Saturday, July 16, 2016

Kananaka

Lyrcis:

`O ka pā mai a ka Ma`a`a
Halihali mai ana lā i ke `ala
He `ala onaona o ka līpoa
Hana `oe a kani pono
Hana `oe a kani pono

Hui:
Nani wale ia pu`e one lā
I ka nalu he`e mai a`o Kananaka
Kahi a mākou a i he`e ai
I ka `ehu`ehu o ke kai
I ka `ehu`ehu o ke kai

`O ka mahina hiki aloalo
Ho`ola`ila`i ana lā i nā pali
Pōhina wehiwehi i ke onaona
Koni ma`e`ele i ke kino
Koni ma`e`ele i ke kino


English Translation:

The blowing of the Ma`a`a wind
Bears with it a fragrance
A sweet scent on the līpoa seaweed
Get to it until you are satisfied
Get to it until you are satisfied

Chorus:
Beautiful indeed in the stretch of sand
With the surf break of Kananaka
Where we had ridden the waves
There amid the spray of the sea
There amid the spray of the sea

The moon reaches its zenith in the sky
Reposing serenely there above the cliffs
A silvery gleam, lush with fragrance
Bringing a throb and a tingle to the body
Bringing a throb and a tingle to the body

Sweet listening and a mele of gratitude for life on this mysterious planet of contradictions -- Baba Yaga and Kananaka the blowing winds of Ma'a'a wind telling me of the beautiful scent of the lipoa seaweed across the great ocean.

Enjoy this as I do on this Hua Moon, fattening moon leading to the Fullness of a Capricorn Full Moon on Tuesday, July 19th, 2016. 

Mahalo nui loa, mahalo piha. Here is one source and credit for this mele.  The source is that of Kihei and Mapu DeSilva of Halau Mohala 'Ilima, who speak of their introduction to "Kananaka" from Aunty Irmgarde Aluli, who got the mana'o from her sister Emma Sharp. The genealogy of the mele and it's connection to the women of Lahaina, Maui is such valuable story. The voice, the YouTube, and version of "Kananaka" is that of Keali'i Reichel. 

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