Hawaii is more than just stunning beaches and tropical sunsets — it’s also the birthplace of some seriously talented and famous people. From Grammy-winning musicians to Hollywood stars and sports legends, the Aloha State has produced an impressive lineup of celebrities.
You might be surprised to learn just how many household names grew up surfing those iconic waves or exploring those lush green islands. Here’s a look at 18 remarkable celebrities who proudly call Hawaii home.
1. Barack Obama
Born in Honolulu on August 4, 1961, Barack Obama went on to become the 44th President of the United States — and the first African American to hold that office. He grew up attending Punahou School, one of Hawaii’s most respected private schools.
His Hawaiian roots shaped his calm, thoughtful leadership style. Obama often spoke warmly about his island upbringing, crediting it with teaching him balance, perspective, and the value of community.
2. Bette Midler
Long before she became the Divine Miss M, Bette Midler was just a kid growing up in Honolulu. Born in 1945, she attended Radford High School and dreamed of making it big far beyond the Pacific shoreline.
Her bold personality and powerhouse voice eventually took her from the islands to Broadway and Hollywood. Still, Hawaii will always be the place that first sparked her love of performing and storytelling.
3. Jason Momoa
Before he ruled the seas as Aquaman, Jason Momoa was just a Hawaiian kid with big dreams. Born in Honolulu, Momoa grew up deeply connected to his Polynesian heritage, which later became a defining part of his identity both on and off screen.
His imposing presence and genuine warmth have made him a fan favorite worldwide. He regularly speaks about his Hawaiian roots with enormous pride, often advocating for Indigenous Hawaiian culture and environmental causes.
4. Bruno Mars
Peter Gene Hernandez — better known as Bruno Mars — was born right in the heart of Waikiki, Honolulu. Music was practically in his DNA; his father played in a Latin percussion band and his mother was a talented singer and dancer from the Philippines.
Bruno began performing as young as four years old. Growing up surrounded by the rich musical culture of Hawaii clearly left its mark on this multi-Grammy-winning pop superstar.
5. Jack Johnson
Chill vibes and acoustic guitar — that’s Jack Johnson in a nutshell. He grew up on O’ahu’s legendary North Shore, where he started surfing at just five years old.
The rhythm of the ocean clearly found its way into his music.
Before becoming a beloved singer-songwriter, Johnson was actually a talented competitive surfer. His laid-back sound feels like a Hawaiian sunset bottled up in a song, and millions of fans around the world agree.
6. Nicole Scherzinger
The powerhouse lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls was born right in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nicole Scherzinger grew up with a deep appreciation for performance arts, and her island beginnings helped shape the magnetic stage presence she’s known for today.
Her journey from Hawaii to global pop stardom is genuinely inspiring. Beyond the Pussycat Dolls, she’s built a solo career and even appeared as a judge on “The X Factor,” proving her talent extends well beyond one iconic group.
7. Israel Kamakawiwoole
Few voices have ever captured the spirit of Hawaii quite like Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, lovingly known as “IZ.” His soulful ukulele-driven medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” has moved millions of listeners across the globe.
IZ was more than a musician — he was a cultural icon who championed Hawaiian rights and identity. His music continues to play at weddings, funerals, and everything in between, a timeless reminder of the islands’ deep emotional power.
8. Duke Kahanamoku
Born in Honolulu in 1890, Duke Kahanamoku is quite literally the reason surfing became a global sport. Known as the “father of modern surfing,” he introduced the Hawaiian tradition of wave riding to audiences in Australia and the United States during his travels.
He was also an Olympic gold medalist in swimming. Duke’s legacy is enormous — his statue stands proudly on Waikiki Beach today, a permanent tribute to a true Hawaiian legend.
9. Maggie Q
Actress and activist Maggie Q grew up in Mililani, a planned community on O’ahu known for its quiet, family-friendly streets. Far from the glitz of Hollywood, her Hawaiian childhood was grounded and real.
