Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula

Chapter 56: [Translation.]

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About This Book

A curated anthology of traditional Hawaiian mele and hula chants presented with translations, musical transcriptions, illustrations, and explanatory annotations. Descriptive essays examine the hula’s ritual origins, organizational roles, ceremonial procedures, costumes, gestures, and musical instruments, and survey many named dance types and their performance contexts. Notes and a glossary clarify Hawaiian vocabulary and cultural references, while annotated renderings attempt to retain lyrical tone alongside contextual explanation, offering readers an integrated view of the songs’ themes, ceremonial functions, and expressive techniques.

Hawai’i ponoi,

Nana i kou Moi,

Ka lani Ali’i,

Ke Ali’i.

Refrain:

Makua lani, e,

Kamehameha, e,

Na kaua e pale,

Me ka ihe.

Hawai’i ponoi,

Nana i na ’li’i,

Na pua muli kou,

Na poki’i.

Refrain:

Hawai’i ponoi

E ka lahui, e,

O kau hana nui

E ui, e.

Refrain.

[Translation.]

Hawaii Ponoi

Hawaii’s very own,

Look to your sovran Lord,

Your chief that’s heaven-born,

Who is your King.

Refrain:

Protector, heaven-sent,

Kamehameha great,

To vanquish every foe,

With conquering spear.

Men of Hawaii’s land,

Look to your native chiefs,

Your sole surviving lords,

The nation’s pride.

Refrain:

Men of Hawaiian stock,

My nation ever dear,

With loins begirt for work,

Strive with your might.

Refrain.