INTRODUCTION
Christmas in Hawaii is a unique blend of tradition, culture, and the Aloha spirit, providing a tropical twist on the holiday season. Wondering how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii? From Santa arriving by canoe to decorating palm trees with lights, Hawaii celebrates Christmas distinctly Hawaiian. Let’s dive in now!
How to Say Merry Christmas in Hawaii?
When spreading holiday cheer, “Mele Kalikimaka” is how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii. This special greeting combines Hawaiian language sounds with the festive sentiment of the holiday season, making it more than just a phrase; it’s an expression of joy, unity, and the Hawaiian way of life. So next time you want to spread Christmas joy with a tropical flair, remember this Hawaiian word for Merry Christmas with a joyful “Mele Kalikimaka!“.
The Origin of Mele Kalikimaka
Makahiki: An Ancient Hawaiian Tradition
Before Christmas arrived on the islands, Hawaiians celebrated a festival called Makahiki. This ancient celebration, which began in mid-November and lasted four months, honored Lono, the god of fertility and agriculture. Makahiki involved feasting, hula, storytelling, and games while warfare and other conflicts were put on hold.
The festival began with the Pleiades constellation rising in the eastern sky, marking the Hawaiian New Year. Although European influence led to changes in Hawaiian customs, the Hawaiian Renaissance reignited interest in Makahiki, celebrated today through Festivals of Aloha, featuring parades, hula performances, concerts, and canoe races across the islands.
When Did Christmas Come to Hawaii?
Before Protestant missionaries introduced Christmas, Hawaiians had no tradition of celebrating the holiday. The tradition of how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii began when English-speaking missionaries brought Christmas to the islands. However, translating “Merry Christmas” directly into Hawaiian was challenging, as some sounds in English did not exist in the Hawaiian language.
1786 Captain George Dixon and his crew celebrated the first Christmas in Hawaii. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that Christmas became a recognized Hawaiian tradition. During this time, Hawaiians used the holiday to celebrate goodwill and gratitude, paralleling the season of Makahiki. Hawaiians now greet each other with “Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau’oli Makahiki Hou”, which translates to “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”.
The first printed “Mele Kalikimaka” appeared in 1904 in the Hawaiian newspaper Ka Nupepa Kuokoa. This adaptation brought together Hawaiian and English, blending the two cultures in a uniquely Hawaiian way.
The Linguistic Magic Behind “Mele Kalikimaka”
Learning how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii involves more than translating words. The phrase “Mele Kalikimaka” is an interesting case of Hawaiian language adapting to English sounds. Since Hawaiian phonetics lacks certain sounds, such as “r”, “s”, and “t”, substitutions were made. The “merry” in “Merry Christmas” became “mele”, replacing the “r” with “l”, and “Christmas” became “Kalikimaka”, swapping the “s” and “t” sounds for “k”.
The Hawaiian language’s limited consonants make it unique, with only eight consonants in total. The use of “k” in place of “t” and “s” occurs not only in “Mele Kalikimaka” but in other words, like “kauka” for doctor and “kelepona” for the telephone. This feature, though rare, occurs in other Austronesian languages, challenging our perceptions of phonetic norms.
Thus, “Mele Kalikimaka” embodies more than just a holiday greeting; it reflects the Hawaiian language’s adaptability and charm.
How to Sing Merry Christmas in Hawaiian?
If you’d like to know more about how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii through song, look no further than the Hawaiian Christmas carol “Mele Kalikimaka‘. In 1949, songwriter R. Alex Anderson gave “Mele Kalikimaka” musical life when he composed Merry Christmas in Hawaiian we know it today. Inspired by a remark that Hawaii needed its Christmas carol, Anderson wrote the lyrics and melody. A year later, Bing Crosby recorded the song with The Andrews Sisters, making it an iconic part of Christmas music.
Today, “Mele Kalikimaka” is as much a staple of Hawaiian Christmas as the palm trees and ocean waves, with its cheerful tune reminding us of Hawaii’s joyful, sunny holiday season.
