Lumaha`i - by Alfred Alohikea

 
Hanohano Hanalei i ka ua nui
He pakika i ka limu o Manu`akepa
 
`Au`au i ka wai `o Lumaha`i
Ka lehua maka noe o Lulu`upali
 
E`ena Hâ`ena i ka `ehu kai
A he aha la o ka hana Lohiau ipo
 
Ha`ina `ia mai ana ka puana
He pakika i ka limu o Manu`akepa
Famous is Hanalei for much rain
Slippery the seaweed of Manuakepa
 
Bathed in the water of Lumahai
Is the misty-faced lehua of Lulu`upali
 
Ha`ena is fearful, because of the seaspray
And what is Lohiau ipo's work
 
The story is told
Slippery the seaweed of Manuakepa

 

Source: Hillier Collection, Recorded by Genoa Keawe "Hulas of Hawaii" Translator unknown - Ancient sayings and poetic phrases are used in this mele of one of the most beautiful beaches on Kaua`i and its surrounding area. Verse #3, stanza 2: Lohiau, the prince of Kaua`i was Pele's lover. Hi`iaka, Pele's youngest sister was sent to Kaua`i to escort Lohiau, to Hawai'i to be re-united with Pele. The seaspray represents the hardships encountered on this trip and Lohiau's changing attitude toward Pele and Hi`iaka's attraction to Lohiau. Edited by Dr. Barbara Price