Manu `I`iwi (`I`iw`i
Bird) - Traditional |
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Nani wale ka hi`ona ia manu Hiehie i ponia e ke aloha I laiae lawa ku`u makemake Honi au a ho`omaumau Hui: Ua pili kahi manu Hulu nani i ka ua Ia manu `i`iwi polena i ka ua Ua pili i ka`u kepau a hemo`ole I ka`u kawili ana iho a pa`a pono |
Beautiful is the appearance of that bird Attractive and anointed with love There I was satisfied To kiss it and continue kissing it Chorus: I have caught my bird Its feathers are beauiful in the rain A yellowish `I`iwi bird in the rain It was caught on my gum and can't get away I gummed the branch and there it was caught fast |
Source: "Na Mele O Hawai`i" by West Maui Hawaiian Civic Club. I`iwi is the scarlet honeycreeper also called `akialoa on O`ahu. The feathers are used in Hawaiian featherwork. This love song uses the methaphor of bird-catching with gum. Translated by Mary Pukui | `I`iwi Bird |