25 Best Hawaiian Vacation Songs: Create the Perfect Island Video Soundtrack

Dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, turquoise waters, and the gentle sway of palm trees? Then you're probably already planning that epic Hawaiian vacation video! But the perfect footage needs the perfect soundtrack. Finding the best songs for Hawaiian vacation video is crucial for setting the right mood and capturing the magic of your island adventure. This isn't just about throwing any upbeat tune in the mix; the right music elevates your video from a simple home movie to a captivating cinematic experience, enhancing the memories and sharing your Aloha spirit with the world. We’ve curated a list of the most vibrant, evocative, and perfectly-paced tracks – from classic Hawaiian melodies to modern hits with that island vibe – guaranteed to transport your viewers straight to paradise. Get ready to create a video that's as unforgettable as your trip itself!

25 Best Hawaiian Vacation Songs: Create the Perfect Island Video Soundtrack
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Somewhere Over the Rainbow Israel Kamakawiwo'ole 1B+
2. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu 32M+
3. Better Together Jack Johnson In Between Dreams 27M+
4. Bubble Toes Jack Johnson 6M+
5. E O Mai Keali‘i Reichel 4M+
6. Tiny Bubbles Don Ho 3M+
7. The Pina Colada Song Rupert Holmes 2M+

1. Somewhere Over the Rainbow - 1993

Ukulele Melody: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's signature ukulele playing creates a relaxed, instantly recognizable Hawaiian vibe perfect for your vacation video, evoking the spirit of the islands.

Vocal Performance: His soothing, soulful vocals add a layer of warmth and emotional depth, making it incredibly moving and fitting for a montage of beautiful Hawaiian scenery.

Emotional Impact: The song's timeless message of hope and optimism perfectly complements the joyful feeling of a Hawaiian vacation, creating a feeling of peace and paradise.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

2. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride (Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu - 2025)

Upbeat Tempo and Rhythm: Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride boasts an irresistibly catchy tempo perfect for setting a vibrant and energetic mood in your Hawaiian vacation video, instantly transporting viewers to the islands.

Evocative Soundscape: The song masterfully blends traditional Hawaiian instrumentation with a modern pop sensibility, creating a unique soundscape that authentically reflects the spirit of Aloha while remaining broadly appealing.

Visual Synergy: Its playful and whimsical nature lends itself beautifully to showcasing diverse aspects of a Hawaiian vacation – from stunning landscapes to exciting activities – making it ideal for montage sequences.

Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride - Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu

3. Better Together (In Between Dreams - 2025)

Sound: Jack Johnson's signature laid-back acoustic guitar and mellow vocals create the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing Hawaiian vacation video, evoking the islands' chill vibe.

Emotional Impact: The song's warm and optimistic lyrics about togetherness perfectly complement the joyful atmosphere of a Hawaiian getaway, enhancing the feeling of contentment and connection.

Visual Pairing: "Better Together" visually pairs well with shots of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant sunsets, and intimate moments shared with loved ones, creating a cohesive and heartwarming video narrative.

Better Together - Jack Johnson

4. Bubble Toes (Jack Johnson - 2025)

Relaxing Vibe: "Bubble Toes" perfectly captures the laid-back, island atmosphere, making it ideal for showcasing the beauty of a Hawaiian vacation.

Acoustic Soundscape: Jack Johnson's signature mellow acoustic guitar and warm vocals create a soothing soundscape that enhances the visual appeal of your video.

Visual Pairing: The song's gentle rhythm and imagery of carefree days lend themselves beautifully to footage of sun-drenched beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant Hawaiian culture.

Bubble Toes - Jack Johnson

5. E O Mai

E O Mai by Keali‘i Reichel

Authentic Hawaiian Sound: E O Mai showcases the rich, traditional sounds of Hawaii, incorporating instruments and vocal styles that evoke the islands' spirit perfectly, making it ideal for setting a relaxing and authentic Hawaiian mood in your video.

Uplifting Melody: The song's melody is bright and uplifting, creating a joyful and positive atmosphere that viewers will associate with their Hawaiian vacation memories.

Visual Enhancement: The song's gentle rhythm and evocative lyrics are easy to match with stunning visuals of beaches, lush landscapes, and cultural activities, enhancing the overall impact of your vacation video.

E O Mai - Keali‘i Reichel

6. Tiny Bubbles (Don Ho)

Upbeat Tempo and Rhythm: Tiny Bubbles boasts a delightfully upbeat tempo and ukulele-driven rhythm perfect for capturing the carefree spirit of a Hawaiian vacation.

Evocative Soundscape: The song's lighthearted melody and steel guitar accents create a vivid soundscape reminiscent of island life, instantly transporting viewers to a tropical paradise.

Nostalgic Vibe: Its classic feel adds a touch of nostalgic charm to your Hawaiian vacation video, appealing to a wide audience and enhancing the overall feel-good atmosphere.

Tiny Bubbles - Don Ho

7. The Pina Colada Song (Rupert Holmes - 1979)

Island Vibe: "The Pina Colada Song" instantly evokes a relaxed, tropical mood perfect for a Hawaiian vacation video, with its breezy melody and playful lyrics about romance and escapism.

Upbeat Tempo: Its catchy rhythm and upbeat tempo create a fun and energetic atmosphere, ideal for showcasing exciting activities and beautiful scenery in your video.

Nostalgic Charm: The song's classic 80s sound adds a touch of vintage charm, giving your Hawaiian vacation video a unique and memorable feel. Consider using footage of classic Hawaiian scenes or vintage-style elements to complement the song's nostalgic vibe.

The Pina Colada Song - Rupert Holmes

8. Back To The Island

Island Vibe: Leon Russell's "Back To The Island" evokes a relaxed, breezy atmosphere perfect for a Hawaiian vacation video, with its mellow piano melodies and soulful vocals.

Visuals: The song's laid-back rhythm and feel lend themselves well to showcasing stunning island scenery and activities in your video.

Authenticity: While not explicitly about Hawaii, the song's overall mood of escape and serenity creates an authentically tropical soundscape.

Back To The Island - Leon Russell

9. Guava Jelly (Ka'au Crater Boys - 1996)

Guava Jelly by Ka'au Crater Boys

Upbeat Tempo: Its infectious rhythm and bright melody instantly evoke the carefree spirit of a Hawaiian vacation, setting a vibrant mood for your video.

Island Vibes: The song's distinctive ukulele and slack-key guitar create an authentic Hawaiian soundscape, perfectly complementing island scenery.

Visual Synergy: Consider using footage of lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, or vibrant cultural events while playing this track; the visuals and audio will complement each other beautifully.

Guava Jelly - Ka'au Crater Boys

10. Kauanoeanuhea

Artist: Keali‘i Reichel's distinctive vocals, known for their emotive power and connection to Hawaiian traditions, perfectly capture the spirit of the islands.

Sound & Rhythm: The song's gentle melody and calming rhythm create a relaxing and immersive atmosphere, ideal for showcasing tranquil Hawaiian landscapes in your video.

Emotional Impact: "Kauanoeanuhea" evokes a sense of peace and serenity, enhancing the feeling of escape and relaxation often associated with a Hawaiian vacation.

Kauanoeanuhea - Keali‘i Reichel
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