Lei Pua Kenikeni - by Kaipo Hale


Ia ʻoe, e ka lei pua kenikeni, ʻeā
Ka pua kaulana i ke onaona

Kāua i ke ʻala o ke aumoe, ʻeā
Hoʻohie ana i ke ahe ka makani

Ilihia ka manaʻo ke ʻike aku, ʻeā
I ka pua mohala i ke ahiahi

Pauoa kuʻu home kau i ka hano, ʻeā
Me ka wailana aʻo ʻAuwaiolimu

Kiaʻi ʻia e ka ua kilihune, ʻeā
Lihilihi pua i ka hua waimaka

Ohaoha launa ʻole ku`u wehwehi, ʻeā
Haʻaheo wale i ka poli o ka ipo

ʻOʻoe ka ʻanoʻi a ka puʻuwai, ʻeā
A he ipo hoʻoheno poʻina ʻole

Puana kuʻu mele a i lohe ʻia, ʻeā
Aloha no ka lei pua kenikeni
Pua
Pua Kenikeni
To you my pua kenikeni lei
Whose blossom is famous for its alluring fragrance

You and I in the perfumed twilight
Delignting in the soft and gentle breeze

The thought is thrilled when I see
The flower blooming in the evening

Esteemed is my home in Pauoa
With the calm waters of ʻAuwaiolimu

Protected by the light showering rain
As the petals gather in the rain water

Incomparably loving is my adornment
Worn with pride in the lover's bosom

You are my heart's desire
Like an unforgettable sweetheart

The refrain of my song is heard
Love and affection for the pua kenikeni lei

Source: Makaha Sons CD "Ke Alaula"