Hawaii Calls was a radio program that ran from 1935 through 1975 that featured live Hawaiian music conducted by Harry Owens for the first two years, the composer of "Sweet Leilani". Ray Andrade, a charter member of the Harry Owens Royal Hawaiian Hotel Orchestra also became one of the first vocalists. Broadcast each week, usually from the courtyard of the Moana Hotel on Waikiki Beach and hosted by Webley Edwards for almost the entire run. Al Kealoha Perry was musical director for thirty years, 1937–1967.

The first show reached the West Coast of the continental U.S. through shortwave radio. At its height, it was heard on over 750 stations around the world. Because of its positive portrayal of Hawaii and its popularity the show received a subsidy for many years—first from the government of the Territory of Hawaii, and then from the State of Hawaii.

Hawaii Calls is credited with making many Hawaiian performers household names across the US and around the world. Among the regulars of Hawaii Calls were Alfred Apaka, John Kameaaloha Almeida, Haunani Kahalewai, Nina Keali'iwahamana, Boyce Rodrigues, Lani Custino, and Pua Almeida. Other well-known Hawaiian performers such as Martin Denny, Hilo Hattie, Ed Kenny, Benny Kalama, hula dancer Beverly Noa and Arthur Lyman also made appearances. Haoliloke Kahauolopua was discovered by Arthur Godfrey while a regular on the show.

Each show opened with the sounds of the pounding surf of Waikiki Beach and the welcoming voice of Webley Edwards.  The sounds of the steel guitar and the enchanting melodies painted a visual picture of hula maidens swaying like palm trees overhead in tropical paradise for all the listening audience.