She went on to star in hit TV series like “Nikita” and blockbuster films alongside Jackie Chan. Maggie is also a passionate animal rights advocate — a cause she’s spoken about with the same fierce energy she brings to her action-packed roles.
10. Marcus Mariota
Marcus Mariota made history as the first University of Oregon football player and Hawaii native to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Born and raised in Honolulu, he grew up with a quiet determination that set him apart from the crowd.
His journey from local Hawaiian kid to NFL quarterback is one of the most inspiring stories in recent sports history. Mariota has always represented his home state with humility and grace, making all of Hawaii cheer a little louder.
11. Tia Carrere
Tia Carrere grew up in Kaimuki, a charming Honolulu neighborhood known for its local eateries and tight-knit community feel. She went on to become one of the most recognizable faces of the 1990s, starring in the “Wayne’s World” films and voicing Nani in Disney’s beloved “Lilo and Stitch.”
Beyond acting, Tia is a talented singer who has released multiple albums. Her Hawaiian heritage remains a proud cornerstone of who she is, both personally and professionally.
12. Don Ho
“Tiny Bubbles” might be the most cheerful song ever associated with Hawaii, and Don Ho made it famous. Born and raised in Honolulu, Ho became a legendary entertainer whose shows at Waikiki’s Hilton Hawaiian Village attracted visitors from around the world for decades.
He was the definition of Hawaiian hospitality wrapped in a microphone. Don Ho passed away in 2007, but his music and warm spirit live on as a treasured part of Hawaii’s cultural identity.
13. Bethany Hamilton
At just 13 years old, Bethany Hamilton survived a shark attack that took her left arm — and then went right back to surfing. Born and raised in Hawaii, her courage and determination captured the hearts of people around the entire world.
Her story was turned into the 2011 film “Soul Surfer,” inspiring a whole new generation of young athletes. Bethany continues to compete professionally and speaks openly about faith, resilience, and the ocean she has always called home.
14. Yvonne Elliman
Born and raised in Manoa, one of O’ahu’s most beautiful and rain-blessed valleys, Yvonne Elliman became a chart-topping singer-songwriter with a voice as lush as her Hawaiian hometown. She’s best known for the disco-era hit “If I Can’t Have You” from the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack.
Yvonne also played Mary Magdalene in the original Broadway production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Her career combined raw vocal talent with a quiet Hawaiian grace that made her truly unforgettable.
15. Jacob Batalon
Marvel fans worldwide know Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds, Peter Parker’s lovable best friend in the “Spider-Man” films. What many don’t know is that this funny, charming actor was born right in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Jacob studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy before landing his breakout role. He’s spoken openly about his Hawaiian upbringing and how it shaped his down-to-earth personality.
Even with Hollywood fame, he carries the warmth of the islands wherever he goes.
16. Max Holloway
Nicknamed “Blessed,” Max Holloway fights out of Wai’anae, a tight-knit coastal community on the west side of O’ahu. He became the UFC Featherweight Champion and is widely considered one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history.
His journey from a small Hawaiian town to the top of the combat sports world is remarkable. Max is beloved back home and regularly gives back to the Waianae community, proving that champions remember where they came from.
17. Darin Brooks
Darin Brooks was born and raised in Honolulu, bringing a hometown Hawaiian spirit to his acting career. He’s best known for playing Wyatt Spencer on the long-running CBS soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful” and for his role in the comedy series “Blue Mountain State.”
Growing up in Hawaii gave Darin an easygoing charm that translates beautifully on screen. He’s a proud product of the islands, and fans of daytime TV have embraced his warm, natural on-screen energy.
18. Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa grew up in Ewa Beach, a growing community on the western coast of O’ahu, where football quickly became his passion. He rose to national fame at the University of Alabama before being selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.
His family is central to his story — his father began training him at a very young age. Tua carries the pride of Hawaii into every NFL game, representing Ewa Beach with every snap.