Lei Loke O Kawika - Words by Mary J. Montano, Music by Peter Kalani
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Ho`okahi nô `oi o ke kaona
`O ka lei pua loke o Kawika
Ua hele wale a nohea
I ka pê `ia o ka Tuahine

Hui:
`O ka `oi nô ia o ka la`i
Ke kuini noho i ke onaona
Kini i ka pu`uwai pumehana
Lei ho`omâhie a ke kupa

Na ka hanu `a`ala o pua loke
Hoapili ka lehua kû moku
I polo`ai a`e nâ malihini
Kipa iâ Kuaihelani home

There is one who is the fairest in our famous town
David's wreath of roses
It is so very beautiful
Drenched by the Tuahine rain

Chorus:
It looks so very delicate
Like a queen surrounded by fragrance
Held in admiration by many hearts
This lovely wreath to adorn the native son

The fragrant breath of the rose
Companion of the island lehua
That invites the visitor
To come to Kuaihelani home
Source: King's Hawaiian Melodies - Dedicated to David Kawananakoa, this may have been composed to accompany a gift for the ali`i, a Hawaiian custom. Verse 1, stanza 4, Tuahine is the Manoa rain. Translated by Mary Pukui. Music clip by Lani Lee Copyright 1943 Charles E. King

Mary Montano