The kingdom of Hawaiʻi recalls a huge amount of nostalgia for many residents of the now-state. This was a time when the monarchy really cared for their people and led pono, regal lives.
Unfortunately, greed and power made a takeover by the United States attractive to a select few Western businessmen. They used their clout to usurp the power of the local government and pave the way to Hawaiʻi becoming a territory, and later a state.
During this time of despicable actions by outsiders, a huge majority of the population supported the Queen and monarchy. This lovely piece was written by Ellen Prendergast in support of Liliʻuokalani and was a rallying cry to those who opposed annexation to the United States.
The words spin a story of resistance and contentment with what Hawaiʻi already had. If you play the song, make sure you know what you’re singing about. This is not “just a Hawaiian song.” It’s a huge statement of supporting the Hawaiian nationals and, in this current time, usually interpreted as a vote for returning the state to the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.
C F C
Kaulana nā pua aʻo Hawaiʻi
F C
Kūpaʻa ma hope o ka ʻāina
G7
Hiki mai ka ʻelele o ka loko ʻino
C
Palapala ʻānunu me ka pākaha
C F C
Pane mai Hawaiʻi moku o Keawe
F C
Kōkua nā hono aʻo Piʻilani
G7
Kākoʻo mai Kauaʻi o Mano
C
Paʻapū me ke one Kākuhihewa
C F C
ʻAʻole aʻe kau i ka pūlima
F C
Ma luna o ka pepa o ka ʻēnemi
G7
Hoʻohui ʻāina kūʻai hewa
C
I ka pono sivila aʻo ke kanaka
C F C
ʻAʻole mākou aʻe minamina
F C
I ka puʻu kālā o ke aupuni
G7
Ua lawa mākou i ka pōhaku
C
I ka ʻai kamahaʻo o ka ʻāina
C F C
Ma hope mākou o Liliʻulani
F C
A loaʻa ʻē ka pono o ka ʻāina
G7
Haʻina ʻia mai ana ka puana
C
ʻO ka poʻe i aloha i ka ʻāina