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Flag of Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo by Dysfunctional –

Top 10 Iconic Singers from Honolulu

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu鈥檚 south shore, is the capital of Hawaii and the gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife, and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with the volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance. Sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor include the USS Arizona Memorial.

1. Israel 鈥淚z鈥� Ka鈥檃no鈥橧 Kamakawiwo鈥橭le鈥檚 

A bust of Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo驶ole on Oahu. Photo by Kent Buckingham –

Quoting Braddah IZ, 鈥淒is music is feelings dat goin鈥� the last fo鈥檈va and dat all generations to come can fall back on.鈥�

This could not be more true. IZ鈥檚 legendary voice has captivated hearts around the world, leaving an imprint of aloha on their spirit with his mele.

2. Keali驶I Reichel 

Keali’i Reichel. Ninth Annual Kukahi Concert, February 12, 2005. Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Photo by Charles Haynes –

Carleton Lewis Keali鈥檌naniaimokuokalani Reichel, popularly known as Keali鈥檌 Reichel, has spent his life educating the world about Hawaiian culture through mele (music) and dance. When you feel the emotion of the mele, take time to translate the lyrics if needed.

You’ll immediately realize how much was gifted to you through each chant, song, and poem.

3. Jack Johnson 

Jack Johnson performing at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu Hawaii. Photo by Peter Chiapperino,  a concert photographer in Lexington, Kentucky-

With lyrics that resonate deeply with all generations, songs of connection, love, the aina (land), and ocean, it is no wonder Jack Johnson is often found on every beach playlist. Annually one can always look forward to the K艒kua Music Festival provided by Johnson鈥檚 incredible organization on the island.

4. Paula Fuga 

Paula Fuga wrapping up day one for our Future Leaders in Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo by US Embassy from New Zealand –

Though many play music for platitudes of acclaim, Paula plays music for a culture, spreading the thoughtful and evocative voice of the Hawaiian people across the world.

5. Anuhea 

Anuhea’s current promo photo. Photo by Morganinstereo –

True to herself and all her realness, Anuhea’s music is open, honest, and vulnerable. Songwriting that speaks directly from her heart, in a unique delivery all her own.

Anuhea has paved the way for many artists in the Hawai’i music scene and continues to be an inspiration to her fans, and aspiring young singers alike.

6. Kimi茅 

Kimie performing in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Kirk Stauffer –

Kimi茅 Kauikeolani Miner, better known as Kimi茅, is a Grammy Award-nominated producer and Sofar Honolulu Alum. She wrote and co-produced 4 albums including To the Sea, Kimi茅 Miner (Contemporary Album of the Year, N膩 H艒k奴 Hanohano awards), Proud as the Sun, and most recently Hawaiian Lullaby.

7. H膩wane Rios

A singer and a songwriter – Photo by Soundtrap on H膩wane Rios is a Mauna Kea Protector and award-winning singer-songwriter and Sofar Honolulu alum from Pu驶ukapu, Waimea on the Island of Hawai驶i. Defining Mana Wahine through her mele, powerful shares of cultural traditions, advocacy work, and commitment to aloha 驶膩ina, love for the land.

Continually teaching by example the responsibility we each have to care for and protect Mother Earth.

8. Thunderstorm Artis and Ohana 

A music band performing. Photo by Andr茅s G贸mez on

Taking 3rd place in season 18 of the American talent competition, The Voice, Thunderstorm Artis is a beloved Sofar alum and community member. He grew up in a large musical family with 10 siblings on the shores of O鈥檃hu.

Thunderstorm and Ohana formed a family band and would perform at their father鈥檚 art gallery, attracting tourists from all over the world.

9. Bruno Mars 

Bruno Mars. Photo unattributed –

Peter Gene Hernandez, known professionally as Bruno Mars, has sold over 130 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has released seven number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 since his career launched in 2010, attaining his first five faster than any male artist since Elvis Presley.

10. Kolohe Kai 

A group discussing something during sunset. Photo by Arthur Poulin on

Kolohe Kai is a Hawaiian reggae-pop musical group, formed in 2009 by lead singer and songwriter Roman De Peralta. Pulling on all of our 鈥淗eartstrings鈥� and leaving us 鈥淪peechless鈥�!