‘Anapau Ukulele Chords – David Kamana. This song uses the chords: F, Bb, C7. You can change the key for free, as needed.
‘Anapau Ukulele Chords – David Kamana
FHe aha ē ka hana ʻABbnapau lFā
Holo lio ē ka hana ʻAC7napau lFā
FHe aha ē ka hana ʻABbnapau lFā
Hoʻolewa ē ka hana ʻAC7napau lFā
FI luna aʻe ʻoe ʻABbnapau lFā
I luna loa ʻoe ʻABbnapau lFā
FI lalo iho ʻoe ʻABbnapau lFā
I lalo loa iho ʻAC7napau lFā
FHe aha ē ka lole ʻABbnapau lFā
He silika ē ka lole ʻAC7napau lFā
FHaʻina ē ka hana ʻABbnapau lFā
Ua pau ē ka lewa ʻAC7napau lFā
FHaʻina ko maʻi ʻABbnapau lFā
Ua pau ē ka lewa ʻAC7napau lFā
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“”Anapau” History:
The Hawaiian song “ʻAnapau” is a very old traditional mele (song/chant) that is especially associated with hula kahiko (ancient-style hula). It was composed by David Kamana and is one of the best-known mele maʻi (a traditional chant of honor and chiefly praise). The chant was written in honor of Queen Liliʻuokalani and was later set to music.
What does “ʻAnapau” mean?
The Hawaiian word ʻanapau can mean frisky, playful, frolicsome, or lively. Hawaiian dictionaries note that the word is now most commonly remembered through this very song.
What is the song about?
The lyrics are structured as a series of playful questions and answers:
- What does ʻAnapau do?
- ʻAnapau rides a horse.
- What does ʻAnapau wear?
- ʻAnapau wears silk.
- Up goes ʻAnapau.
- Down goes ʻAnapau.
On the surface, the words sound simple and playful. However, as a traditional mele maʻi, the song carries layers of symbolic meaning and chiefly praise that would have been understood by Hawaiian audiences of the time.
Historical significance
“ʻAnapau” is one of the classic chants honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani and has been preserved in Hawaiian hula traditions for generations. Recordings of the song date back many decades, and it has been performed by artists such as Hui Ohana and Charles Kaipo, among others.
Why hula dancers love this song
“ʻAnapau” is a favorite in hula because its lyrics naturally lend themselves to expressive movement:
- Riding a horse
- Moving up and down
- Displaying elegance and fine clothing
- Conveying playful energy and vitality
The chant’s rhythmic structure makes it especially effective for traditional hula interpretation.
My favorite aspect of “ʻAnapau” is how it demonstrates something common in older Hawaiian mele: the words seem straightforward at first, but beneath them are layers of history, symbolism, humor, and respect for Hawaiian royalty.
