Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Anyone who has lived in Hawaii knows the sadness of leaving the islands and can relate to this song, one of the best songs ever written in and about Hawaii. Young people might not quite understand the third verse, but this song was written during the days when it was possible for family and friends to go right up to the departure gate at the airport to bid someone aloha.
Although I left Hawaii in 1988 (at age 31), my leaving only deepened my love and appreciation for the islands and it makes my return visits that much sweeter.
The video comes from a karaoke laser disc that features Hawaii hits, and I'm happy to share more hula performed by the beautiful Kanoe Miller.
[intro: E7 A ]
[A] Looking out upon the [E] city lights
[G] And the stars above the [D] ocean
[F] Got my ticket for the [A] midnight [F#m] plane
And it’s not [E7] easy to leave a[A]gain
[A] Took my clothes and put them [E] in my bag
[G] Try not to think just yet of [D] leaving
[F] Looking out into the [A] city [F#m] lights
And it’s not [E7] easy to leave a[A]gain [ Em7 - A7 ]
Chorus:
[D] Each [E7] time Hono[A]lulu city [D] lights
[F#m] Stir up [B7] memories in [E] me
[D] Each [E7] time Hono[A]lulu city [D] lights
[E7] Will bring me back a[A]gain
Bridge:
[C] You are my [G] island [A] sunset
And [C] you are my [G] island [A] rain
[A] Put on my shoes and light a [E] cigarette
[G] Wondering which of my friends will [D] be there
[F] Standing with their leis a[A]round my [F#m] neck
It’s not [E7] easy to leave a[A]gain [ Em7 - A7 ]
[D] Each [E7] time Hono[A]lulu city [D] lights
[F#m] Stir up [B7] memories in [E] me
[D] Each [E7] time Hono[A]lulu city [D] lights
[E7] Will bring me back a[A]gain
[E7] Bring me back a[A]gain
[G] Bring me [D] back.. a[A]gain
Anyone who has lived in Hawaii knows the sadness of leaving the islands and can relate to this song, one of the best songs ever written in and about Hawaii. Young people might not quite understand the third verse, but this song was written during the days when it was possible for family and friends to go right up to the departure gate at the airport to bid someone aloha.
Although I left Hawaii in 1988 (at age 31), my leaving only deepened my love and appreciation for the islands and it makes my return visits that much sweeter.
The video comes from a karaoke laser disc that features Hawaii hits, and I'm happy to share more hula performed by the beautiful Kanoe Miller.
[intro: E7 A ]
[A] Looking out upon the [E] city lights
[G] And the stars above the [D] ocean
[F] Got my ticket for the [A] midnight [F#m] plane
And it’s not [E7] easy to leave a[A]gain
[A] Took my clothes and put them [E] in my bag
[G] Try not to think just yet of [D] leaving
[F] Looking out into the [A] city [F#m] lights
And it’s not [E7] easy to leave a[A]gain [ Em7 - A7 ]
Chorus:
[D] Each [E7] time Hono[A]lulu city [D] lights
[F#m] Stir up [B7] memories in [E] me
[D] Each [E7] time Hono[A]lulu city [D] lights
[E7] Will bring me back a[A]gain
Bridge:
[C] You are my [G] island [A] sunset
And [C] you are my [G] island [A] rain
[A] Put on my shoes and light a [E] cigarette
[G] Wondering which of my friends will [D] be there
[F] Standing with their leis a[A]round my [F#m] neck
It’s not [E7] easy to leave a[A]gain [ Em7 - A7 ]
[D] Each [E7] time Hono[A]lulu city [D] lights
[F#m] Stir up [B7] memories in [E] me
[D] Each [E7] time Hono[A]lulu city [D] lights
[E7] Will bring me back a[A]gain
[E7] Bring me back a[A]gain
[G] Bring me [D] back.. a[A]gain
