Lili`u E - words by Antone Kao'o music by John Kaulia

 

E Lili`u e
Noho nani mai
Ko kino e
Ki`i milimili
 
 
Ko maka e
Noweo nei
Ko papalina
E kuku ana
 
 
Ko po`ohiwi
Ani pe`ahi
Ko poli e
Nahenahe wale
 
 
Ko kuli e
Nuku moi `oe
Ko wawae
Pahu a`e iluna
 
 
Ha`ina ia mai
Ana kapuana
E Lili`u e
E noho nani mai
 
 
E o e Lili`u
I kou inoa
Ka hae kalaunu
O Hawai`i nei

 

 

 

 

 

Queen Lili'uokalani

 

 

 

 

 
O Lili`u
Sitting so beautifully
Your person
We fondly touch
 
 
Your eyes
Sparkle
Your cheeks
Stand out
 
 
Your shoulders
Wave like a fan
Your bosom
Is so soft
 
 
Your knees
Like a moi fish nose
Your feet
Are lifted up
 
 
Tell
The refrain
Of Lili`u
Sitting beautifully
 
 
Answer, Lili`u
To your name
The crowning glory
Of Hawai`i

 

Source: Na Mele Hula by Nona Beamer - This chant was originally composed for Princess Kina'u and modified for dedication to Queen Lili'uokalani. It is also known as The Queen's Hula. Anton Ka'o'o was a noted hula master from Waialua. Moi is the threadfish.