Lili`u Ê - Chant by Antone Kao`o, Music by John Kaulia

Ê Lili`u ê
Noho nani mai
Kô kino ê
Ki`i milimili

Kô maka ê
Nôweo nei
Kô papâlina
Ê kukû ana

Kô po`ohiwi
Ani pe`ahi
Kô poli ê
Nahenahe wale

Kô kuli ê
Nuku moi `oe
Kô wâwae
Pahu a`e i luna

Ha`ina `ia mai
Ana ka puana
Ê Lili`u ê
E noho nani mai

Ê ô ê Lili`u
I kou inoa
Ka hae kalaunu
O Hawai`i nei

 

  
Queen Lili`uokalani
 

  
Antone Kao`o

 

 
O Lili`u
Sitting so beautifully
Your person
We fondly touch
 
Your eyes
Sparkle
Your cheeks
Stand out 
 
Your shoulders
Wave like a fan
Your bosom
Is so soft 
 
Your knees
Like a moi fish nose
Your feet
Are lifted up 
 
Tell
The refrain
Of Lili`u
Sitting beautifully 
 
Answer, Lili`u
To your name
The crowning glory
Of Hawai`i

Source: Thomas T Shirai Jr., Great-Great Grand Nephew of Anton Ka`o`o (noted hula master from Waialua) - This chant was originally composed for Queen Kapi`olani (Ê Kapi`olani ê) and modified for dedication to Queen Lili`uokalani. Also known as the Queen's Hula, Ka`o`o wanted to express his loyality and aloha for Queen Lili`uokalani. Moi is the threadfish. Copyright 1923, 43 Charles E. King