Hawaii’s Most-Streamed Songs of 2024–2025: The Tracks That Defined a Year Across the Islands

In Hawai‘i, music isn’t just something to play—it’s something to feel, to share, and to live. It’s present at beach barbecues, in the background during long drives between Hilo and Kona, at graduation parties, weddings, and slow Sunday mornings. The sound of the islands reflects a blend of aloha, rhythm, roots, and realness.

Between April 7, 2024 and April 7, 2025, Hawai‘i’s most-streamed songs captured everything from global pop glitz to island romance, emotional ballads, and genre-defying hits. The result? A list that celebrates local pride, emotional truth, and sonic diversity, with something for every mood and moment. If you want to learn to play an instrument, check out music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s take a closer look at the top 9 most-streamed songs in Hawai‘i this year—and why each resonated so deeply across O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i, the Big Island, and beyond.

1. "Die With A Smile" – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (2.10 Million Views)

Taking the top spot in Hawai‘i this year with 2.10 million views is “Die With A Smile,” a shimmering disco-funk anthem from Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. The song is more than a bop—it’s a philosophy.

With lyrics about choosing joy, living unapologetically, and making every moment count, it struck a powerful chord in a state where appreciating the present is woven into daily life. Bruno Mars, a Honolulu native, adds local pride to the global appeal of the track, and Gaga’s magnetic energy brings the emotional punch.

This track became a favorite at beach parties, workout playlists, family gatherings, and anywhere joy was in the air.

Why Hawai‘i Loved It:

• Bruno Mars' local roots and global stardom

• Disco-pop vibes with life-affirming lyrics

• A song for dancing, smiling, and celebrating the now

2. "APT." – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars (1.98 Million Views)

Landing at number two with 1.98 million views, “APT.” is a dreamy collaboration between BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, delivering a sultry, cinematic love story that resonated across Hawai‘i’s younger generations.

Set in an apartment building, the song tells a tale of quiet yearning and missed connections—perfect for late-night vibes and slow sunset drives along the coast. ROSÉ’s breathy vocals paired with Bruno’s signature smoothness created a track that felt intimate and universal at once.

Why Hawai‘i Loved It:

• Romantic, lo-fi pop with depth

• Global collaboration with local roots

• A favorite for Gen Z and fans of chill playlists

3. "Not Like Us" – Kendrick Lamar (1.97 Million Views)

At number three is Kendrick Lamar’s cultural cannonball, “Not Like Us,” with 1.97 million views in Hawai‘i. While the song sparked headlines for its role in 2024’s most high-profile rap feud, it found major traction in Hawai‘i thanks to its head-nodding beat, infectious hook, and Kendrick’s unmatched lyrical fire.

Hawai‘i listeners—especially hip-hop fans in Honolulu and college students across the islands—connected with the message, momentum, and mastery in the track. And beyond the drama, it became a workout favorite, a party must-have, and a top-trending TikTok sound across the state.

Why Hawai‘i Loved It:

• Lyrically sharp and sonically addictive

• A cultural moment that transcended genre

• Perfect for playlists that need intensity and energy

4. "Lose Control (Live)" – Teddy Swims (1.53 Million Views)

With 1.53 million views, Georgia-born Teddy Swims found a second musical home in Hawai‘i with his live version of “Lose Control.” Raw, emotional, and vocally unmatched, the performance hit listeners right in the heart.

Hawai‘i, a place known for valuing authenticity, emotional openness, and soul, embraced this song across generations. It was played in quiet moments of healing, on drives through the hills, or under stars when words weren’t enough.

Why Hawai‘i Loved It:

• Live version made the emotion feel real

• Soulful storytelling through song

• A favorite for introspection and emotional release

5. "Every Night Every Morning" – Maoli (1.24 Million Views)

No list about Hawai‘i’s music would be complete without Maoli, and this year, their tender track “Every Night Every Morning” earned 1.24 million views, proving that local music remains the heart of the islands.

Maoli’s ability to blend island reggae with R&B, soul, and love balladry made this song a go-to for weddings, anniversaries, and slow dances under string lights. It’s romantic, heartfelt, and wrapped in that unmistakable Maoli warmth.

