Pua `Olena - by Jimmy Kaholokula
Pua `olena, pua moe wale I ka nahele e moe nei Ka ua noe makali`i E ala mai, hö`ike mai I kou nani Pua `olena pua `olena Pua `olena, dream filled beauty Of my garden, deep in slumber Kissed by misty summer rain Come with me, come let's see Of your beauty Pua `olena pua `olena Lau `olena, lau pälulu E pe`e nei kau möhala O ka makani häwanawana Hö`ike nei pua `olena I kou nani Pua `olena pua `olena Ha`ina mai ka puana Pua moe wale, pua moe `ole I ka nahele o Hanalei Come with me, come let's see Of your beauty Pua `olena, pua `olena	Flower   Olena Root	`Olena blossom, blossom sleeping In the forest, sleeping here The misty summer rain Awake and show now Your beauty `Olena blossom, `olena blossom                   Leaf `olena, leaf that shelters and protects Hiding the blossom unfolding The wind whispers See here the 'olena blossom Show your beauty `Olena blossom, `olena blossom     Tell the story Blossom asleep, blossom awake In the forest of Hanalei
Source: McKee Collection - The olena or turmeric root goes dormant after it blooms and was prized by Hawaiians for its medicinal qualities. This treatment for goiter is from Kahuna La`au Lapa`au Kalawela Rosa. The root was peeled, smashed and the juice extracted. For 5 or 7 consectuive days, the patient would take the proper dosage before breakfast, but after sunrise, lying on the stomach. This position was maintained for at least 15 minutes while the patient said the proper prayers. The patient was advised to eat limu kohu. Olena was also used for dye and a fragrant tea.