Hanohano o Maui Nui a Kama
Chant for Maui: Hanohano O Maui Nui A Kama
Hanohano O Maui Nui A Kama, composed and chanted by Kamaka Kūkona, speaks of the island of Maui, its wahi pana (storied places) and the kamaʻāina (locals) themselves. From the top of Haleakalā to the ocean spray in Mokuʻula, each location shares its story and aloha like the wind that sweeps through Lāhainā. Look out for the place names in this chant as you explore Maui.
Hawaiian islands often earn nicknames or are referred to by rulers of the past. Maui Nui A Kama refers to Kamalālāwalu, an aliʻi nui (ruler) of Maui. Nicknames are also given to places, like Kamaluuluolele – the breadfruit tree shelter of Lele, an old name for Lāhainā. Islands are also known by their emblematic flower, which for Maui is the lokelani rose.
Hanohano o Maui Nui a Kama
Kamalei hiwahiwa pua lokelani
Aia ka wai ola kahe malie
I ka nio poli anu ao Iao
O ka la welo ana i ke awawa
Awaiaulu ka aloha i ka puuwai
Waiwai o Wailuku i na makamaka
Makahehi e na kupa ao Waihee
He nani kamahao ke ike aku
I ke ku kilakila o Haleakala
Auhea oe e ka ua ulalena
Nana i ka uka ao Piiholo
Holo ke ahe i Maluuuluolele
Lei ana ‘o Kihawahine i ke kapu
O Mokuula, noho i ka ehukai
Aina uluwehiwehi o na alii
Puana e ka wehi no kuu aina
Hanohano o Maui Nui a Kama
Majestueuse est Maui de Kamalalawalu
Si précieuse est la rose divine
Le flot de la vie s’écoule doucement
Au giron de Iao‘s, la tête haute
Le soleil inonde la vallée
Comme l’amour inonde le cœur
Chaleureux sont les habitants de Wailuku
Attrayants sont ceux de Waihee
Un spectacle pour les yeux
Est la splendeur d’Haleakala
Où es-tu ô pluie purifiante ?
Regarde vers les hautes terres, en direction de Piiholo
Les bourrasques voyagent jusqu’à Lahaina
Où Kiha est lié dans le sacré
Les habitants de Mokuula au bord de l’eau irriguent
La terre verdoyante des chefs
Raconté est le refrain pour ma terre
Majestueuse est Maui de Kamalalawalu