Lei Mokihana - by John K. Almeida

 

Iâ `oe e ku`u pua lei mokihana
Ho`i mai e welina like i ka `olu


Eia ko lei nani ua lawa
Pua onaona i ke kakahiaka


A he lei na`u a i lei ha`aheo
Ka hele na o ka `âina malihini


Ha`ina ia mai ana ka puana
Na pua nani kau i ka wekiu


Mokihana

To you, my mokihana lei, I say
Come and enjoy this peace with me


Here is your beautiful lei completed
Of fragrant blooms gathered in the morn


A lei for me to wear with pride
As I travel to a strange land


This is the end of my song
Of beautiful, precious flowers

 

Source: Na Mele Aloha Translated by Mary Puku'i, Recorded by Teresa Bright "Painted Tradition" CD