Wai O Punalau (Waters of Punalau) - Words by Eliza Holt, Music by David Nape 

 

Malihini ko`u `ike `ana
I ka nui pono o ka mana`o
`O ka honehone mai a ke wai
Po`ai `olu o Punalau

Hui:
Lipolipo ka wai o Punalau
Wai ho`ohihi a ka malihini
Ku`u aku i laila ku`upau
Nehe `olu i ka noe hâli`i
 
Powehi `oe ke `ike aku
Nolu ehu luhe i ka palai
`Au`au i ka wai kaulana
Wai pô`ai `olu o Punalau
As a stranger I beheld
The object that broadens the mind
The soft murmuring of the waters
That gently swirl around Punalau
 
Chorus:
Dark is the water of Punalau
It is a pool that delights visitors
As it gushes and rushes forth
And gently whispers in the spreading mist
 
It appears misty
In its surroundings of drooping ferns
One can bathe in this famous water
That gently swirls around Punalau

 

Source: Hopkins Aloha Collection - Punalau is at Makapala, Kohala, Hawai`i. Translated by Mary Pukui