Kaua I Ka Huahua`i - by Prince Leleiôhoku

 
Kâua i ka huahua`i
E `uhene lâ i pili ko`olua
Pukuku`i lua i ke ko`eko`e
Hanu lipo o ka palai
 
Hui:
Auwê ka hua`i lâ
 
`Auhea wale ana `oe
E ka`u mea e li`a nei
Mai hô`apa`apa mai `oe
O loa`a pono kâua
 
I aloha wau iâ `oe
I kâu hanahana pono
La`i a`e ke kaunu me ia la
Hô`apa`apai ka mana`o

 


Prince Leleiôhoku

You and I in the spray
Such joy, the two of us together
Embracing tightly in the coolness
Breathing deep of the palai fern
 
Chorus:
Oh, such spray
 
Listen
My desire
Don't linger
Lest we be found
 
I loved you
Your warmth
Calmed passion
Preventing thought

 

Source: Na Mele O Hawai`i Nei by Sam Elbert & Noelani Mahoe - Known as the Hawaiian War Chant, this is really a love ballad. Prince William Pitt Leleiohokukalaho`olewa (1854-1877) was the brother of King David Kalakaua, Queen Liliuokalani and Princess Miriam Likelike. His name, "flight on the day of the full moon", commemorates the funeral of Kamehameha III. A gifted composer, it was believed he would have been a wise king had he not died prematurely of rheumatic fever, at age 22.