Sweet Hawaiian music. Ukulele singing their songs while guitars offer a counterpoint. Dancers spontaneously stepping forward to gift their hula styling of a favorite tune. Keiki running around the group’s edge. And it’s all happening in a driveway or a backyard.
It’s kanikapila—and it’s one of my definitions of pure musical joy.
Kanikapila translates to “pluck the strings” and it’s the fond name for a get-together of family, friends and neighbors (and occasionally a cousin from the next island) to enjoy Hawaiian music and pluck those guitar and ukulele strings. The music can be from all Hawaiian genres: traditional, contemporary, sometimes hapa haole and even occasionally, hymns.
But in my years playing ukulele, I’ve found lots of mainland folks shy away from this kind of musical event because they don’t know what to expect. Don’t be timid—this is something for you, too!
Other than simply plopping yourself in a chair (usually a plastic patio version) and letting the music unfold as you smile a lot (this is not the time for you to take charge—instead, sit back and let it happen around you), there are only two things you need to know—and I’m here to share them with you.
First, that Hawaiian phrase…
First, if you’re listening carefully to Hawaiian songs, you’ll hear the same phrase repeatedly—even if you don’t know a word of Hawaiian you’ll begin to recognize it in song after song. The phrase (or its variant) is, “Ha’ina mai ka puana.” Sometimes the words are drawn out, sometimes they’re sung quickly, but you’ll hear them near the end of the song, typically to start the final verse.
Have you ever seen a band play and the leader lifts his leg a bit to signal the band that they’re on the last time through and the ending is coming? That’s the same thing you’re hearing in this musical phrase.
It’s been explained to me as meaning, “And so the story is told, “ or “Tell the summary or refrain,“ or “Let the story be told,” or even, “This concludes my song.”
When you hear this phrase, you’ll know the song is coming to a close. Now tell me truthfully, isn’t that so much more meaningful than a quick kick?
An aside: It’s not unusual to hear old-style Hawaiian songs sung so that each verse is repeated twice, one after another, before moving on to the chorus or next verse. I like that feature because if I’m playing along, it gives me one time through to learn to play and/or sing it and the next time through I’ve had a bit of practice!
That last song…
When it’s almost time to pack up the guitars and put the leftover poke into the Tupperware (okay, I jest—there is never leftover poke at a kanikapila—but you get where I’m going with this), you’ll traditionally hear one last song.
This song, “Hawai’i Aloha,” is the final one at many Hawaiian gatherings, not just at a kanikapila. While it’s an old song, written in the 19th century by much-loved Christian missionary Rev. Lorenzo Lyons, it’s acquired a cultural meaning that is even greater than its words (which are pretty meaningful, too). It’s been described as a song of unity and aloha for one’s birthplace, land and home (from Mana Maoli: Playing for Change Collaboration).
At an event’s conclusion, folks gather close together, join hands, sway to the melody’s soothing tempo and sing “Hawai’i Aloha,” raising their linked arms at the very end. It’s a time that’s packed with emotion; do not be talking with others during the song or skipping out and gathering up your gear. Just don’t.
Being part of this experience is something you will not forget. I’m linking the words below for you, as well as a translation. But don’t worry if you can’t sing it, you’ll always be able to catch up on the “Oli e!” parts. And don’t forget to hold hands!
Song links you don’t want to miss:
The video features more than 1,000 youth from throughout Hawai’I singing the song, as well as dozens of the state’s top musical artists. It includes scenes from throughout Hawai’i. Breathtakingly loving, beautiful and emotional.
John, a YouTube artist known as “paxukulele” (golly, he has 1.8 million views these days!) offers a lovely ukulele instrumental version of “Hawai’I Aloha,” here. Not only is it rich in its simplicity, but he’s playing his new “monstera” (it’s a plant, not Godzilla or anything) tenor ukulele built by Chuck Moore of Moore Bettah Ukuleles. And you know I can’t pass up a chance to listen to the sounds of an MBU. Go here to listen and watch.