Info
This traditional chant was posted in a newspaper in 1865 and in the 20th century, was set to music (which is not in the public domain). (source)
Lyrics - Hawaiian
(Traditional chant from Hawaii)
Kāhuli¹ aku
Kāhuli mai
Kāhuli lei ʻula
Lei ‘ākōlea
Kōlea², kōlea
Kiʻi i ka wai
Wai ‘ākōlea
Wai ‘ākōlea
¹Kahuli or “tree-shells” = unique, but endangered snails that make noises like crickets
²Kōlea = bird, the Pacific golden plover
English Translation - Turn away, turn this way
Turn little shell
Turn this way little shell
The tree shell is a red ornament
In the lei of the ‘Ākōlea [fern]
Little bird, little bird
Go down to the stream
Sip the sweet nectar
From the ‘Ākōlea fern
YouTube
- Downloadable chant
