Christmas in the islands is special. There’s nothing quite like celebrating this festive holiday in a warm, lush and sunny island setting. We may not have snow and miseltoe, but we’ll have Christmas trees that arrive by ship and a Santa Claus who arrives in an outrigger canoe. Families will feast on Kalua pig and carols will be sung in Hawaiian. And, as we celebrate the holiday, we’ll sing, “Mele Kalikimaka.” This Hawaiian-themed Christmas song has a special place on our Christmas Playlists.
The phrase Mele Kalikimaka began as a way of translating Merry Christmas into the Hawaiian language, and it was made popular by the famous Bing Crosby recording we all love. Of course, several artists have recorded the song over the years, perhaps because Mele Kalikimaka is such an upbeat song. The lyrics offer both a welcoming “aloha” greeting and a uniquely Hawaiian version of Christmas in the islands. But, don’t take my word for it. Take a listen and enjoy the magic of the season!
Mele Kalikimaka from my island home to yours!
Sharon Reamer
December 22, 2022
I will be singing it more next year when I’m actually on the island! I hear it quite a lot here, but my favorite Christmas song, other than the carols of course, is “All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan” by Kenny Chesney. š