Click Title to Access Melody
No ka u`i kau i ka wêkiu
- Kô `ala onaona i `ane`i
Ho`olale mai ana e walea
E walea pû aku me `oe
I ka hana no`eau ho`oipo
A he ipo `oe na`u i aloha
Ka `ano`i a ku`u pu`uwai
Ka hâ`upu ka hali`a ka `i`ini
Me `oe mau aku nô ia
Ho`i mai kâua lâ e pili
`Oiai ka manawa kûpono
Ha`ina `ia mai ka puana
Nou nô green rose ke aloha
Green Rose
My love goes to the green
rose
The blossom I esteem the
highest
Its fragrance reaches me
here
Inviting my thoughts to be
carefree
To spend the time pleasantly
with you
In the delightful pastime of
wooing
You are the sweetheart I
love
The darling of my heart
May recollection, remembrance
And desire always be with you
Now, now is the time
For us to be together
This is the end of my
song
For you, beloved green
rose
Source: Na Mele Aloha - The green rose is called the "leaf rose". Laida Paia, Mrs. James Keoni Willis, a member of John Almeida's trio composed this mele although it has always been attributed to Almeida. She was the mother of Koko Willis and John acknowledged and always gave her due credit when he performed it, especially when Koko or other members of her family were in the audience. Confirmed by Pali Lee, wife of Koko Willis who died in 1994. Translated by Mary Pukui, Music clip by Lani Lee