The Ultimate Guide To 'Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride': From Disney Classic To Iam Tongi’s Live-Action Hit

Few Disney songs capture the spirit of a place and the essence of a story quite like "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride," the vibrant, infectious track from the 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch. More than two decades since its debut, the song is experiencing a massive resurgence, cementing its place not just as a beloved soundtrack staple, but as a culturally significant piece of Hawaiian music and Disney history.

As of today, December 17, 2025, the song is back in the spotlight as the highly anticipated first single from the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch film, featuring a fresh take by a modern Hawaiian star. This new chapter, coupled with the original’s recent RIAA Platinum certification, proves that the magic of the song—with its blend of traditional Hawaiian chant and pop sensibility—continues to resonate with a new generation, embodying the film's core theme of Ohana, or family.

The Legacy of the Original: Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu and RIAA Platinum

The original "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" is a masterpiece of cultural fusion, a collaboration that brought authentic Hawaiian voices to a global Disney audience. The track, along with "He Mele No Lilo," was originally performed by the legendary Hawaiian chanter and *kumu hula* (hula teacher), Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu, and The Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus.

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Hoʻomalu, who was born and raised in ʻAiea, Oʻahu, is a contemporary Hawaiian chanter dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Hawaiian arts. His unique style, which incorporates traditional *oli* (chant) into the song's opening and structure, gave the Lilo & Stitch soundtrack an unparalleled level of cultural authenticity. The song is heard during a memorable surfing day scene in the film, perfectly capturing the joy and vibrant energy of the Hawaiian islands.

• Original Performers: Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu and The Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus.
• Cultural Authenticity: Hoʻomalu's inclusion of *oli* (Hawaiian chant) ensured the music was steeped in indigenous tradition.
• RIAA Milestone: The original track achieved Platinum certification from the RIAA on March 17, 2023, for reaching one million certified units, a testament to its enduring popularity.

Hoʻomalu’s commitment to his culture extends beyond the Disney franchise; he is the founder of the Academy of Hawaiian Arts, a *hālau* (hula school) that has performed at major events like the Merrie Monarch Festival in California. This deep connection to the source material is what has given the song its longevity and emotional depth, setting the stage for its modern revival.

Iam Tongi’s New Wave: The Live-Action Update

The most significant news surrounding "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" is its role as the lead single for the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. Disney chose to honor the song’s legacy while injecting new life into it by selecting a contemporary voice with deep Hawaiian roots.

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The new version is performed by *American Idol* season 21 winner, Iam Tongi, alongside the returning Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus. Tongi, who captured the world's heart with his emotional audition and soulful voice, is a perfect fit to carry the torch of this iconic track. His involvement ensures that the song remains connected to the islands and its people, maintaining the spirit of the original while appealing to a new, global audience.

The release of Tongi's cover has been met with excitement, with the track premiering on platforms like Disney Hits and being made available by Walt Disney Records. The song's lyrics, which feature the classic Hawaiian greeting "Aloha ē, aloha ē, 'ano 'ai ke aloha ē," continue to promote the themes of love and connection that are central to the film’s narrative.

This new rendition is not merely a cover; it’s a cultural bridge. By featuring Iam Tongi, a young Samoan-Hawaiian artist, the live-action movie reinforces the film’s commitment to authentic representation and continues the legacy of using the soundtrack to highlight indigenous traditions. The 2025 version, as listed on some music platforms, ensures that the song will be one of the most talked-about pieces of the new Disney soundtrack.

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Beyond the Soundtrack: Cultural Impact, Covers, and Ohana

The success of "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" is deeply intertwined with the cultural significance of the entire Lilo & Stitch soundtrack. The film was unique among Disney's animated features for its extensive use of Hawaiian music, alongside the surprising inclusion of several classic Elvis Presley songs. This blend of traditional Hawaiian elements and mainland pop culture created a distinctive sound that defied expectations and helped the soundtrack top the charts in 2002.

The song’s widespread popularity has naturally led to numerous covers and reinterpretations over the years, further expanding its reach and topical authority. These covers demonstrate the song's versatility and its enduring appeal across different genres:

• Iration’s Reggae Spin: The Hawaiian-born reggae band Iration released their own cover of "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride," putting a unique reggae-rock spin on the classic while striving to keep the soul of the original intact. The band, being from Hawaiʻi, noted that the song and the movie hold a special, joyful place in their hearts.
• Other Notable Covers: The song has also been covered by artists such as Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, showcasing its adaptability to different musical styles, including Eurobeat, as noted by some music communities.

Ultimately, the enduring power of "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" lies in its ability to encapsulate the film's central theme: Ohana. The song’s vibrant energy and heartfelt lyrics about finding your place—"There's no place I'd rather be"—perfectly reflect the importance of family and connection, regardless of how unconventional that family may be. Whether in the original 2002 animated version, the recent RIAA Platinum-certified classic, or the fresh, highly-anticipated rendition by Iam Tongi for the live-action movie, the spirit of the Hawaiian roller coaster ride continues to carry listeners on a wave of pure, joyful *aloha*.