Why Hawai‘i Loved It:

• A modern classic from the kings of local reggae

• Pure love song energy

• Reflects the romantic side of island life

6. "Beautiful Things" – Benson Boone (1.18 Million Views)

Benson Boone’s breakout ballad “Beautiful Things” tallied 1.18 million views in Hawai‘i, proving that the islands still have a place for emotional, cinematic pop. This track, which touches on themes of gratitude, fear of loss, and self-worth, became a go-to for people navigating life’s uncertainties.

Its swelling chorus and honest lyrics made it ideal for quiet reflections, long drives along the coast, and journal-writing sessions.

Why Hawai‘i Loved It:

• Emotional resonance with universal themes

• Soared on social media and personal playlists

• A reminder to cherish the present

7. "You Can Have It All" – Maoli (1.14 Million Views)

Another entry from Maoli with 1.14 million views, “You Can Have It All” is a song about unconditional love and commitment—delivered in that signature Maoli style: smooth vocals, reggae rhythms, and soul.

This track became especially popular at baby luaus, weddings, and backyard celebrations, further cementing Maoli as a soundtrack to life in Hawai‘i.

Why Hawai‘i Loved It:

• Local language of love and loyalty

• Celebrates ohana and real connection

• Played at milestone events across the islands

8. "MILLION DOLLAR BABY" – Tommy Richman (1.11 Million Views)

With 1.11 million views, Tommy Richman’s “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” was the genre-blurring, hard-to-define, impossible-to-ignore hit of the year. This track brought funk, punk, pop, and a little chaos to playlists across Hawai‘i.

It found its way into youth-driven playlists, party mixes, and “weird and wonderful” vibes, showing that even in a place known for laid-back tunes, there's room for experimentation and hype.

Why Hawai‘i Loved It:

• Unique sound with viral appeal

• Great energy for weekend turn-ups

• A favorite for Gen Z fans and alt-pop lovers

9. "Espresso" – Sabrina Carpenter (1.07 Million Views)

Rounding out the top nine with 1.07 million views, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” was the sunny, flirty, pop anthem that paired perfectly with beach days and shopping trips through Ala Moana.

With retro synths, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and effortless style, “Espresso” became a favorite among young fans, playlist curators, and fashion-forward listeners across the islands.

Why Hawai‘i Loved It:

• Bubbly pop with confident lyrics

• Instant mood-booster for any day

• A track for dancing, smiling, and making content

What This Data Tells Us About Hawai‘i’s Music Taste

Hawai‘i’s top-streamed songs of the year reveal a nuanced, emotionally rich, and culturally balanced musical identity. Here’s what stands out:

1. Local music is thriving 🌺

With Maoli securing two songs in the top 10, it’s clear that Hawai‘i continues to support and celebrate its own. Local voices aren’t just part of the scene—they are the scene.

2. Global music is embraced when it feels real 🌎

Artists like Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar connect deeply with island listeners because their songs have story, truth, and soul.

3. Emotion drives engagement 💬

From Teddy Swims to Benson Boone, Hawai‘i listeners gravitated toward tracks that felt honest, vulnerable, and healing.

4. Energy and playfulness still matter 🎉

Songs like “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” and “Espresso” proved that Hawai‘i loves a song that feels good, sounds good, and gets people moving.

Methodology

This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional analytics, tracking streaming behavior between April 7, 2024 and April 7, 2025. The data ranks songs by total views from users located in Hawai‘i, offering a hyper-local lens into what music residents of the islands truly connected with over the past year.

Final Thoughts

From island reggae to emotional soul, disco pop to viral anthems, the top songs in Hawai‘i this year were deeply human, beautifully diverse, and unmistakably authentic. Whether we were celebrating, healing, dreaming, or dancing, this music helped us move through life—together.

These nine songs—“Die With A Smile,” “APT.,” “Not Like Us,” “Lose Control,” Maoli’s love ballads, and more—defined a year of sound in Hawai‘i. And if one thing’s clear, it’s that this state knows how to listen with intention, emotion, and a whole lot of aloha.