Pua Kenikeni - Traditional

 

Na ka pua kenikeni ko`u ho`ohihi
Ke `ala ho`oheno i ku`u poli
 
Onaona i ka ihu ke honi aku
A ke këhau a`e hali mai nei
 
Na wai e `ole ko`u ho`ohihi
Ke `ala hu`ihu`i o ia pua
 
E kui nö au a lawa
I lei ho`oheno no ku`u kino
 
Ha`ina `ia mai ka puana
Na ka pua kenikeni ko`u ho`ohihi
The pua kenikeni is what enchants me
The cherished fragrance at my heart
 
Softly fragrant to inhale
That which the dewdrops bear
 
Who would not share my enchantment
The thrilling perfume of that blossom
 
I will string enough to make
A cherished lei for my person
 
Tell the refrain
The pua kenikeni is what enchants m

 

Source: Vicki II Rodrigues Collection
Recorded by Tony Conjugacion on "O Ka Wä I Hala" CD