Melekaike Laka is more than just a festive greeting—it represents a joyful cultural blend of Hawaiian heritage and Christmas tradition. Popularized by the famous holiday song often associated with Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters, this phrase has become a seasonal favorite not just in Hawaii, but worldwide.
While the original phrase is “Mele Kalikimaka,” the variation “Melekaike Laka” is often used to refer to or mimic this Hawaiian version of “Merry Christmas.” Its tropical vibe and musical charm make it an iconic piece of both language and pop culture.
This article explores the history, language, and lasting appeal of Melekaike Laka through an easy-to-read, informative breakdown for readers of all ages.
Origins of the Phrase “Melekaike Laka”
To understand the phrase “Melekaike Laka,” it’s essential to look at its roots. “Mele Kalikimaka” is a Hawaiian phonetic translation of “Merry Christmas.” The Hawaiian alphabet does not contain many of the consonants found in English, such as R and S. Therefore, when Western phrases are adopted into Hawaiian, they must be modified to suit native pronunciation.
The transformation follows linguistic principles:
- “Merry” becomes “Mele”
- “Christmas” becomes “Kalikimaka”
This phonetic adaptation process likely led to variants like “Melekaike Laka,” either as stylized alternatives or colloquial interpretations used in cultural or artistic settings.
Composition of the Song
The original song that popularized “Mele Kalikimaka” was written by Robert Alexander Anderson in 1949. Born and raised in Hawaii, Anderson was inspired by a colleague’s comment about the lack of Hawaiian Christmas songs. He took it upon himself to craft a cheerful holiday tune reflecting the islands’ unique culture.
Song Composition Table:
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Songwriter | Robert Alexander Anderson |
| Year Composed | 1949 |
| First Recording | Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters (1950) |
| Language Style | Hawaiian-accented English |
| Genre | Holiday / Christmas |
The cheerful melody and tropical charm of the song perfectly mirrored the spirit of Christmas celebrated under Hawaiian skies.
Popularization by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
While the song was written in Hawaii, it was Bing Crosby’s 1950 rendition with The Andrews Sisters that brought “Melekaike Laka” to the American mainland. Featured in Crosby’s Christmas albums, the song quickly became synonymous with warm-weather holiday celebrations.
The collaboration helped bring Hawaiian culture to the forefront of American holiday music. The exotic-sounding phrase “Melekaike Laka” added a tropical flair to playlists otherwise filled with snow and sleigh bells.
Musical Style and Lyrics
Musically, the song “Melekaike Laka” stands out for its blend of traditional holiday cheer and Polynesian instrumentation. Ukuleles, slack-key guitars, and mellow harmonies replace the typical orchestral sounds of Christmas music, creating a soundscape that feels like a vacation.
Key Lyrics Excerpt:
“Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say
On a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day…”
The lyrics are simple yet evocative, painting images of palm trees, sunshine, and leis instead of snowflakes and fireplaces. These visuals help transport listeners to a tropical paradise during the winter season.
Cultural Significance in Hawaii
Melekaike Laka holds a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians. Unlike mainland traditions that revolve around fireplaces and frosty weather, Hawaiian Christmas celebrations are infused with outdoor luaus, surf sessions, and tropical feasts.
In Hawaii, this song is not just a seasonal tune—it’s a part of the island’s identity. It represents:
- The unique way Hawaii celebrates global traditions.
- The fusion of English and Hawaiian language.
- The joyful spirit of “aloha” that transcends climates and borders.
Families in Hawaii often sing “Melekaike Laka” during parades, community events, and school performances, keeping the tradition alive from one generation to the next.
Notable Covers and Performances
Over the decades, many artists have reinterpreted the beloved Hawaiian Christmas tune. Each cover adds a unique twist while keeping the core message intact.
Popular Versions:
| Artist | Year | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Don Ho | 1970s | Traditional Hawaiian |
| Jimmy Buffett | 1996 | Tropical rock |
| Kacey Musgraves | 2016 | Country-pop with island vibes |
| She & Him | 2011 | Indie folk with ukulele |
These reinterpretations keep the spirit of “Melekaike Laka” fresh and relevant for new generations.
Presence in Popular Culture
“Melekaike Laka” made a major cultural splash when it was featured in the 1989 comedy classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. In the film, the song plays during a fantasy scene of Clark Griswold imagining a perfect Christmas—complete with a bikini-clad woman and sun-drenched setting. This scene cemented the song in holiday pop culture history.
Beyond film, the song has appeared in television specials, Christmas commercials, and animated cartoons, often representing escapism or a “holiday in the sun” vibe.
Linguistic Analysis
Understanding how “Melekaike Laka” came from “Merry Christmas” is a fascinating study in phonetic adaptation. The Hawaiian language uses only 13 letters—5 vowels and 8 consonants—and prohibits consonant clusters or words ending in consonants.
English vs. Hawaiian Sound Table:
| English Sound | Hawaiian Equivalent | Example |
|---|---|---|
| R | L | “Merry” → “Mele” |
| S | K | “Christmas” → “Kalikimaka” |
| T/D/B | Often dropped or softened | Various |
This explains why English phrases must be reshaped so dramatically when spoken in Hawaiian, leading to charming and unique transformations like “Melekaike Laka.”
Conclusion
“Melekaike Laka” may be a stylized or misheard version of the original “Mele Kalikimaka,” but its festive meaning remains intact. It captures the joyous spirit of the holidays, reimagined with a tropical twist.
Whether you’re relaxing on a beach in Maui or dreaming of palm trees from your snowy porch, this Hawaiian greeting brings warmth and cheer to all who hear it.
Its linguistic beauty, cultural roots, and musical charm have turned “Melekaike Laka” into a timeless Christmas treasure—one that blends worlds and unites people with a simple, melodic wish: Merry Christmas the Hawaiian way.
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