Robert "Bob" Nelson, Hawaii musician, songwriter and recording artist best known as the composer of the hapa-haole classics "Hana­lei Moon" and "Maui Waltz," died Friday. He was 80.

Nelson was receiving hospice care at his Hono­lulu home, according to family friend Steven Lane.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Nelson attended Juilliard School and then returned to Hawaii to pursue careers in acting and music. He achieved success in both.

His two biggest hits as a composer — "Hana­lei Moon" and "Maui Waltz" — evoked the ambience of an earlier era in island music. Both quickly became standards.

In 1986 he won a Na Hoku Hano­hano award for his album "Bob Nelson Live at the Piano." He received the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts’ lifetime achievement award in 2013.

Nelson also enjoyed success as a film and television actor. His career highlights include performing as one of the singing and dancing Seabees in the 1958 film version of "South Pacific" and a recurring role on the original "Hawaii Five-O."

Nelson also co-wrote "Kaiu­lani," a biographical play about Princess Kaiu­lani, which was staged by Kumu Kahua Theatre for the first time in 1987. He attended the opening-night performance of Kumu Kahua’s revival production in March.

Nelson is survived by son Skya, daughters Tala Senter and Derra Meister, and several other relatives. Funeral arrangements are pending.