Hanohano Hanalei - Words & music by Alfred Unauna Alohikea

 

Hanohano Hanalei i ka ua nui
E pakika i kahi limu o Manu`akepa
Ilaila ho`i au i `ike iho ai
I ka hana hu`i konikoni i ka `ili
 
 
Aloha kahi one o pua rose
I ka ho`ope `ia e ka hunakai
`Akahi ho`i au a `ike i ka nani
Hanohano Hanalei i ka ua nui


Kilakila kahi wai na Molokama
I ke kau `ia mai ho`i e ka `ohu
He `ohu ho`i `oe no ka `aina
A Hanalei a e ha`aheo nei

 
Kilohi i ka nani Mamalahoa
I ka ho`ope `ia e ke kehau
`Elua wale iho no maua
I kolu i ka hone a ka `ehu kai

 

The glory of Hanalei is its heavy rain
Slippery seaweed of Manu`akepa
There I felt
Tingling cool sensation of the skin
 
 
Greetings, o sand and rose flowers
Drenched by sea spray
Never have I seen such splendor
The glory of Hanalei is its heavy rain
 
 
Majestic streams of Molokama
Mist covered
You are the mist of the land
That Hanalei cherishes
 
 
Behold the beauty of Mamalahoa
Drenched by the dew
She and I are two
Three with the rustle of sea spray

 

Source: Na Mele O Hawai'i Nei - This song was composed about 1924. Manu'akepa is a bright green seaweed, Molokama, a series of streams that flow thru Hanalei Valley, and Mamalahoa, a mountain peak. Alfred Unauna Alohikea (1884-1936) was born in Waipi`o Valley on the big island, but spent most of his life in Hanalei, Kaua'i where he composed most of his music. A natural musician, he played by ear and could neither read nor write music. He was famous for his baritone voice and performed with the Royal Hawaiian Band, made one tour of the mainland (1901-02) and played ukulele, guitar, stand-up bass and saxophone.

 


Alfred Alohikea