Maika`i Kaua`i - by Henry Waiau

 
Maika`i nö Kaua`i
Hemolele i ka mälie
Kuahiwi nani Wai`ale`ale
Lei ana i ka mokihana
 
 
Hanohano wale lei o Hanalei
I ka ua nui hö`eha `ili
I ka wai o `u`inakolo
I ka poli o Na Molokama
So beautiful is Kaua`i
So perfect in the calm
Pretty Mount Wai`ale`ale
Wears the mokihana lei
 
 
So glorious is Hanalei
Rain that hurts the skin
The rustling water
In the bosom of Na Molokama

 

Source: Ea Collection - Based on a chant by Kapa`akea, father of Kalakaua, in honor of Pauahi Bishop's hanai child, Keolaokalani, who died at age 7 months. The original chant may have been composed for Kaumuali`i, the Kaua`i chief. The music, called Lei I Ka Mokihana, was composed by Henry Waiau, the choir director of Lihue Hawaiian Congregational Church