The Rodgers and Hammerstein 1949 Broadway musical "South Pacific" starring Mary Martin and Ezio (Fortunio) Pinza includes "Bali Ha'i". The song was sung on stage by Juanita Hall, William Tabbert and Myron McCormick. The production ran for close to two thousand performances and included the memorable "Some Enchanted Evening", "Happy Talk", "There Is Nothing Like A Dame" and "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair".

Perry (Pierino) Como and his long-time orchestra leader Mitchell Ayres peaked at number five in 1949. The other side of the recording was "Some Enchanted Evening" which peaked at number one on Billboard.