding style gives off a dreamy, wave-like sound. You’ve probably heard it in surf rock or country music—proof that Hawaiian innovation reaches far beyond the islands.
- Pahu and Ipu Drums: Used in traditional hula and chants, these percussive instruments connect performers to the heartbeat of the earth.
Want to dive deeper into this musical landscape? Check out Hawaii.com’s guide to luau experiences, where these instruments take center stage.
Legendary Hawaiian Musicians and Modern Influences
Hawai‘i has gifted the world with musicians who blend tradition and innovation, keeping mele fresh while honoring the past. These artists help preserve the culture while expanding its reach to global audiences.
Names hold significant importance in Hawaiian culture, often connected to cultural elements like mele and oli, and are deeply intertwined with moʻolelo and significant geographical locations.
Icons of Traditional and Contemporary Mele and Chant:
- Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole (Bruddah Iz): Best known for his haunting rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World,” Iz’s voice and presence are still deeply felt. His music carried messages of love, peace, and unity—and introduced many around the world to Hawaiian mele.
- Gabby Pahinui: The “Father of Slack-Key Guitar,” Gabby pioneered a unique, soulful sound that became synonymous with the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s.
- The Sons of Hawai‘i: A group that included Gabby Pahinui and Eddie Kamae, they revitalized traditional Hawaiian music and were instrumental in the cultural revival of the islands.
- The Brothers Cazimero: Known for rich harmonies and a blend of traditional and modern influences, Robert and Roland Cazimero made Hawaiian music accessible to new generations.
- Keali‘i Reichel: A powerful vocalist, composer, and kumu hula (hula teacher), Reichel’s music bridges chants and contemporary ballads with grace.
- Ledward Ka‘apana: A slack-key virtuoso whose lively performances and mastery of technique have made him a favorite both locally and internationally.
- Cyril Pahinui: Following in his father’s footsteps, Cyril carried on the slack-key tradition with elegance and depth.
Modern Artists to Know:
- Kalani Pe‘a: A Grammy award winning artist with a voice as smooth as coconut cream. Pe‘a’s blend of Hawaiian lyrics with R&B stylings brings a fresh sound to ancient themes.
- Kimié Miner: Her soulful, acoustic blend of Hawaiian, reggae and pop makes her one of Hawai‘i’s brightest modern stars.
- Anuhea: A Maui-born singer-songwriter who brings island style to folk-pop. Think Jack Johnson meets aloha.
- Josh Tatofi: Known as the “Hawaiian Luther Vandross,” Tatofi’s velvet voice and heartfelt Hawaiian lyrics have earned him a loyal following.
- Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom: One of Hawai‘i’s most celebrated female vocalists, known for her soaring vocals and deep connection to traditional mele.
Today’s artists carry the torch lit by generations before them, infusing mele with modern beats, personal stories, and fresh perspectives. As @alohaaina_vibes puts it, “Modern mele isn’t just about the past—it’s about where we’re going. Hawaiian music evolves, but our roots stay strong.”
Where to Hear Authentic Mele in Hawai‘i
Want to experience mele in its natural setting? You’re in luck. Hawai‘i is full of opportunities to enjoy live music—both traditional and modern.
Top spots to hear Hawaiian music:
- Waikīkī Beachside Bars: Grab a mai tai and enjoy live sunset performances. Duke’s Waikīkī and House Without a Key offer nightly shows with hula and slack-key guitar.
- Slack Key Shows: Head to Napili Kai Beach Resort on Maui for George Kahumoku Jr.’s Grammy-winning Slack Key Show. It’s an intimate way to feel the music.
- Hula Festivals: Events like the Merrie Monarch Festival (April in Hilo) feature live mele and hula at their highest level. Plan ahead—it’s one of Hawai‘i’s most celebrated cultural events.
- Resort Luaus: Luaus like Paradise Cove on O‘ahu and Old Lāhainā Lūʻau on Maui showcase live mele alongside storytelling, fire-knife dancing, and feasts.
- Cultural Centers: Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center or Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park for performances tied to native traditions.
And if you’re planning a road trip, don’t forget to download a playlist of local artists. Cruising down the coast with Iz in the background? Pure island magic.
Why Mele Matters: Keeping Hawaiian Culture Alive
In a world of streaming and short attention spans, mele remains a powerful reminder of Hawai‘i’s living culture. It bridges past and present, connecting people across generations and oceans.
More than entertainment, mele is activism, education, and resistance. Many songs speak out against the loss of land, language, and identity. For locals, playing and passing down music is their kuleana—responsibility to care for Hawai‘i and its people.
Place names hold significant cultural importance in Native Hawaiian traditions, deeply connected with mele, oli, and moʻolelo. Understanding these elements is crucial for researchers exploring Hawaiian music and its ties to specific lands and narratives.
As @kanikapila_sundays puts it on Twitter, “Every time we play mele, we’re passing on our ancestors’ wisdom. It’s more than music—it’s legacy.”
For visitors, listening to mele isn’t just a tourist activity—it’s a chance to respect and engage with Hawaiian heritage. By attending live shows, supporting local artists, and learning the meaning behind songs, you help keep this beautiful tradition alive.
So next time you’re under a Hawaiian moon, pause and listen. The song you hear isn’t just a tune—it’s the voice of the islands.
