Nâ Kuahiwi `Elima (The Five Mountains) - Words & music by Helen Desha Beamer


Hoihoi ka pi`ina a`o Waimea
I ka pâ mai a ke kêhau anu
`Akahi ho`i au a `ike maka
I nâ wailele pâlua i ka pali a`o Waipi`o
I nâ wailele pâlua i ka pali a`o Waipi`o

Kilakila Mauna Kea me kona nani
Helu `ekahi o ke ki`eki`e
Pili mai Mauna Loa mauna kamaha`o
Home noho a ka wahine Pele mai Kahiki
Home noho a ka wahine Pele mai Kahiki

Hanohano Hualâlai e kû mai la
E ho`ohiwahiwa ana a i nâ Kona
Aia la nâ kuahiwi o Kohala
Ke holo a`ela mai uka a ke kai
Ke holo a`ela mai uka a ke kai

Ma`ô aku o `Alenuihâhâ
Haleakalâ o Maui o Kama
Ha`ina ka puana i lohe `ia
Mahalo i ka nani o nâ kuahiwi `elima
Mahalo i ka nani o nâ kuahiwi `elima


Happy the ascent to Waimea
In the cool, breezy mist
First sight I see
The double waterfalls in the cliffs at Waipi`o
The double waterfalls in the cliffs at Waipi`o

Majestic is Mauna Kea with her beauty
Foremost and highest
Close by is Mauna Loa, wondrous and awesome mountain
Home where dwells the woman Pele from Tahiti
Home where dwells the woman Pele from Tahiti

Majestic Hualâlai rises
Adorning all Kona
There, the mountains of Kohala
Run from the uplands to the sea
Run from the uplands to the sea

Beyond Alenuihâhâ (channel)
Haleakalâ of Maui of Kama
Tell the theme that it may be heard
Worthy admiration for the beauty of the five mountains
Worthy admiration for the beauty of the five mountains

Source: Songs of Helen Desha Beamer - Helen Beamer and Annabelle Ruddle were traveling from Paniau to Kawaihae. Leaving Hilo early, they arrived in Âhualoa and could see parts of Waipi`o and Waimanu with the waterfalls, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. When they arrived at Kawaihae, the melody and words to this song were complete. Copyright 1953 Harriett Magoon Translated by Mahi`ai Beamer