Hanohano Kapulani i ka ulu hala
Today’s featured mele, composed for E.D Henriques by Lucy Peabody, expresses the deep love a parent feels for their child. Miss Peabody is best known for serving as a lady-in-waiting for Queen Emma and for her role in resurrecting the ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu in 1906.
A Waho Wau o Kalaeloa
Today’s mele was contributed to the collection by Peter Pakele of Hilo, Hawaiʻi. The composer of this piece mentions significant places, such as Puʻuloa, to illustrate the story behind this mele.
Kū nō ka lino i Pi‘ikea
[Photo: View of Kawaiahaʻo Church (with steeple) from Punchbowl Street; Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Ca. 1880. SP 96550] (Mele translation by Mary Kawena Pukui)
Haleakalā Ke Kuahiwi Nani o Maui
Today’s mele was contributed to the collection by Theodore Kelsey of Hilo. Beginning at the top of Haleakalā, the composer takes us on a journey reaching as far north as Kauaʻi then travels back toward the southernmost island of Hawaiʻi.
A Hilo Wau E Hoʻolulu Ka Lehua
[Photo: Sailing vessel in Hilo Bay with Coconut Island at right and canoe in the foreground; Hilo, Hawaiʻi. SP 205196] A Hilo Wau E Hoʻolulu Ka Lehua Happy Mele Monday!Today’s featured composition is performed as a hula paʻi umauma, or a chest-slapping hula. Starting in Hilo, this mele journeys through various scenic points across the […]
Huli Hālawa i ka ua o Wahiawā
[Photo: School house; Waiʻanae, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.; ca. 1880s. SP_96549.] Huli Hālawa i ka ua o Wahiawā Todayʻs mele was contributed to the collection by a man named William Kualu of Makaweli Valley, Kauaʻi. According to Lahilahi Webb this mele was written for the district of Waiʻanae and parts of ʻEwa. (Mele translation by Mary Kawena […]
Mele Ku‘i Lua
[Photo: Pīkoi; Tripping cord used as a weapon in battle. SP 30143.] Mele Ku‘i Lua Mele Ku‘i Lua Today’s featured composition is a mele kuʻi lua, or a chant for lua fighting. (Mele translation by Mary Kawena Pukui) Kō ke au i Hala‘ea … The current of Hala‘ea draws out Pūnāwai Mānā … The spring […]
Puʻupuʻu wale koʻu wahi ē
[Photo Kumu hula, pahu (left) ipu heke (right) with three young female dancers behind him; grass house and people in background; Moanalua, Oahu, Hawaii. Ca. 1883. Photo by Frank Davey. SP 42080.] Puʻupuʻu wale koʻu wahi ē Originally found in the story of Hiʻiaka, today’s mele is one that was used in the old hula […]
Hele I Kai o Pīheka
[Photo: Hawaiian children; Hawaiʻi. Ca. 1915. SP_77744.] Hele I Kai o Pīheka Today’s we feature a children’s game that was contributed to the collection by noted photographer and ethnologist, Theodore Kelsey. (Mele translation by Mary Kawena Pukui) Hele i kai o Pīheka … Go down to Pīheka Hele aku au a Pana‘ewa … And I […]
Kāhulihuli Ka Papa o Wailuku
[Photo: Wailuku River and Falls; Hawaii. SP_204774.] Kāhulihuli Ka Papa o Wailuku “This was the call of Pili a Mo‘o, the smaller of the two mo‘o who kept the ʻtipsy plank of the Wailuku’ at the ford just above the falls of Pāhe‘ehe‘e and Kaluakanaka (‘Make Fall’) near the mouth of the river, and exacted […]
