`Ulupalakua (Breadfruit Ripened On The Back)

by John P. Watkins

 

Kaulana mai nei
A`o `Ulupalakua
E `ïnikiniki ahiahi
Ka home a`o paniolo

E wehi e ku`u lei
A`o `Ulupalakua
`Onaona me ka `awapuhi
He nani ma'oli nö

Ha`ina mai ka puana
A`o `Ulupalakua
H `ïnikiniki ahiahi
Ka home a`o paniolo

John Pi'ilani Watkins

Famous
Is `Ulupalakua
The pangs of the cold evening air
The home of the cowboys

My lei is an adornment
Of `Ulupalakua
The sweet scent of ginger is
Truly beautiful

Tell the refrain
Of `Ulupalakua
The pangs of the cold evening air
The home of the cowboy

Source: Kamehameha Schools HSI Copyright John Watkins - An ancient Maui chief would send runners to Kipahulu for breadfruit. When they returned with the fruit, it was ripe. The chief called the district Ulupalakua or "breadfruit ripened on the back". The composer visited Ulupalakua, in up-country Maui on the southwestern slopes of Haleakala. He was so impressed by the cold mountain air, the scent of ginger and the cowboys, he composed this mele in 1947, to honor the district. Edited by Dr. Barbara Price