With AirPods in or headphones on, an ‘Iolani student can often be seen sitting at the tents doing their homework. Throughout the week, ‘Iolani students and teachers listen to a variety of music, genres,and artists, such as pop, local music, jazz and rock. Living in Hawai‘i, our local music is different and unique, from Reggae to Jawaiian. While Pop music and Jawaiian music shine in popularity, many students enjoy listening to famous national and local artists. ‘Iolani students also like to explore other genres. Peter Yu ‘27, an avid music listener, says, “I enjoy listening to all kinds of music.” 

We asked students and faculty about their music interests. Almost 40% of students interviewed said they were into pop. Many of these students were in middle school. “I think [middle schoolers like pop] because it is all over social media, which is where [middle schoolers] spend a lot of their time,” says Peter Yu ’27. Many students also said pop artist Taylor Swift was either one of their favorite artists. “It just has a good feeling to it,” says Lin Peng ‘28, talking about the upbeat rhythm of pop music. Students’ love for the pop artist matches with the nation, as Taylor Swift had an average of 627,000 listeners, the highest of all artists, from November 2023 to January 2024 (RouteNote).  Many students enjoy Hawai‘i’s local artists as well. Beloved artists by many students are Kolohe Kai and Anuhea. In Hawai‘i, artists incorporate their local flare to music, which makes Jawaiian or Reggae music so unique and endemic to Hawaii and the Pacific.

At ‘Iolani, students and faculty listen to music many times daily for many reasons. While most listen to music to pass the time or while doing homework, student Brady Yamastuka ‘28 specifically enjoys listening while he does his homework or to help distract him. There are numerous other times. Some listen to music to help them follow a passion or to help them with their sports. Mr. Michael Delligatti, a 7th and 8th grade Science teacher, listens to music while he runs, saying, “I just like music to calm me and relax [me] while I am doing long runs.” As an avid runner, listening to music helps him feed into his passion. It is uncommon to find someone who hasn’t incorporated music into their lives in one way or another.

Music helps us and influences us on a day to day basis. ‘Iolani students use music to help them get through their days. Whether to relax, motivate or distract them, each student has their reasons and factors for listening to music. Trending artists such as Taylor Swift and local artists are most common, but all music genres are loved. Not only is it apparent where music stands in students’ lives, but it also influences us, whether it pumps us up or helps us focus. ‘Iolani students enjoy music as a way to unwind, whether between classes or doing homework, music makes all of our stressful lives a little less stressful.