September 2, 1838: “Liliuonamoku”

Queen Liliʻuokalani, the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last reigning monarch, was born on September 2, 1838. To celebrate her 180th birthday, Punawaiola presents a mele found in the Foreign Office and Executive Numbered collection entitled “Liliuonamoku” (affectionately, Liliʻu of the Islands). Transcriptions are provided below.

“Liliuonamoku”

1st
Nani wale kuu ike ana
I ka wai kihene a ka menehune
Inu iho wau a kena
A hoolai me na manu

-Chorus-
Ha, ha, far way.
Take Round Lively iho oe

2nd

O ka wai iho ia e kena ai
E lai ai ka nanea
Noho au huli ae
Honi ana i ke ala o ka mokihana

3rd
Kaupaona iho a like
A iliwai like ke aloha
Hookahi oi au ike
Ka wawai ula Iliahi

4th
Nee mai kaua a pili
Oiai ke aloha me au
E aho wau e hoi
Ke wehe mai nei kai ao

Liliuonamoku

To commemorate the Queen’s 180th birthday, there are a variety of festivities planned as part of the Annual ‘Onipaʻa Celebration (see flyer below). The term ʻonipaʻa was part of the queen’s motto: “E ‘onipa‘a…i ka ‘imi na‘auao” (Be steadfast in the seeking of knowledge).  This apt motto forms the basis of all of our work here at Punawaiola.