Maikaʻi Waipiʻo (Beautiful Waipiʻo) - Princess Miriam Likelike

Maikaʻi Waipiʻo
Alo lua i nā pali
E pōʻai a puni ana
A hapa naʻe makai

Hui:
Maʻemaʻe ka pua
I ka holo aʻe a ka wai
Ua ʻenaʻena i ka lā
Mōhala i nā pali

Hoihoi ka piʻina
ʻO Koaʻekea
Piʻi nō a hoʻomaha
I ka Holokūaīwa

Beautiful Waipiʻo
With cliffs facing each other
Surrounded by cliffs
With an opening toward the sea

Chorus:
Beautiful are the blossoms
Rain-washed
Sun warmed and
Blooming on the cliffs

Delightful the ascent
To Koaʻekea
An ascent that takes one to rest
At Holokūaīwa
Source: "Aloha Collection of Hawaiian Songs" Oliver Ditson Co. Queen Emma whose beauty reminded Princess Likelike of Waipiʻo and was the inspiration for the song. In keeping with Hawaiian tradition, the song belonged to the Queen rather than the composer. Koaʻekea and Holokūaīwa are cliffs in Waipiʻo Valley. Translated by Mary Pukui. ©1899 Charles Hopkins, 1923, 42 Charles E. King