Kipahulu - by Carl Hoku Rasmussen

 
Kuahiwi nani `oe
E Kipahulu
Ka `i`ini pau `ole
A ka makemake
 
 
E moani ke `ala
Ka `ehukai
Ka ulu lipoa
I ka moana
 
 
E nanea ho`i kau
Ka lehulehu
Hale kipa ho`okipa
E na malihini
 
 
Kaulana mai nei
O Nu`u anu
Maika`i o ka ni`o
`Aina i ka la`i
 
 
Puana ke `ikena
O Kipahulu
Ka `i`ini pau `ole
A ke makemake
A mountain of beauty you are
O Kipahulu
Never to get enough
You are always desirable
 
 
As the gentle breezes lure the fragrant
Sea mists
Verdant is the lipoa
In the ocean
 
 
An enjoyable and peaceful stay
To those who visit
This guest home, hospitable
To all visitors
 
 
Famed are your
Upper regions
How fine it is to be
Atop in the calm
 
 
This is the refrain
Of Kipahulu
Never to get enough
You are always desired

 

Source: Desiree Elder, Copyright Jeff Rasmussen Translated by Carl Hoku Rasmussen