Composed by the late Kumu Hula Pohaku Nishimitsu, this mele reflects his admiration for Kēʻē on Kauaʻi where sacred hula sites are found. The lyrics evoke the imagery of coconut trees at Hāʻena swaying in the Limahuli Wind. Heleo shares her aloha for her homelandʻs most iconic features–Kēʻē Beach, Makana Peak and the fragrance of peʻahi fern.
Kamehamehaʻs grandson, Lot Kapuāiwa, embodied the style and leadership of his grandfather. Lot ruled as Kamehameha V and was well-loved and respected for his strength and authority in difficult situations. Many metaphors in the mele refer to fire and blazes that redden the earth and symbolize royalty.
Lydia Kekuewa and Joh n Noble wrote this playful mele for the 1932 film "Bird of Paradise," though it was never used. The lyrics liken the strongest feeling of love and desire to throbbing aches, sharp tingles and hot stings. Then, with a wink and a tease, a special someone is enticed to move a little closer and perhaps soothe the pain.
Composed by Mrs. Nahaukapu of Iwilei, this mele is part of a set of lei chants honoring Liliʻuokalani as the rightful Queen of Hawaiʻi. It was first published in the Hawaiian newspaper "Ka Leo o ka Lahui" and later in the "Kuokoa." The Queenʻs stunning diamond necklace which sometimes doubled as her tiara, is featured.
Mrs. Lily Kalino composed this mele that was published on January 31, 1896 in the newspaper "Ka Leo o ka Lahui." The mele expertly weaves together a lei of deep and profound pride, aloha and yearning for Hilo, Mrs. Kalinoʻs ʻāina hānau. A sense of strong identity seems to derive from her inherent ʻike kupuna rooted in her kulaiwi, native land.