Kaulana Na Pua

Kaulana Nā Pua (literally, "Famous are the flowers") is a Hawaiian patriotic song written by Ellen Kehoʻohiwaokalani Wright Prendergast in 1893 to protest the overthrow of Queen Liliokinauokalani . The song is also known under the title of "Mele okinaAi Pōhaku", the Stone-Eating Song, or "Mele Aloha okinaĀina", the Patriot's Song. It is still popular in Hawaiokinai today, although it is not clear how many non-Hawaiian speaking listeners are aware of the song's historical significance or the profound antipathy to U.S. annexation in its words. The song could be viewed as an act of subterfuge, since to the non-Hawaiian speaking listeners the lively melody gives no hint of the anger of the lyrics.

According to Elbert and Mahoe (1970), "The song was considered sacred and not for dancing." However, today hula halau perform "Kaulana Nā Pua" as a hula auana for makuahine (a graceful dance for mature women).

The Hawaiian lyrics, with one English translation of them, are:

:

The "government" referred to in the song is the Provisional Government of Hawaii proclaimed by the conspirators upon seizing power. Mrs. Prendergast composed the song for the Royal Hawaiian Band, who::… had just walked out on their jobs after the bandmaster demanded they sign an oath of loyalty to the Provisional Government… . The bandmaster said they had better sign or they would be eating rocks. It is obvious that they meant it was not right to sell one’s country or loyalty to one's country for money. If we hold onto the land, the land will always feed us. … Land endures. [http://www.honoluluweekly.com/archives/coverstory%202003/01-08-03%20kaukaku/01-08-03%20kakukaku.html] ::—Noenoe Silva, assistant professor in political science, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, in "Honolulu Weekly"

The Hawaiian Renaissance has lent the song "Kaulana Nā Pua" renewed significance in recent years. Its words are often cited in the context of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement as an expression of opposition to U.S. rule.

References

* Elbert, Samuel H. and Noelani Mahoe, "Nā Mele o Hawaiʻi Nei, 101 Hawaiian Songs", University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, 1970, ISBN 0-87022-219-8

* Liliuokalani, "Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen", Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc., Tokyo, Japan, 1964