How Do Hawaiians Celebrate Christmas?
Christmas Trees Arrive by Ship
In Hawaii, figuring out how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii may involve decorating a traditional Christmas tree or even a palm tree. Each November, huge containers filled with evergreen trees are shipped to the islands and refrigerated to preserve freshness during the journey. Upon arrival, these trees are quickly distributed across local stores and markets, allowing families to select their perfect tree. For many, this process is a cherished part of the holiday season.
Alternatively, some locals decorate their environment-friendly artificial trees or outdoor palm trees with strings of lights and Hawaiian-themed ornaments, blending traditional Christmas symbols with island flair.
Shaka Santa Arrives by Canoe
In Honolulu, Shaka Santa’s arrival by canoe is a festive twist on how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii, Hawaiian style! Instead of riding in on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, Santa arrives on an outrigger canoe, a nod to the island’s deep-rooted connection to the sea. Dressed in a red Hawaiian shirt, board shorts, and flip-flops, Shaka Santa waves the “shaka” hand sign, a symbol of Aloha that means “hang loose”.
Honolulu’s City Lights display in downtown Honolulu showcases a larger-than-life statue of Shaka Santa and Mrs. Claus, dipping their toes in a fountain and bringing a distinctly Hawaiian twist to Christmas celebrations. Locals and tourists gather to take photos and soak in the festive atmosphere, enjoying food trucks, local music, and performances by Hawaiian hula dancers.
Christmas Luau
To understand how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii, you must experience a Hawaiian luau. Instead of traditional Christmas dinners, many Hawaiian families celebrate with a Christmas luau. A luau is a festive feast that brings family and friends together, often held on the beach or in backyards under the stars. The centerpiece of the Christmas luau is usually a kalua pig, prepared in an imu, a traditional underground oven lined with hot rocks and banana leaves.
The pig is slow-cooked for hours, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a unique smoky taste. Alongside kalua pig, the luau spread might feature dishes like chicken long rice, lomilomi salmon, poke, poi, and haupia (a coconut milk dessert). This celebration creates an unforgettable holiday experience steeped in Hawaiian culture.
Mele Kalikimaka
Knowing how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii means knowing when to say it. “Mele Kalikimaka” is not only a Hawaiian way of saying Merry Christmas; it has also become a festive anthem. During Christmas, local musicians and choirs perform the famous Hawaiian Christmas song, often accompanying the tune with the ukulele and traditional hula dancing. Hula dancers, dressed in festive costumes and flower leis, bring the music to life with expressive movements, adding a visual element to the joyful lyrics. “Mele Kalikimaka” symbolizes Hawaiian holiday cheer, capturing the warm, relaxed atmosphere that defines Christmas on the islands.
Giving Fresh Flower Leis
While sweaters and scarves are staples of mainland Christmas attire, fresh flower leis take their place in Hawaii. These fragrant, colorful garlands symbolize welcome and celebration, often worn at festive gatherings. Some leis are made with red and green flowers for a holiday twist. In contrast, others incorporate local greenery and even small ornaments. Giving or receiving a lei during Christmas is a meaningful gesture, reminding everyone of the Aloha spirit that defines Hawaiian culture.
Go to Hukilau Marketplace
When considering how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaiian language, the Hukilau Marketplace provides an interactive setting. This place on Oahu is a seasonal highlight that draws visitors across the islands. This holiday event occurs at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It features traditional Hawaiian entertainment, live music, holiday-themed activities, and local artisan vendors. A favorite for families is the Keiki Snow Day, where children get the rare chance to play in artificial snow, build snowmen, and throw snowballs – a novelty in Hawaii’s tropical climate. The marketplace also offers an opportunity to buy unique Hawaiian crafts and Christmas gifts, from handmade jewelry to locally made jams and lotions.
