Nani Kaua`i - Traditional


A he nani Kaua`i `ea
`O ku`u `âina

Ke one Nohili `ea
E kani mai nei

Ka wai `anapanapa `ea
I ke kula o Mânâ

`O ke kaupoku hale `ea
Lau a`o Limaloa

A he nani Hâ`upu `ea
Ka ua noe o Koloa

A he nani Lihu`e `ea
I ka ua Pâ`upili

A he nani Hanalei `ea
I ka wai o Namolokama

A he nani Ha`ena `ea
I na pali `o ahi

A he nani Kalalau `ea
Na pali o Ko`olau

Ha`ina ka puana `ea
A he nani Kaua`i

Beautiful Kaua’i
My homeland

The sand of Nohili
Makes sound

The sparkling water
On the plain of Mânâ

The roofs of houses
Are many of Limaloa

Beautiful is Hâ`upu
The misty rain of Koloa

Beautiful is Lihu`e
In the Pâ`upili rain

Beautiful is Hanalei
With the falls of Namolokama

Beautiful is Ha`ena
With the cliffs where the firebrands were hurled

Beautiful is Kalalau
And the cliffs of Ko`olau

The end of my song
Beautiful is Kaua`i

Source: "Na Mele O Hawai`i" by West Maui Hawaiian Civic Club - Verse 2, Sounding sands of Nohili is known today as Barking Sands.The dry weather causes a dull whoofing sound when one walks on the sand .Verse 3, the sparkling water, or the water that deceives, refers to the mirages often seen in this area. Mânâ means arid which describes this region. Verse 4 refers to the ghost houses of Limaloa (long-arm) the god of mirages and tricks. A mirage of a village with a man walking about, can be see at a certain phase of the moon. Verse 5, Hâ`upu (fond recollections) is the hill that overlooks Nâwiliwili bay on one side and Kipukai on the other. There is said to be a likeness of Queen Victoria on the side facing Nâwiliwili. Verse 6, Pa`upili (touch than cramp) is the cold rain of Lihu`e. When the skin is touched with this rain, one cramps with cold. Verse 7, Hanalei is famous for its taro patches fed by the waters of Namolokama, the name of the mountain and waterfall at the back of the valley. Verse 8, Ha`ena (red hot) tells of a custom unique to Kaua`i. When the wind is right, experts hurl firebrands from the cliffs at night. The brands are caught by an updraft of winds and float in the air. To catch a firebrand before it touches the ground, and to burn your arm with it, is proof of going to Kaua`i and/or confessing your love for someone. Translation by Mary Pukui