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Mele Kalikimaka or Merry Christmas from Hawaii

I grew up in Utah where we have four definite seasons. We lived down the canyon from the ski resorts, and even made igloos in the back yard during the winter.
When I first moved to Hawaii, my Christmas question was: "How does Santa get into the houses to deliver all the presents?", since most houses here in Hawaii do not have chimneys. The answer was quite simple. He enters through the door.



Of course, Santa comes on a surfboard to Hawaii rather than on a sleigh with reindeer.
We also have a diffferent way to say Merry Christmas. It is Mele Kalikimaka. You may have heard our Christmas song.
Mele Kalikimaka (Song Lyrics)
Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say
on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
That’s the island greeting that we send to you
from the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way
to say Merry Christmas to you
Mele Kalikimaka or Mele Kaliki Maka is a Christmas song sung as a warm greeting from Hawaii. It came from the Hawaiian pronunciation of “Merry Christmas”.
Since Hawaiian does not have all English phonemes, in particular the “R” and “S”, “Merry Christmas” becomes “Mele Kalikimaka”. It is a transliteration of “Merry Christmas” and not really a translation of it.
The song was written in 1949 by Robert Alex Anderson who is better known to fans of Hawaiian and hapa haole music as R. Alex Anderson. One of the earliest recordings of this song was by Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters in 1950.
No worries celebrating Christmas in Hawaii. Our favorite thing to do on Christmas is take a picnic lunch and head for the beach. Try that in Utah!
Usually the first week of December is when the big town turns on the Honolulu Christmas lights. It is a very festive and exciting time for everyone.
There are rides for the children and plenty of food booths. And they always have excellent Christmas music by choirs, quartets and other groups.
There is an Electric Light Parade which goes down King Street and ends up at the Honolulu Hale. They also have plenty of Christmas decorations and displays. The celebration continues with a concert featuring local bands.












Since winter in Hawaii is usually when we have the largest waves, there are many surf competitions.
Although we celebrate a little differently than in the mainland, Christmas gifts are shared with friends, neighbors and family. It is a time to also share delicious Hawaiian delicacies, hang out and sing favorite songs. Often a family will have a luau with poi, kalua pig, laulau, lomi lomi salmon, and haupia or mochi for dessert (they are ono - yummy!)

Comments
Thanks for your hub on Kalikimaka. I pinned it to my "Hawaiian Christmas" board on pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/hawaiianmania/hawaiian-c...
Mele Kalikimaka a me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou, Stephanie
Very cute hub. Everyone in the family (except me) has been to Hawaii and I'm looking forward to my turn.
Hey Hey from Utah . . we just got the first sprinkle of snow tonight (11/21/10). Your hub is so full of Christmas cheer love the pictures and videos.
what a nice hub!!!is amazing how the same holiday is celebrated in so many different ways around the world... I will love to spend some day christmas time on a warm place!!!!!!!
Hi elayne, it is so interesting to read about how to celebrate Christmas in a warm climat, but you seems to be alright! I would not mind it at all, it looks so nice! Lovely and great hub! Merry Christmas to you, or as we say; "God Jul"!
Hi elayne. You know, I work in a store and starting november they run christmas music. Over the past years I've heard this song many times a day and always wondered what was tha Mele Kalikimaka all about. Finally I found out thanks to you.
Taht is a lovely and informative hub about other countries and cultures celebrating Christmas. Thank you for bringing it to us. Mele Kalikimaka to you and your family.
Hi elayne,
Just wanted to stop by and say "Merry Christmas" just in case I don't get the chance from now until Dec 25th...Or shall we say "Mali Kalikimaka"!
Being a musician I must say the Ukulele Ornament is my FAV!
Alternative Prime
How cheery! I loved it. Growing up in Del Rio, Texas - on the Mexican border - was not the typical white Christmas experience either. The palm trees were ok though. lol.
Thank you for this inspiring hub!!
Wonderful hub! So excited that I get to spend some time this holiday season in a tropical place. Can't wait! Great times and memories of many past Christmases in the islands.
Beautiful, as usual. :) I'm not a big Bing fan so I enjoyed the second musical piece much better.
You always have such wonderful Hubs...and living in Hawaii...that's a treat to see and dream about. I live on the Jersey Shore with great waves...after a storm. I love living near the ocean. So a "Mele Kalikmaka" to you as well.
Thank you, Ruth, for this bright and pretty hub. I noticed the statue of Santa making that lovely Hawaiian gesture! Mele Kalikimaka to you, too. :)
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