Fun Things to Do for Christmas in Hawaii
Shopping Centers
Holiday shopping in Hawaii is an experience all its own. Shopping centers like Ala Moana in Oahu or Queen Ka’ahumanu Center on Maui become hubs of holiday cheer, featuring decorations, free entertainment, and events. Shoppers can enjoy live hula performances, Hawaiian Christmas carols, and photo ops with Santa Claus, who often sports a Hawaiian shirt instead of a traditional red suit. These centers also host holiday craft fairs, where you can purchase unique gifts from local artisans, including hand-carved woodwork, island-inspired jewelry, and festive ornaments made from seashells and coral.
Oahu’s Festivities
Oahu’s Honolulu Hale City Lights and Winter Wonderland are must-sees for those curious about how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii while enjoying vibrant festivities. The Honolulu Hale City Lights display is a must-see, with twinkling lights, massive Christmas trees, and colorful decorations illuminating downtown Honolulu. Aloha Land’s Winter Wonderland also offers a blend of holiday magic with Hawaiian flair, including themed photo ops, musical performances, and food stalls. Numerous holiday parades take place across the island, showcasing floats adorned with Hawaiian flowers, local marching bands, and Santa in a surf-themed sleigh.
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Maui’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Maui hosts a dazzling New Year’s Eve fireworks display that brings locals and visitors together to ring in the new year. Many flock to Wailea Beach for the best view, where fireworks light up the sky above the ocean, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of the Pacific. In Lahaina, community celebrations often include Hawaiian music performances, traditional Hawaiian blessings, and holiday luaus at local resorts, providing a memorable way to welcome the new year.
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Kauai’s Quiet Celebrations
On Kauai, figuring out how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii often means enjoying a peaceful celebration. The Festival of Lights, held in Lihue, is a beloved local tradition where residents decorate their homes and businesses with intricate light displays. Kauai’s artisan fairs during December are a treasure trove of unique, handmade gifts, where you can find everything from traditional Hawaiian quilts to locally crafted candles and lotions. The island’s relaxed pace provides a peaceful setting for those looking to celebrate Christmas away from the hustle and bustle.
Big Island Christmas Parades
The Big Island comes alive with Christmas parades, popular in Kailua-Kona and Waimea. These parades feature local floats, costumed participants, and live music, often accompanied by dancers and performers in holiday attire. Arts and crafts festivals also pop up across the island, where you can purchase locally made products, sample Hawaiian treats, and participate in hands-on workshops. These parades and festivals create a warm, community-focused atmosphere that invites everyone to share in the holiday spirit.
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Whale Watching
For a unique holiday experience, many learn how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii by joining a whale-watching tour. December marks the beginning of whale-watching season as humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warmer waters for breeding. Maui is particularly famous for whale sightings, with various tours departing from Lahaina and Maalaea Harbor. Watching these magnificent creatures breach and play in the ocean adds a breathtaking touch to the holiday season, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals.
CONCLUSION
Learning how to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii – “Mele Kalikimaka” – opens up a world of joyful, tropical traditions that make the holiday season truly special. From Santa’s arrival by canoe to festive luaus, Christmas in Hawaii captures the heart of Aloha and the community. This unique phrase embodies not only the Hawaiian way of saying Merry Christmas.
FAQs about How to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii
Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Hawaii?
Yes, Christmas Day is a public holiday in Hawaii, and many locals celebrate it with a mix of Hawaiian and traditional customs.
How to say Merry Christmas in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, “Mele Kalikimaka” is the way to say Merry Christmas!
What is mele in Hawaii?
“Mele” means song, chant, or poem in Hawaiian. It’s a term that reflects the cultural importance of music and storytelling.
What are Mele Kalikimaka traditions?
Traditions include saying “Mele Kalikimaka,” decorating palm trees, having a Christmas luau, and enjoying island-inspired festivities.
How do Hawaiians say Santa Claus?
Santa Claus is called “Kanakaloka” in Hawaiian, adding a local twist to this beloved holiday figure.
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