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.
Kamaka Kūkona, Kumu Hula
Hanohano o Maui Nui a Kama
Kamalei hiwahiwa pua lokelani
Aia ka wai ola kahe mālie
I ka nio poli anu aʻo ʻĪao
O ka la welo ʻana i ke awawa
Awaiaulu ke aloha i ka puuwai
Waiwai o Wailuku i na makamaka
Makahehi ē na kupa aʻo Waiheʻe
He nani kamahao ke ʻike aku
I ke ku kilakila Haleakalā
Auhea ʻoe ē ka ua Ulalena
Nana i ka uka aʻo Pi‘iholo
Kolo ke ahe i Maluuluolele
Lei ʻana o Kihawahine i ke kapu
O Mokuʻula noho i ka ehukai
ʻāina uluwehiwehi o na aliʻi
Puana ē ka wehi no kuʻu ʻāina
Hanohano o Maui Nui a Kama
E ola ē
Dignified is Maui of Kama
So precious is the heavenly rose
The living waters flow gently
At the bosom of ʻĪao’s lofty chill
The sun glows throughout the valley
As does love within the heart
Hearty are the people of Wailuku
Attractive are those of Waiheʻe
A wondrous beauty to see
Is the majesty of Haleakalā
Where are thou oh cleansing Ulalena rain
Look upland towards Pi‘iholo
The gusts travel to Lāhainā
Where Kiha is bound in sacredness
Mokuʻula residents by the sea spray
Verdant land of the chiefs
Told is the refrain for my land
Dignified is Maui of Kama
May it thrive
Kamalei hiwahiwa pua lokelani
Aia ka wai ola kahe mālie
I ka nio poli anu aʻo ʻĪao
O ka la welo ʻana i ke awawa
Awaiaulu ke aloha i ka puuwai
Waiwai o Wailuku i na makamaka
Makahehi ē na kupa aʻo Waiheʻe
He nani kamahao ke ʻike aku
I ke ku kilakila Haleakalā
Auhea ʻoe ē ka ua Ulalena
Nana i ka uka aʻo Pi‘iholo
Kolo ke ahe i Maluuluolele
Lei ʻana o Kihawahine i ke kapu
O Mokuʻula noho i ka ehukai
ʻāina uluwehiwehi o na aliʻi
Puana ē ka wehi no kuʻu ʻāina
Hanohano o Maui Nui a Kama
E ola ē
Dignified is Maui of Kama
So precious is the heavenly rose
The living waters flow gently
At the bosom of ʻĪao’s lofty chill
The sun glows throughout the valley
As does love within the heart
Hearty are the people of Wailuku
Attractive are those of Waiheʻe
A wondrous beauty to see
Is the majesty of Haleakalā
Where are thou oh cleansing Ulalena rain
Look upland towards Pi‘iholo
The gusts travel to Lāhainā
Where Kiha is bound in sacredness
Mokuʻula residents by the sea spray
Verdant land of the chiefs
Told is the refrain for my land
Dignified is Maui of Kama
May it thrive