This mele
was composed for the Kaʻiama family, long-time residents of Maunawili
Valley, Oʻahu. It was composed in particular for Edward and Ella Kaʻiama’s
daughter Kahuluaiokalani. He waiwai nui ‘o Kahulu ma muli o kona ‘ano
lokomaikaʻi a kūpaʻa. Nona nō hoʻi hā ka ʻōlelo no’eau ‘o “Kū i ka welo.”
Kahulu is a treasure to her parents because of her loyal and kind-hearted
nature. For her, indeed, is the proverbial saying: “One whose behavior
reflects the character of her family.”
| E aha
ʻia ana e Maunawili
ʻO ka hoʻowili ʻana i ka puʻuwai.
He waiwai nui ʻoe, kū i ka welo
Ka ʻuhene a ka wai i ka ʻiliʻili.
Hoʻoili Waiʻahulu i lei pāwehe
E pili mau ai ka hanu i ka nani.
Nani nō hoʻi ua ʻae ʻo Mākālei
E kani ʻū ana ʻo Kahinihini.
He hilinaʻi kēia i ka mōkila ʻula
I ka lāʻau piʻi ona a ka iʻa.
Haʻina ka puana e lohe ʻia
ʻO ka hoʻowili ʻana i ka puʻuwai.
What is going on, Maunawili
This stirring of the heart?
You are a treasure, a tribute to your family
The laughter of water on stones.
Waiʻahulu has bequeathed a lei pāwehe
Whose beauty always takes the breath away.
Because Mākālei has agreed
Kahinihini sighs with happiness.
This is an expression of trust in the red lei needle
In the branch that fish cannot resist.
Tell the summary that it may be heard
This stirring of the heart.
© A. 'Āhiki Smith, 2004
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