Mele Kāhea

In old Hawai’i, it was appropriate to chant the mele inoa of the person that you would be welcoming into your home. If you did not know your visitors mele inoa, a mele kāhea would also be appropriate in its place. (Mele kāhea were usually made up at the last minute). The word kāhea, to call, comes from the word heahea, which means to welcome. In modern times, the mele kāhea is mistakenly referred to as oli kāhea and/or oli aloha. Some are set with melody lines and rhythmic patterns for a tasteful sound, both are non-traditional. According to Mrs. Pukui, mele kāhea is the appropriate term for greeting/welcoming chants such as this one.