Ku`u lei ‘awapuhi melemele
I puîa me ke `ala onaona
Ho`ohihi ka mana`o iâ `oe
E ku`u lei awapuhi

You’re as lovely as can be
My yellow ginger lei
My heart is yearning for you
My `awapuhi

Ha`ina `ia mai
Ana ka puana
Ku`u lei `awapuhi melemele
Ho`oheno i ka pu`uwai

My yellow ginger lei
Reveals sweet, soft fragrance
Entranced with thoughts of you
My ginger lei

My ginger

The story is told
Of
My yellow ginger lei
Cherished in the heart