White Sandy Beach - Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing – Jack Johnson.

My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekya – Bill Cogswell, Tommy Harrison, Johnny Noble.

Sweet Leilani – Harry Owens/Bing Crosby.

Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.

How many of our favorite songs do you know? Music has been played in Hawaii for thousands of years, and many songs have come from island artists. Many of the most well known songs that have been written by artists that are from one of the Hawaiian Islands feature only these instruments, creating that beautiful sound that will soon remind you of warm days, white sands, and a colorful sunset that quietly drops below the horizon. Familiar instruments to Hawaiian music are the acoustic guitar, slack key guitar, and of course the ukulele. No matter where you go, you’ll here the sounds that Hawaii has become known for, and the gentle and soothing songs will give you another connection to the islands.

However, once you arrive in Hawaii, the easy sounds of Hawaiian music tend to take over. It is easy to overlook or just not think about music when there is so much to do and think about before you come, and the sites and activities of Hawaii are what immediately draw your attention. Of all of the reasons to be excited for your long awaited trip to Hawaii, the music of the islands may not be near the top of your list. Other new additions include the oceanfront CanoeHouse restaurant (led by former Nobu chef Matt Raso) for Kona abalone, grilled kampachi, and produce from local farms.Songs to Get You Ready for Your Hawaiian Vacation And the beach out front remains one of the best places to learn to surf or snorkel as sea turtles and the occasional spinner dolphin cruise past. The ancient Kalahuipua’a royal fishponds are still there, now an easy walk from the sleek, adults-only infinity pool.

For starters, it’s lost that early 1980s feel-gone is the high-gloss bamboo furniture and dark wood shutters-replaced with a decidedly Hawaiian 2.0 look of light wood, soft sea shades, and lots of white. But, like all good reunions, there’s some change and even a surprise or two. There’s still that soothing sense of nostalgia and history that comes with seeing an old friend. But, full exhale, the brand stuck the landing. To say that there was some nervous anticipation when it emerged as an Auberge Resort after a $200 million renovation, is playing it supremely cool. For decades, the beloved hotel has been a mainstay, drawing celebrities, well-heeled families, and staycationing locals to the Kona Kohala coast. Ask any Hawaii loyalist about the storied Mauna Lani resort on the Big Island and they’ll nod knowingly.

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