E Nihi Ka Hele - by King David Kalâkaua Click title to access melody
E ka moana nui kai hohonu E lana mâlie kou mau ai E ka makani nui ikaika E pâ aheahe mâlie `oe Hui: E nihi ka hele mai ho`opâ Mai pûlale i ka `ike a ka maka Ho`okahi nô makamaka `o ke aloha A hea mai `o ka lani a e kipa `Ike iâ Kaleponi he `âina anu Ke hau ho`okuakea i ka `ili Lamalama i ka `ili o ke kama Ka wahine i ka `iu o luna E hele me ka poina `ole E huli `ê ke alo i hope nei Eia kô lei kalaunu O ka `ônohi o Hawai`i	Great ocean, deep sea Let your stirring moods be gentle Great and mighty wind Blow gently Chorus: Tread softly, don't touch Don't be overwhelmed by what you see True friendship is love When royalty calls one to visit California, see, it is a cold land Snow that bleaches the skin Glowing skin of the Princess Lady of high station Go and do not forget To come back again Here is your crown lei Hawai`i is the heart
Source: In 1887, Queen Kapi`olani visited California on her way to England to attend the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The title, taken from the legend of Pele and Hi`iaka, "e nihi ka hele mai ho`olawehala " translates: walk softly and commit no offense. Hi`iaka warns of the dangerous trip thru the forest of Pana`ewa and says "E nihi ka hele i uka o Puna mai `ako i ka pua o lilo i ke ala o ka hewahewa" or "be cautious in the forests of Puna, do not pluck the flowers, lest you be lost in the pathways of errors". This song composed by King David Kalâkaua for his Queen, is an expression of his love for her, a prayer for calm seas, an admonition to be cautious and careful in the cold of California, and a remembrance of his love, her duty as Queen, their nation and home. Translated by Henry Kaalakahi - Music clip by Kua`ana