‘ Ālika by Charles Ka’apa – Ukulele Chords. This song uses the chords: D, A7, G. You can change the key for free, as needed.
‘ Ālika by Charles Ka’apa – Ukulele Chords
DAia i ʻĀlA7ika Dka ihu D7o ka moGku
Ua A7hao a paʻihi nā peʻa i ka makaDni
DKe liolio A7nei Dke D7kaula likiGni
ʻAluʻaA7lu ʻole iho nā peʻa i ka makaDni
ʻDAʻole i kau A7poDno ka D7newa i ka pGiko
Kaʻa ʻA7ē ka huila e niniu i ka makaDni
DKe kau aʻe A7nei Dka ihu D7o MaGcao
Ke A7iho aʻe nei e komo ʻĀDkia
DMe ke kai MeleA7meDle ke D7kōā o PēGlina
Nani A7wale ka ʻikena nā pua i SāroDna
DI noho ka A7ihuDi ka piko D7i HīmGela
Ka A7hale lau pāma hoʻomaha i ke kuDla
DHaʻina ʻia A7maiD aD7na ka puaGna
AA7ia i ʻĀlika ka ihu o ka moDku
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“‘ Ālika” History:
I think you may be referring to the Hawaiian song “ʻĀlika” by Charles Kaʻapa. The spelling can vary a bit in English transliterations, and it is sometimes written without the kahakō (macron) as “Alika.”
“ʻĀlika” is one of the classic older Hawaiian mele associated with the golden era of traditional Hawaiian songwriting. Charles Kaʻapa was known for composing songs filled with poetic imagery, kaona (hidden or layered meanings), and references to travel, seafaring, and places across the Pacific world.
The song itself is fascinating because on the surface it describes a voyage by ship through northern and Asian waters — mentioning the Arctic (“ʻĀlika”), the Yellow Sea, Asia, Bering Strait, and even the Himalayas. The lyrics are filled with nautical imagery:
- sails in the wind,
- rigging and wheels turning,
- the prow of a ship,
- long-distance travel and navigation.
But Hawaiian poetry often works on multiple levels. According to traditional commentary attached to the song, “ʻĀlika” contains kaona — hidden or risqué double meanings beneath the literal travel narrative. That layering is very characteristic of classic Hawaiian songwriting, where romance, longing, flirtation, or intimacy could be concealed inside descriptions of nature or journeys.
The song appears to have roots in historical references to the ship Arctic, which reportedly visited Kauaʻi in the late 18th century. Hawaiian scholars have connected the mele to those historical voyages.
“ʻĀlika” became well known in Hawaiian music circles and was performed by artists such as Genoa Keawe. It was also featured on the famous radio program Hawaii Calls, which helped spread Hawaiian music internationally during the mid-20th century.
Musically, the song has the flowing melodic style common to classic Hawaiian standards:
- graceful vocal phrasing,
- gentle rhythmic motion that mirrors ocean travel,
- and a feeling that is both romantic and expansive.
It’s one of those mele that feels almost cinematic — you can practically see the ship moving through mist and trade winds while hearing it.
If you’d like, I can also:
- explain the Hawaiian lyrics line by line,
- discuss the hidden kaona meanings,
- talk about Charles Kaʻapa as a songwriter,
- or recommend great recordings of “ʻĀlika.”
