Hawaiian Luau Free Music

Hawaiian Luau

A Hawaiian luau is a feast, filled with food and entertainment. Colorful clothing is often worn by all who attend. Splashy Hawaiian shirts for men and grass or plastic hula skirts for women are popular attire. Flower leis are also fun to don. These can be made from artificial flowers or from an assortment of fresh flowers. Decorations add another dimension to the gathering. Tiki lights and bowls made of coconuts are usually displayed. Games and the limbo are often part of a luau. Children will enjoy running around, dancing, eating, and keeping entertained. Music will certainly enhance the party. You will want to play as many Hawaiian selections as possible so that your guests will get in the aloha mood.

Music Played at Luaus

When the word luau is mentioned, next to a pig roasted underground (known as Kaula pig), the first thought that usually comes to mind is music. As you search for Hawaiian luau free music, here are some selections of popular songs often played. These songs provide a taste of the islands, offering warmth and tradition that is loved by many:

• "Kokomo"
• "Hawaii Five-O"
• "Blue Hawaii"
• "Oye Como Va"
• "Hula Days Island Escape"
• "Aloha Oe"
• "Hawaiian Breeze"
• "Over the Rainbow"
• "Haleakala"
• "Sea of Love"
• "Radio Hula"
• "Pua Hone"
• "Tiny Bubbles"
• "Waikiki Hula Medley"

Instruments at Luaus

Ukuleles are stars at a luau.

The most traditional instrument played in a Hawaiian band is the ukulele. The ukulele is typically associated with music from this island state. In Hawaiian, the name translates as jumping flea. Portuguese sailors introduced the ukulele to the local people. Over the years, this small string instrument has been used by many famous Hawaiian musicians. Some of the well known Hawaiian artists are Ernest Kaai, Israel IZ Kamakawiwo'ole, and Jake Shimabukuro. The steel guitar and the slack key guitar are also fixtures in island bands. In fact, the familiar tone of Hawaiian music is created by the slack key guitar. Even Elvis Presley loved Hawaiian music and incorporated the tone and rhythm of it in his bestselling Blue Hawaii album with hit songs like "Island of Love," "Aloha Oe" and "Ku-u-i-po".

Hula Dancers

Typical Hawaiian music tells a story. Often hula dancers show the story by motioning their arms and fingers as the music plays and the vocalist sings. Each of the dancers' motions is symbolic in expressing words such as plants, sun, water, love, and animals.

Where to Find Hawaiian Luau Free Music

There are a number of web sites where you can find song selections for your next luau. Some of these include:

• Rhapsody

• Sunstar

Don't forget to see if your library has some CDs with Hawaiian music. You can also enjoy streaming radio shows from the islands by using your computer. Some of the stations with music suited for your luau include:

• KCCN
• Hawaiian 105
• Krater 96

Additional Ideas

You might also want to check local party stores for inexpensive music. Thrift stores may have a few old CDS of traditional music. Hiring a band is also an option if your budget allows. Check the Yellow Pages of the phone book in your area to see if there are any bands with the ability to play some Hawaiian music. Ask them about the selections you enjoy hearing and see if they have a slack key guitarist. If you are unable to have live music accompany your celebration, you can download music onto CDs and play these CDs on a stereo system. Get the volume at a level where your guests can enjoy the music without it blaring, sounding fuzzy, or coming across too loud for comfort. Most of all, have fun with your friends and family at your festive event, complete with Hawaiian luau free music!