Bad Bunny’s song “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii”, included in his recent album Debí tirar más fotos, is a work loaded with social and cultural meaning. In this song, the artist explores the consequences of gentrification and mass tourism in Puerto Rico, comparing them to the experiences of Hawaii, where these problems have deeply affected the environment and the lives of native communities.
The heart of the song lies in its denunciation of practices that turn authentic spaces into tourist destinations stripped of their cultural essence and its call to protect Puerto Rican identity. Bad Bunny uses powerful verses to convey how these dynamics generate both physical and symbolic displacement, threatening to erase the traditions and natural resources that make the island unique.
One of the most innovative features of this theme is the incorporation of strategic silences, which powerfully evoke the electrical blackouts that have become a symbol of Puerto Rico’s daily hardships. These silences can also be interpreted as a subtle protest to the censures often faced by those who challenge prevailing narratives about economic development and tourism. Moreover, these pauses echo Puerto Rican musical tradition, where omissions and rhythms become expressive tools.
Bad Bunny also pays homage to Puerto Rico’s cultural traditions by including references to the “le-lo-lai” chant, a distinctive element of the island’s folk music. This reference not only celebrates the country’s cultural richness, but also reinforces the message of resistance to the cultural and economic colonization that threatens to homogenize Puerto Rican identity.
Verses such as “Quieren quitarme el río y también la playa” (They want to take away the river and the beach too) capture the essence of the struggle against external exploitation. In these lines, Bad Bunny denounces how uncontrolled development and foreign investment can strip local communities of their right to enjoy their natural resources. By comparing this situation with what happened in Hawaii, the artist establishes a parallel between two places that share a history of colonization and exploitation, highlighting the need to learn from these examples to avoid a similar future in Puerto Rico.
The repetition of phrases such as “No, no suelte la bandera ni olvide el lelolai” (No, don’t drop the flag or forget the lelolai) underscores the song’s central message: the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural identity despite adversity. This call for resistance resonates deeply with listeners, who identify with the pain and determination to fight for what they consider theirs.
The mix of pain and resilience that permeates “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii” has generated a significant impact on the audience. The song invites reflection on Puerto Rico’s current challenges and has inspired many to reconnect with their roots and question the structures that perpetuate inequalities. This approach makes Bad Bunny’s music more than entertainment: it is a platform for social awareness and change.
Ultimately, this song is a declaration of principles. It is a reaffirmation of Puerto Rican pride, a denunciation of injustice and a celebration of cultural resistance. Bad Bunny proves, once again, that his music is a powerful tool for articulating the struggles and hopes of his people, connecting local stories with universal themes that resonate around the world.