Hapa Haole

What is “Hapa Haole” music and what is the interweaving of Hawaiian and Western styles?

“Hapa Haole” is a Hawaii-born musical style that marries Hawaiian sands with the Western sound of pop and jazz (mainly American). hapa haole means half foreign (that is, combining Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian (often English-speaking)). It also features a mixture of English lyrics, Hawaiian sounds and the ukulele and steel guitar. Hapa Haole music grew in appeal in the first half of the 20th century, and helped establish what Hawaiin music is today.