Videos


Mele


Music is the universal language. Visit Anahola, Kauaʻi, to learn about Hawaiian mele.

Unit lesson

Mele

Video Questions

1) What does mele mean? What are some of the different kinds of mele?

2) Why do you think the tradition of Hawaiian mele has remained so strong over the years?

3) If you wanted to write a special mele for your grandma, what are some words and images you might include?

4) How have outside traditions, like musical instruments, influenced Hawaiian mele?

5) Why is it important to learn ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi if you want to be a musician?

6) ʻAnakē Kainani said, “The mele is probably the most significant gift you can give somebody.” What did she mean? Is there a special mele you could share with a family member or close friend?

 

Video Vocabulary

1) mele
traditional Hawaiian poetry or song

2) tribute
to honor or compliment

3) pertain
to refer to, relate to, be connected to

4) genealogy
family tree or lineage

5) mele inoa
a name song

6) mahalo
thank, respect

7) mele pule
prayer

8) dignity
respect, esteem

9) kuʻu lei
my precious lei

10) document
to record, keep a record of something

11) kuleana
responsibility or privilege

12) lāhui
a group of people

13) assonance
having similar sounds, similar to rhymes

14) haku mele
composer, creator of mele

15) leo
voice

16) puʻuwai
heart

 

Guiding Questions

English

Hawaiian