By Ushara Shamini   Hawaiian music refers to the kind of music you would hear in Hawaii, characterised mostly by acoustic guitars, ukuleles, singers who sing in Hawaiian, slack-key guitar, some slide guitar, hula dancers and chanting, or a mix of those. It is not a particular style of music, it is more of a collection of the music of a particular place over a range of years – from about the 1920s to now – originating from the major Hawaiian Islands. In the 19th century, Hawaiian music evolved to a more western style as string instruments were introduced and this music was known as “Himeni”.    Hawaiian musical instruments   In pre-contact times, the island natives used hollow dried gourd instruments, clicking stones, nose flutes, chanting, and pahu drums (made using hollow logs and sharkskin heads). In the 1800s, the Portuguese cowboys brought in guitars. The natives were partial to little fixtures. They removed a couple of strings, re-tuned them, and called them ukuleles. Ukuleles now come in many different sizes and shapes. They also re-tuned the regular guitars and developed an elaborate system of chordal tunings called slack-key. In the late 1920s, Hawaiian guitarists embraced the sound of the electric steel-string slide guitar and made a sound that will always be associated with the islands.   Hawaiian music variations Ukulele: Originating from a mix of traditional and modern genre-crossing, the ukulele never lost popularity in Hawaii. The ukulele’s easy playability and unique sound are helping it make a comeback in the present. One of the most famous ukulele musicians is the late Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, affectionately known as Bruddah Iz by Hawaiians, who is known for his cover of ‘Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World’.  Slack-key guitar: This is one of the great acoustic guitar traditions in the world. It’s mostly instrumental, played on guitar with a variety of open tunings and the vibe is especially mellow. Many Hawaiian songs and slack-key guitar pieces reflect themes like stories of the past, present, and people’s lives. One of the best slack-key guitarists and singers of Hawaiian music is Gabby Pahinui who is known for his cover of ‘Hiilawe’.   Lap steel: Most Hawaiian lap steel guitars built in the early days were made out of wood and had hollow necks and high strings. This has truly become synonymous with Hawaiian music since Joseph Kekuku first created its lovely sound. At first, this was considered a Hawaiian instrument but nowadays there are many great players in other genres who use this instrument as well. Bobby Ingano is one of Hawaii’s great lap steel guitar players who is known for his cover of ‘Tropical Swing’.     Falsetto: A popular vocal style using a singing technique that produces sounds pitched higher than the singer’s normal range.  Hula chanting/singing: One of the most prevalent and oldest forms of musical performance in Hawaii, but not one that is commercially in demand. Chanting was a ritual in ancient Hawaii as a means of preserving history, honouring deities, and organising genealogies.    ---   Concluding paragraph   Hawaiian music’s roots in language and culture give it almost inexhaustible flexibility, letting it incorporate outside influences, from the monarchy era to the age of rock and roll. Also, Hawaiian music was sometimes composed to mark events of immense magnitude, such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, storm, or tidal wave. Compositions also recall events such as the birth of a high chief or death in the family, experiences like lovemaking or war, and feelings such as nostalgia for a person or place. The popularisation of Hawaiian music around the world began in the last quarter of the 19th century, mainly through the publishing of many of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s music in the United States. Author description: Ushara Shamini is a freelance researcher, writer, junior SM executive, and translator.  Facebook: Ushara Shamini  Twitter: @Ushara_Shamini   PHOTOS © HAWAIITRAVELWITHKIDS.COM, JONESAROUNDTHEWORLD.COM, NYTIMES.COM, POLYNESIA.COM, SIMPLE.WIKIPEDIA.ORG