Did you happen to catch the finale of American Idol, the part where Hawaii-born Iam Tongi performed Kolohe Kai’s “Cool Down”?
For us locals in Hawaii, it was a huge deal to hear a song so familiar to our unique culture being shared in front of a national audience of millions.
Aside from the joy and pride we feel from Iam’s big win that night, you might be interested to learn more about this special genre of music we call Hawaiian reggae, or Jawaiian (“Jamaican + Hawaiian”).
Jawaiian is pretty much exactly what the name says — a mix of Jamaican and Hawaiian music. This Hawaiian reggae genre has been ultra popular in Hawaii for as long as I can remember.
I’ve gathered 10 of our top jams to get you started with Hawaiian reggae — enjoy!
Kolohe Kai – Cool Down
Sail Away – Love Ones ft. Leilani Wolfgramm
Fish and Poi – Sean Na’auao
Midnight Hour – SDIB
Let’s Do It Again – J Boog
Island Girls – Pati feat. Fiji and O-Shen
Higher Than the Clouds – Anuhea
Kapena – Reggae Train
Love I – The Green
Guava Jelly – Ka’au Crater Boys
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Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.
Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.
