‘Ahulili Ukulele Chords – Scott Ha’i. This song uses the chords: G, G7, C, D7. You can change the key for free, as needed.
‘Ahulili Ukulele Chords – Scott Ha’i
GHe aloha nō ʻo ʻAhulili
D7A he lili paha kō GialG7a
CI ke kau mau ʻole ʻiGa
D7E ka ʻohu kau kuahGiwi
GEia iho nō ka ʻolu
GKe ʻala kūGpaG7oa
CLawa pono kō makeGmake
D7E manene ai kō Gkino
GPaʻa ʻia iho a paʻa
D7Ka ʻiʻini me ka ʻanGoʻG7i
CHe ʻanoʻi nō ka ʻōpGua
D7Ka beauty o Mauna GHape
ʻGAko aku wau i ka pua
D7Kui nō wau a GleG7i
CA i lei poina ʻoGle
D7No nā kau a Gkau
GHaʻina mai ka puana
D7He aloha nō ʻAhuGlilG7i
CHe lili paha kō iGala
D7I ke kau mau ʻole ʻiGa
Check out more ukulele songs here.
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“‘Ahulili” History:
The song ʻAhulili is a classic Hawaiian mele (song) composed by Scott Haʻi in the early 1900s. It is deeply associated with the rural ranching region of Kaupō on the island of Maui and especially with the mountain peak known as ʻAhulili.
The song is considered a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) favorite. In Hawaiian poetry and songwriting, landscapes are often used symbolically to express romance, longing, jealousy, and affection. In this case, the song plays on the word “lili,” which means “jealous.” The mountain name ʻAhulili naturally lends itself to that emotional double meaning.
One recurring image in the song is mist resting on the mountain:
“the mist of the mountain”
In Hawaiian poetic language, mist, clouds, flowers, and lei-making are often metaphors for love, intimacy, memory, and emotional attachment. The act of picking flowers and stringing a lei “never forgotten” suggests enduring affection and romantic devotion. (Kalena)
The song exists in several lyrical versions, which is very common in traditional Hawaiian music passed through oral performance. Collections preserved by Hawaiian music historians such as the George Cooke Collection and later publications document slightly different verses and translations.
Musically, ʻAhulili is usually performed in a relaxed yet rhythmic Hawaiian style featuring slack-key guitar, steel guitar, or ukulele accompaniment. Over the decades it has been recorded by many Hawaiian artists, including:
- Martin Pahinui with George Kuo and Aaron Mahi
- Palolo
- Al Tringali
- sandii
A particularly interesting interpretation from liner notes connected to Hawaiian musicians suggests the song tells of a widow being courted by two very different men — one a hardworking cowboy, the other a charming musician — with jealousy woven through the story.
The version you mentioned by Scott Haʻi is essentially the source composition from which later artists drew inspiration. It remains a respected standard in Hawaiian traditional music because of its poetic language, emotional subtlety, and strong connection to the Maui landscape.
