Hele On To Kaua’i Easy Ukulele Chords with Downloadable PDF

Aloha! Do you love Hawaiian music? Have you ever heard the song “Hele On To Kaua’i”? This beautiful song was written and recorded by a man named Al Nobriga and made famous by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and it’s all about the magic of Kaua’i, one of the Hawaiian islands. I made this chart for a Lahaina fundraiser, and super excited to share it here.

Chords in Hele on to Kaua’i

First, let’s talk about the chords you’ll need to play this song. The chords for the song are C major, F major, G7 and C7. The recording is in A major, but I put the tabs for this song in C major, since it is easier for ukulele players (and it avoids the dreaded E major). It also skips the key change at the last chorus, so this is truly easy for beginners.

Now that you know the chords, let’s learn the strumming pattern. The strumming pattern for this song is Down – Down – Up – Up – Down – Up. This pattern may take some practice, but with a little patience, you’ll get it in no time.

Lyrics of Hele on to Kauai

“Hele on to Kauai” was written by a Hawaiian musician named Al Nobriga in the 1940s. The song’s title translates to “Go to Kauai,” and that’s precisely what the lyrics encourage listeners to do.

The first verse describes a small island that has everything one could need for the simple life. It conjures up images of a peaceful, idyllic community where people value simplicity and nature above all else. The second verse touches on a common theme in Hawaiian music, which is the longing for home. The lyrics express regret over leaving home in search of something better and realizing that true happiness was there all along.

The chorus, “Hele on to Kauai,” repeats several times and serves as a call to action for listeners. The song encourages people to visit Kauai and experience its unique beauty and culture for themselves. The other lines of the chorus mention specific locations on the island, such as Hanalei Bay and Wailua River Valley, which are famous for their stunning landscapes and historical significance.

The final verse mentions Waimea Canyon, which is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Its beautiful red rocks and lush foliage make it one of Kauai’s most famous attractions. The song’s lyrics describe the canyons as being “standing all aglow,” which could refer to either the breathtaking views or the spiritual significance of the area.

Chords to Hele on to Kauai

Hele On To Kauai

[Intro] C for 4 bars

[Verse 1]
There’s a p[C]lace,[F] I recall
[G7] Not too big, in fact it’s kinda s[C]mall
The people there,[F] know they got it all
[G7] The simple life, for [C]me.

[Chorus]
[C]Hele on to Ka[C7]uai
[F]Hanalei by the bay
[G7]Wailua river valley, is wh[F]ere I used to pl[C]ay
[C]The canyons of Wai[C7]mea, sta[F]nding all aglow
The m[G7]agic of the garden isle, is calling me back ho[C]me

[Verse 2]
W[C]hen I was young, [F]not too smart
[G7] I left my home,[C] looking for a brand new start
To find a place,[F] that’s better still
[G7] Now I know, [C]I know I never will.

[Chorus]
[C]Hele on to Ka[C7]uai
[F]Hanalei by the bay
[G7]Wailua river valley, is wh[F]ere I used to pl[C]ay
[C]The canyons of Wai[C7]mea, sta[F]nding all aglow
The m[G7]agic of the garden isle, is calling me back ho[C]me

[Chorus]
[C]Hele on to Ka[C7]uai
[F]Hanalei by the bay
[G7]Wailua river valley, is wh[F]ere I used to pl[C]ay
[C]The canyons of Wai[C7]mea, sta[F]nding all aglow
The m[G7]agic of the garden isle, is calling me back ho[C]me
It’s [G7]call-ing me back [C]home.

Downloadable PDF for Hele On To Kauai

Conclusion

“Hele on to Kauai” is a beautiful song that celebrates Kauai’s unique culture and natural beauty. It’s easy to see why people have been drawn to this island for generations, and the song’s lyrics capture that sense of wonder and appreciation perfectly. Whether you’re a fan of Hawaiian music or just looking for an inspiring travel song, “Hele on to Kauai” is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and full of wanderlust. And who knows, maybe the song will even inspire you to book a trip to Kauai for yourself! Mahalo for reading and uke on!