Wahine Holo Lio - Chant for Queen Emma

He wahine holo lio `oe la
Maluna o Kîna`u lio la
 
Ahe lio hula haole la
Pau nâ holo `ewalu la
 
*Ahe lio hula hau`oli la
Pau na holo `elua
 
E kuene pono iho ana la
A i pa`a pono ke kaula waha la
 
Ka pi`ina ao Maemae la
Kowelo kou lipine la
 
Maluna o ka lio huapala la
Oni ana o Emalani la
 
E luana na kanaka la
I ka poli a`o Polihale la
 
I ke kula o Kaukeano la
Ano wale mai ke aloha la
 
Hi`ialo nâu e Kekela la
Milimili nö Kauka Luka la
 
Ha`ina mai ka puana la
No Emalani he inoa la
 
*alternate 2nd verse

 

 

Queen Emma Na`ea Rooke
You are a lady who likes to ride
On the horse named Kina`u
 
This horse does a strange dance
Called the figure eight step
 
*Such a happy, prancing horse
Executing the 2-step
 
All is well examined
So the reins can be firmly held
 
Going up to Maemae
Your ribbon flutters in the breeze
 
On the handsome horse
Emma is moving
 
The people are passing the time
In the shelter of Polihale
  
Upon the plain of Kaukeano
Her subjects lovingly watched
 
One to be lovingly carried by you, Kekela
Caressed by Doctor Rooke
  
The story is told
To honor the name of Queen Emma
 
*alternate 2nd verse

 

 

Source: This chant, set to music, is a name song for Queen Emma. Her favorite horse was named for her cousin Kîna`u. Polihale was the home of Queen Emma`s parents located on Alakea St. Kaukeano is the area where Richards and Beretania Sts meet. Kekela is the natural mother of Queen Emma, Fanny Kekelaokalani Young. Kauka Luka is Doctor Thomas Charles Byde Rooke, Emma's hanai father. Her hanai mother was Grace Kamaikui Young Rooke, her maternal aunt.