Aloha Hawai`i Ku`u One Hanau
Kawaikapuokalani Hewett likens the Hawaiian Islands to a string of pearls, adorning the gods. For the composer the name "Hawai`i" is derived from three sources. Ha is for Haloa the progenitor of all the peoples of the earth. Haloa was also the name of the mythic child who became the taro, the sustenance for Hawaiians, and ha also means life or the breath. The wai, or water, is for Kane, the god of fresh water, of creation, sunlight and forests. And the 'i is for the great chief Kalaninui`Iamamao, for whom the Kumulipo creation chant was dedicated.
The first time we got to sit down and talk with Frank was very memorable. We met him at his place of work in Waimanalo. He is such a kind, gentle man. A true Hawaiian Scholar, and a very gifted composer who gets most of his songs and melodies through visions.
Pay close attention to the second verse, how the words come out effortlessly (Ha), very airy. The kalo, where we come from, gave birth to us, breathed life into us. Aloha Hawai`i ku`u one hanau
Mai Hawai`i kua uli
A ke one o Ni`ihau
He lei momi `oe
He wehi no na lani
Ohaha ka ulu ana
O ke kalo e
He `ai kamaha`o
O na Hawai`i
Ola mau na pulapula
O Haloa e
O ka wailele
Hanini iho nei
Mai luna a i lalo
I na pali ki`e ki`e
He waiwai nui
Ka wai ola a Kane
Hawai`i ka `i
O na `aina nani e
Ho`ola `ia
E ke Akua mana loa
E ola mau ka lahui
I ka maluhia
Love to Hawai`i, sands of my birth
From verdant Hawai`i
To the sands of Ni`ihau
You are a string of pearls
An adornment for the heavens (heavnly ones, chiefs)
Healthy (strong) was the growth
Of the kalo
Wonderful food
Of the Hawai`i
The descendants live
Through Haloa
The waterfalls
Pour forth
From above to below
At the majestic cliffs
Greatly valued
Are the waters of Kane
Hawai`i is the best
Of all the beautiful places
It was created
By our powerful gods
May our people dwell
In peace (protection)
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