King’s Hawaiian Taps Bing Crosby’s ‘Mele Kalikimaka’

Photo Credit: King’s Hawaiian / Primary Wave Music

Two holiday kings unite as King’s Hawaiian and Bing Crosby’s “Mele Kalikimaka” celebrate 75 years with a new remix of a classic Christmas favorite.

King’s Hawaiian and Bing Crosby join forces for the holiday season in celebration of their 75th anniversaries: beloved bakery brand King’s Hawaiian’s sweet rolls, and Bing Crosby’s classic holiday hit, “Mele Kalikimaka.” For their shared milestone, the two holiday staples have united for a fresh new cover of a classic favorite, “Mele Kalikimaka,” covered by Hawaiian singer-songwriter Iam Tongi.

To celebrate the shared anniversary, the Bing Crosby Estate and Primary Wave Music teamed up with Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter Iam Tongi to record a fresh take on the beloved hit. With King’s Hawaiian’s support, on November 21, a 2-song EP featuring an Iam Tongi cover and a duet version with Iam Tongi and Crosby’s original vocals will be globally released, alongside a music video.

“Recording on such a legendary song, made famous by the one and only Bing Crosby, has been a surreal experience for me,” said Iam Tongi. “Growing up in Hawaii with my big family, we used to go door-to-door at Christmas, singing ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ and other Christmas carols. I can’t believe there’s going to be a whole generation of people hearing my voice on it.”

In addition to the new music and accompanying music video, King’s Hawaiian is releasing a limited edition Mele Kalikimaka GingerBREAD House, crafted entirely from King’s Hawaiian rolls. The edible creation invites fans to build, enjoy, and take a bite of this new take on a holiday tradition. The kit “transforms holiday decorating into a truly flavorful experience with its foundation of King’s Hawaiian’s signature sweet rolls that are a staple in every holiday spread.”

Each kit comes with King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls, festive icing, and island-themed edible accessories inspired by the Hawaiian spirit of celebration. Every GingerBREAD House kit will also include a mini record with a custom QR code to bring listeners directly to Bing Crosby’s “Mele Kalikimaka” to provide a soundtrack to your holiday tradition. The kit is available for $19.50 on the brand’s website starting today, as long as supplies last.

“Food, family, and music are at the heart of the holiday season. Together with the Bing Crosby Estate and King’s Hawaiian, we’ve created a partnership that perfectly reflects the spirit of ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ while not only paying tribute to Bing Crosby’s legacy and King’s Hawaiian heritage, but also adding a contemporary twist from Iam Tongi, to connect generations of holiday enthusiasts,” said Lisa Fruggiero, Vice President of Brand Partnerships at Primary Wave Music.

“King’s Hawaiian started with a dream to share a little aloha with every meal—and over 75 years later, that same spirit lives on,” said Raouf Moussa, CMO of King’s Hawaiian. “From our rolls on holiday tables to hearing ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ in homes across the country, this partnership brings together two traditions that instantly make it feel like the holidays.”