Kawaihae - by Emma Paishon

 
Kawaihae, ka `uapo a`o Hilo
Hoe hoe nâ wa`a
Pili i ka pu`e one
 
 
Mahukona, ka`uapo a`o Miloli`i
Hoe hoe nâ wa`a
Pili i ka moku
 
 
Lahaina, ka`uapo a`o Mâla
Kukui mâlamalama
I ka ihu o Mauna Kea
 
 
Kaunakakai, ka`uapo Moloka`i
Hoe hoe na wa`a
Ho`okano kahi selamoku
 
 
Ha`ina `ia mai ana ka puana
Hoe hoe nâ wa`a
Pili i ka pu`e one
Kawaihae, the wharf of Hilo
Row, row the boats
Close to the sandbar
 
 
Mahukona, the wharf of Miloli`i
Row, row the boats
Close to the island
 
 
Lahaina, the wharf of Mâla
Light shines
On the prow of the Mauna Kea
 
 
Kaunakakai, the wharf of Moloka`i
Row, row the boats
Sassy, that sailor
 
 
Tell the theme
Row, row the boats
Close to the sandbar

 

Source: Mauna Kea was an interisland steamer. Cargo and passengers would be rowed ashore by sailors in row boats while the ship would anchor off shore.