Beautiful Kahana Ukulele Chords – Mary J. Montano/Charles E King. This song uses the chords: C, G7, A7, D7. You can change the key for free, as needed.
Beautiful Kahana Ukulele Chords – Mary J. Montano/Charles E. King
CMau loa nō koʻu mahalo G7nui
I ka nani pūnono o KaChana
Ka moani ʻaʻala aA7nuhD7ea
O na G7pali aʻo D7KoʻolG7aulCoa
ʻCO Kalāhikiola nō ka ʻoG7i
He puʻulena ia na ka Cmaka
Kohu kihene A7pua ka D7uʻi
I luluG7he i ka ʻD7ae G7o ke kCai
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“Beautiful Kahana” History:
“Beautiful Kahana” is a classic Hawaiian mele (song) that celebrates the beauty of Kahana, a valley and coastal area on the windward side of Oʻahu in the district of Koʻolauloa. The song is admired for its poetic imagery, gentle melody, and deep sense of aloha for the land.
Background
The song’s lyrics were written by Mary J. Montano, with music credited to Charles E. King, one of Hawaiʻi’s most influential composers of the early 20th century. The song dates back to the Hawaiian music renaissance of the early 1900s and has been recorded by many artists over the years.
What the Song Is About
The lyrics express admiration for the natural beauty of Kahana, describing:
- The fragrant breezes blowing from the cliffs of Koʻolauloa.
- The lush scenery and coastal beauty of the valley.
- A beloved woman associated with Kahana, portrayed as a beautiful flower.
- Feelings of affection, admiration, and pride inspired by the place.
Like many Hawaiian mele, the song works on more than one level. It praises a specific place, but it may also honor a cherished person through poetic metaphor. Hawaiian songs often intertwine love for the land (‘āina) with love for people.
Notable Lyrics
One of the opening ideas can be translated approximately as:
“I forever admire the radiant beauty of Kahana,
The sweet, fragrant breezes
Of the cliffs of Koʻolauloa.”
The refrain describes a woman with a loving heart, comparing her to a flower gently caressed by the famous breezes of Kahana.
Famous Recordings
“Beautiful Kahana” has been recorded by many Hawaiian musicians, including:
- Alfred Apaka
- Genoa Keawe
- Ohta-San
- Arthur Lyman
- Bing Crosby
Why Hula Dancers Love It
The melody is slow, graceful, and flowing, making it an excellent hula ʻauana (modern hula) selection. The lyrics provide beautiful imagery for dancers to interpret through movement—breezes, flowers, cliffs, the ocean, and the beauty of Kahana itself.
For many Hawaiian music lovers, “Beautiful Kahana” is one of those timeless mele that captures the essence of old Hawaiʻi: love of place, love of people, and the beauty of nature expressed through poetic Hawaiian language.
