This song is one of our favorite holiday songs because it sums up some of the Christmas traditions that are unique to the islands. “My Hawaiian Christmas” was recorded by the Honolulu Boy Choir, a local institution known for its musical excellence around the world. C&K’s music is uplifting and cozy, and since their vibe goes along with the season, this song is a perfect addition to any Christmas playlist. “Christmas Cheer” is the ultimate feel-good Christmas song that mentions all of the classic imagery, like children bouncing on Santa’s knee. They are known for their smooth classic harmonies and for putting a contemporary spin on classic Hawaiian music. “Christmas Cheer” is a sentimental number from Cecilio & Kapono, arguably the most popular music group from Hawaii. Although this song is a little old-fashioned, Hilo Hattie is one of the most famous people to come out of the Aloha State and her legacy still lives on. The song was made popular by Hilo Hattie, a Native Hawaiian entertainer known for her comedy and hula dancing in the 1930s and 40s.
Nick are common in the islands as it is a local belief that he visits children here in an Outrigger canoe pulled by dolphins. “Santa’s Hula” is a fun Christmas classic depicting a “Hawaiian Santa” who wears a coconut hat and a lei and dances hula after delivering presents. This version also features legendary country music star Willie Nelson on guitar. Willie K’s version of “O Holy Night” is the most requested Christmas song according to disc jockeys in Hawaii. His take on this conventional Christmas carol is hauntingly beautiful with some of the verses sung in Hawaiian. While he has an eclectic taste in music, he is primarily dedicated to writing traditional Hawaiian music. Willie K is another famous local singer who gained notoriety while opening for groups like Cecilio and Kapono in California. In our version, a tutu (grandmother) gives us “4 flower leis,” “6 hula lessons,” and “8 ukeleles,” among other things unique to the islands. This song is immensely popular in Hawaii due to the use of Pidgin English in the song, a local dialect spoken by residents. Magoon claims that he thought up the lyrics while thinking of things from his childhood trips to Hawaii Island. It was written by Eaton “Bob” Magoon, Ed Kennedy, and Gordon Phelps in 1959. The ever-popular Hawaiian version of the classic carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” has been a mainstay of island celebrations for the last 50 years. “Mele Kalikimaka” gives everyone’s holiday that special aloha spirit that no other song can. This song is used in every Christmas parade, school celebration, and can be heard at shopping malls around the islands during the holiday season. “Mele Kalikimaka” is “Hawaii’s way of saying Merry Christmas to you” as The Andrew Sisters sing, and is commonly used as our holiday greeting. It was written by Robert Alex Anderson in 1949, but made popular around the world by Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters in 1950. “Mele Kalikimaka” is a perennial favorite in the islands. If you’re tired of the same old Christmas songs or looking for a little escape from the cold winter weather, our top picks will add some aloha spirit to any Christmas playlist.ġ) Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby & The Andrew Sisters There have been many songs written about how people in Hawaii celebrate Christmas, and we’d like to share some of our favorites with you. We have palm trees decorated with Christmas lights, community celebrations, picnics on the beach, and even a casual Santa who likes to surf.
Some people can’t even imagine having a Christmas without snow, but here in the islands we have our own traditions to ring in the holidays.