HONOLULU — Hawai‘i’s creative pulse is louder than ever. From reggae-pop playlists to indie films that capture island rhythm, our arts scene is evolving—and it’s electric.
🎶 Music’s Island Boom
Local legend Maoli topped charts this year with 14.7 million YouTube views across Hawai‘i, their melodies a staple from Kailua barbecues to Lahaina beach days. And rising just behind? Disco-funk juggernauts like Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, whose “Die With A Smile” hit 2.1 million views—proof that both homegrown and global sounds are thriving here.
Streaming itself continues to dominate, with global music subscription numbers rising over 10% in 2023—solid proof that our island playlists are part of something much bigger.
🎞 Film Waves on the Horizon
Hawai‘i’s film festivals are making waves too. This fall’s Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF) showcased 92 features and 114 shorts, with 40 world premieres and 31 U.S. debuts. Notably, nine feature films were produced right here in Hawai‘i.
That means our backyard stories—of reef conservation, local music, and island identity—are now hitting screens worldwide. Young filmmakers are using HIFF’s platform to lead cultural exchanges and spark conversations through cinema.
🌺 Why It Matters
Hawaii Monthly readers are trend-aware and culturally hungry. This fusion of music and film speaks to people who grew up with ukuleles in backyards and documentaries on local legends. It’s authentic, it’s dynamic, and it’s ours.
🎧 What Could Be Next?
Imagine a surf doc scored by Maoli, premiered at HIFF’s next edition. Or a reggae-kine indie flick that gets picked up for streaming. With film tax incentives extended through 2030, creative production in Hawai‘i is just getting started.
At the intersection of melody and motion, Hawai‘i’s next cultural wave is rising. Whether you’re vibing to surf-pop or queueing up the latest island film, Hawaii Monthly is your front-seat pass to the soundtrack and story of our islands.
— Music & Film, Hawaii Monthly