Everyone’s heard “Season’s Greetings,” or “Happy Holidays,” and of course, “Merry Christmas.” But how about “Mele Kalikimaka?” This fun to say phrase, meaning Merry Christmas in the Hawaiian language, made its way to the Mainland by way of song. In 1949 Robert Alex Anderson wrote the now popular Christmas song, which has been recorded by such legendary musicians as Bing Crosby and Bette Midler.
Anderson was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and later became an accomplished American composer. Mele Kalikimaka is a simple song with only a handful of lines that are repeated. But with its island melody, the listener is easily transported to a warm, sandy beach. There’s no denying that the idea of a tropical Christmas is intriguing to the majority of people who grew up wishing for a white, snow-filled holiday.
So what is there to do to celebrate when you’re on the Islands?
Mauna Kea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii
If you’re on the Big Island you have a rare opportunity to play in the snow on the top of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano reaching an elevation of nearly 14,000 ft.! A quick but steep drive up to the top might make your ears pop but the chance to build a snowman on Christmas morning and a sand castle in the afternoon, is priceless.
Honolulu Lights celebration on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii.
On the island of Oahu is the famous Honolulu City Lights celebration, which kicks off the first weekend in December with the lighting of a 50 foot tall tree. All month long, visitors can enjoy beautifully lit wreaths, trees, and festive sculptures including the famous Shaka Santa, putting a fun Hawaiian twist on traditional light displays. The opening night celebration also includes a parade, holiday concert, food vendors, and family friendly activities.
Whale Watching on the Island of Maui in Hawaii.
The holidays occur at the perfect time for whale watching if you’re on the island of Maui! December is the ideal time to catch a glimpse of the magnificent creatures and witness their power and grace. Whale watching season is an exciting time for locals who look forward to it with anticipation. Whether you view from a pier or up close on a boat tour, you can rest assured that it will be a Christmas or holiday you will not soon forget.
Even if you remain on the Mainland this December, here are a few words to throw around as you dream of paradise. Happy Holidays and Mele Kalikimaka from Maui Wowi Hawaiian!
Source: http://gohawaii.about.com/od/festivals/a/hawaii_xmas_a.htm
- Angel – Anela
- Candy – Kanake
- Christmas Eve – Ahiahi Kalikimaka
- Christmas Tree – La’au Kalikimaka
- Elf – Menehune
- Garland – Lei
- Gift – Makana
- God – Akua
- Holly – Kawa’u
- Joy, Happy – Hau’oli
- Love – Aloha
- Mistletoe – Kaumahana
- Ornament – Wehi
- Peace – Malu
- Reindeer – Leinekia
- Santa Claus – Kanakaloka
- Snow – Hau Kea
- Snowball – Popohau
- Snowflake – Hau puehuehu
- Star – Hoku
- Wreath – Lei