Nâ U`i O Kaua`i (Beauties of Kaua`i) - Words by Claude Downey/Ida Malabey, Music by John Noble |
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Ho`oheno me ka ua a`o Hanalei |
Cherished, the rain of Hanalei Its the pouring rain Its the pouring rain Famous of the land Murmur of the water(fall) Namolokama Chilly water Chilly water When it touches the skin Facing the leeward plains of Hâ`ena The pandanus trees of Naue The pandanus trees of Naue Laden with mist that bends them over the cliffs Makana is called the perfumed sweetheart See the fireballs See the fireballs That dazzle the visitors Creeping out to the plains of Mânâ The water in the mirage The water in the mirage Glitters as we hurry towards it The sounding sands of Nohili With it’s distinct seaweed With it’s distinct seaweed That decorates you, Polihale Hâ`upu,You are beautiful, in the misty rain of Kôloa Drenching you Drenching you The leaves of the palai fern Tell the name, it is heard My mokihana lei You are famous, Kaua`i |
| Source: Noble’s Hawaiian Hulas, Copyright 1935, 1963 Miller Music Corp - Verse 3, Naue (to move), a place near Hâ`ena famous for the pandanus trees. Verse 4, firebrands were hurled from the top of Makana, called Fireworks Cliff, today. Verse 5, Limaloa, the god of mirages and tricks dwelt at Mânâ. The sparkling waters caused mirages that are still visible today. Verse 6, Nohili, is known as Barking Sands. The old Hawaiians called it “ke one kani a’o Nohili” or the sounding sands of Nohili. The dry weather causes a dull whoof sound when one steps on the sand. The distinctive seaweed is pahapaha, a sea lettuce thought to be found only at Polihale, that is made into nâ lei. It is a honor it be presented with a pahapaha lei. Verse 7, Ha`upu (fond recollections), is the mountain peak/ridge that overlooks Nawiliwili bay on one side and Kipukai on the other. It may have been named for Pôhaku-o-Kâne, the rock that tried to climb the cliff to find a resting place where he could observe nature. Unable to ascend the perpendicular cliff after many attempts, he was helped by Kâne. He promised to observe the birds and clouds of the sky, to feel the wind blow and the rains wash over him, to see plants, trees and flowers grow, and to watch the sea creatures glide in the ocean. All this he promised to observe, to remember, to recollect fondly, and to relate to Kâne when the god came again. Kôloa is the birthplace of Prince Jonah Kûhiô Kalaniana`ole. | |