Hawaii Island 2016 Sep–Oct,  Spirit

Ka Wehena: Kaulana Kō Kona

kaulana-ko-kona

Na Kumu Keala Ching

Kaulana kō Kona, ka makani ‘olu‘olu
Pā ahe uka nō kō KonaKaulana kō Kona, I kai ‘Ōpua
‘O ke kai kaulana nō kō KonaKaulana kō Kona, Ma Hualālai
‘O ka mauna malu nō kō Kona

Kaulana kō Kona, I kai mā‘oki‘oki
‘O ke kai mālinolino kō Kona

Kaulana kō Kona, Holoholo ka moana
I ka moku lawai‘a nō kō Kona

Kaulana kō Kona, I kai ā lua
‘O ka no‘eau kūpono nō kō Kona

Kaulana kō Kona, Ulana ke aloha
‘O ka hala ‘ula nō kō Kona

Kaulana kō Kona, Huaka‘i ka ‘Ōpelu
Makana ‘ia nō kō Kona

Kaulana kō Kōna, ka Heke iho nō
Ka Heke iho nō kō Kona

Famous of Kona, the gentle wind
Gentle breeze blowing upwardFamous of Kona, the ‘Ōpua clouds
Famous upon the seaFamous of Kona, Hualālai
Indeed of mountain that protects

Famous of Kona, the choppy seas
Yet, sparkling seas

Famous of Kona, Deep Sea fishing
Many fishing boats

Famous of Kona, two sea currents
Filled with hidden ocean knowledge

Famous of Kona, weaving of love
Red pandanus of Kona

Famous of Kona, ‘Ōpelu fishes
Given as gifts by the people of Kona

Famous of Kona, Indeed the greatest
Greatest of all Kona

Kaulana Kō Kona, eia ho‘i nā mea waiwai kō Kona! Pā ‘olu‘olu mai ka makani aheahe mai ke kai mai ā i ‘uka ho‘i i ka mauna ‘o Hualālai. Me ia makani nei, aia ho‘i ka ‘Ōpua ala i ke kai mālinolino nō! Kaulana nō ka moku lawai‘a me ka mana‘o o ke kai ā lua.

I ka ‘āina, ulana ho‘i ke aloha me nā ‘ohana like ‘ole. Ua like ke aloha o ka ‘Ōpelu la. Kaulana kō Kona, he Heke iho nō!

Famous of Kona, presenting all the richness of Kona! The soft wind blows gently from the sea to the uplands of Hualālai. Upon this wind, ‘Ōpua clouds are noticed on the calm sea. Famous indeed, Deep Sea Fishing with knowledge of the two currents.

The land of Kona weaves the compassion of all families; it is like the love of the ‘Ōpelu shared around the islands. Famous indeed Kona, greater than the best!

Honoring our Kūpuna of Kona with all the richness they provide! The seventh verse was added to honor our weavers of Kona. Dedication to Aunty (Tūtū) Elizabeth Maluihi Lee.

Contact writer Kumu Keala Ching

Kumu Keala Ching is a Hawaiian cultural educator, composer, song writer, and spiritual advisor to many Hawaiian organizations. He lives and breathes aloha into his Hawaiian heritage with his strong presence and great heart. Under the tutelage of Loea Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Kumu Keala spent many years learning and building his knowledge. He is fluent in the Hawaiian language, which he uses as the foundation for teaching all of his students. Kumu Keala lives in Kailua-Kona, where he is Kumu Hula for Ka Pa Hula Na Wai Iwi Ola (the ancient waters of life) and co-founder and executive director of Na Wai Iwi Ola (NWIO) Foundation.