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Tuning: F Wahine or Leonards’s F (CFCGCE)
Level: Advanced

Introduction

Kalena Kai was conceived in chant form, composed by King Liholiho in 1820 when he visited the moku (district) of Waialua for supplies before sailing to visit King Kaumuali’I on the island of Kaua’i. The poʻe kānaka (people) extended their loyalty, hospitality, and generosity to King Liholiho wherever he went in Waialua. Among those places was Mokulēʻia (an ahupuaʻa land division) where residents provided the king with taro, bananas, and other supplies. As a gesture of appreciation, King Liholiho composed this chant for the poʻe kānaka.
Later as the years went by, this melody was added, attributed to Charles E. King.
Playing with me on Kalena Kai for the recording “Wooden Boat” is my dear friend and excellent pianist/guitarist George “Keoki” Winston, who plays a wonderful second part. Please note that the tablature presented here is for one guitar only which is my performance on the record.
After you have finished this piece, go on to Liʻi’s Song.
Keola Beamer