Kaʻala - Words by Matilda Kauwe, music by John Noble

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Hanohano Kaʻala kau mai luna ē
Ua like a like me Koʻiahi

Ka maile lauliʻi lau onaona ē
Hoʻoipo ana me Waikaloa

Kau aku ka manaʻo no Halemano ē
Ia uka ʻiuʻiu noho a ka manu

Ua nuʻa ē ke oho o ka `awapuhi ē
Ka lau o ka ʻieʻie a me ka palai

Haʻina ʻia mai ana ka puana ē
Ua like a like me Koʻiahi

Kaʻala is magnificent, an imposing figure there
A peer to Koʻiahi

The small-leaved maile, softly fragrant leaves
Courting with Waikaloa

Thoughts yearn for Halemano
That high upland dwelling of the birds

The leaves of the ginger are luxuriant
The abundant leaves of the ʻieʻie and the palai

Let it be told
A peer to Koʻiahi

Source: Noble's Hawaiian Hulas, Copyright 1931, 59, Miller Music Corp. Verse 1, stanza 1, Kaʻala is the tallest peak on Oʻahu; stanza 2, Koʻiahi at Kaʻena was renowned for the small leaf maile in verse #2. Verse 3, stanza 1, Halemano is another name for Helemano near Wahiawā and Haleʻiwa. Translated and edited by Lalepa Koga. Music clip by Lani Lee