Pua `Âhihi - Words by Mary Kawena Pûku'i, Music by Maddy Lam

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Me `oe ka `ano`i e ka `âhihi
Ka lei milika`a a ka`u aloha

He aloha makamae kai hiki mai
He `ala honehone i ka pu`uwai

He waiwai `oe i ka`u `ike
Ua kehakeha i luna a`o Lanihuli

Huli mai nô `oe `olu kâua
I mehana ho`i au a`i ko poli

Ha`ina ka puana no ku`u lei
Ka pua `âhihi a`o Lanihuli




With you is my desire, o `âhihi
The lei caressed over and over by my love

It is a precious love, that comes to me
A fragrance teasing the heart

You are of great value in my sight
High above Lanihuli

Turn to me, let us comfort one another
Let me be warmed by your bosom

The story is told for my lei
The `âhihi blossom of Lanihuli

Source: Maddy Lam composed this song for Kahauanu Lake, as a gift to Maiki Aiu. This was first danced by April Peeples Chock and presented as a ho`okupu to Maiki. She loved the mele and it became the signature song of her halau. This mele compares a sweetheart to the beautiful `âhihi blossom. The ahihi, a low spreading shrub-like bush with a twisted trunk (Metrosiderous) is a form of lehua. Lanihuli is the peak west of the Nu`uanu pali gap where the `âhihi grows profusely. Music clip by Tonya Ferris Copyright Criterion Music Corp