Beautiful Kaua’i Ukulele Chords – Don Ho. This song uses the chords: C, C7, F, G7, D7, B. You can change the key for free, as needed.
Beautiful Kaua’i Ukulele Chords – Don Ho
CThere’s an island C7acrFoss the Csea
Beautiful KauG7a‘i, beautiful Kaua’iC
And it’s calling, yes Fcalling to Cme
Beautiful KauD7a‘i, G7beautiful KauCa‘iC7
In the Fmist of Fern Grotto
Mother CNature Bmade her Chome
And the D7falls of Wailua
Where G7lovers all often roam
So I’ll reCturn C7to my Fisland across the Csea
Beautiful KauG7a‘i, beautiful KauCa‘i
Where my Ctrue love is Fwaiting for Cme
Beautiful KaD7ua’i, G7beautiful CKaua’i
Beautiful KaD7ua’i, G7beautiful KCaua’i
Beautiful KaD7ua’i, G7beautiful CKaua’i
So I’ll reCturn C7to my Fisland across the Csea
Beautiful KaD7ua’i, G7beautiful CKaua’i
Where my Ctrue love is Fwaiting for Cme
Beautiful KaD7ua’i, G7beautiful CKaua’i
Beautiful KaD7ua’i, G7beautiful CKaua’i
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“Beautiful Kaua’i” History:
This beautiful Hawaiian standard was written by the legendary Hawaiian songwriter Kui Lee and became one of the signature songs recorded by Don Ho. It first appeared on Don Ho’s landmark 1966 album Tiny Bubbles and was later included on his greatest hits collections.
What the song is about
“Beautiful Kauaʻi” is both a love song and a tribute to the island of Kauaʻi. The lyrics describe someone far from home who longs to return to the island where both natural beauty and a loved one await.
Rather than telling a complicated story, Kui Lee paints a series of vivid images that evoke the peaceful, romantic spirit of Kauaʻi.
Places mentioned in the song
The song references two of Kauaʻi’s most famous landmarks:
- Fern Grotto — A lush lava-rock cave draped with ferns, long known as one of Hawaii’s most romantic destinations.
- Wailua Falls — One of the island’s iconic waterfalls, celebrated for its beauty and associated with romance in the song.
These locations help create the feeling that Kauaʻi is not merely a place, but almost a paradise calling the singer home.
Musical style
The song is performed as a gentle Hawaiian ballad featuring:
- A relaxed hula tempo
- Warm, flowing melody
- Traditional Hawaiian-inspired orchestration
- Don Ho’s smooth, intimate vocal style
Unlike the celebratory mood of “Tiny Bubbles,” “Beautiful Kauaʻi” is more reflective and nostalgic.
About Kui Lee
Kui Lee (1937–1966) is considered one of Hawaii’s greatest modern songwriters. Although he died tragically young from cancer at only 29 years old, he left behind an extraordinary catalog of songs that have become Hawaiian classics. Don Ho was one of the artists most responsible for introducing Kui Lee’s music to audiences around the world. (Wikipedia)
Why the song endures
Many people love “Beautiful Kauaʻi” because it captures what Hawaiians call the feeling of home. Even listeners who have never visited Kauaʻi can relate to its themes of longing, beauty, and returning to a place where love is waiting.
One of my favorite lines is:
“There’s an island across the sea… and it’s calling to me.”
In just a few words, Kui Lee expresses the deep pull that the Hawaiian Islands have for both those who were born there and those who have come to love them.
