Kekahao`iolani
In 2001, the ladies of Nä Wähine Hele Lä o Kaiona made a huaka`i to Näpo`opo`o on Hawai`i Island . There, they had the opportunity to visit the residence of loea `Iolani Luahine. Inspired by nature's elements and her historically significant surroundings, Kapalai`ula de Silva composed this mele to honor Kekahao`iolani, the house of Auntie `Io.
Aia i ka wehi o Näpo`opo`o
Ka home wai`olu a`o `Iolani
Lawea mai ke `ala o ka pühala
Ke `ala ua kau i ka pili o ke ao
Eia Hönaunau i ke ahe o ka `Eka
Ke nä`ü nei nä kamali`i i ka lä
Unonoke ke kani a nä manu hökio
Ka leo honehone a ke aloha
He mele he inoa no `Iolani
Ka pua laha`ole a Keahi Luahine
There in the dark embrace of Näpo`opo`o
Is the sanctuary of `Iolani
Where the fragrance of pühala carries gently
And alights at the coming of day
Here is Honaunau in the `Eka's soft caress
Where children chant nä`ü to the sun
The singing of birds persists here, undiminished
The sweetly appealing voices of love
This is a mele, a name chant for `Iolani
The cherished blossom of Keahi Luahine
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