Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī facts for kids
| English: Hawaii's Own | |
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| Regional anthem of | Hawaii |
| Lyrics | King David Kalākaua, 1874 |
| Music | Captain Henri Berger |
| Adopted | 1967 |
"Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" ("Hawaii's Own") is the official song, or regional anthem, of the U.S. state of Hawaii. It was once the national anthem of the independent Hawaiian Kingdom in the late 1800s. Even after Hawaii became part of the United States in 1898, it has remained Hawaii's official song.
The Story of Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī
The words for "Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" were written in 1874 by King David Kalākaua. He was a Hawaiian king. The music was created by Captain Henri Berger. He was the king's bandmaster. This song became one of the national anthems for the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. It was also the anthem for the Republic of Hawaiʻi.
"Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" became the official national anthem in 1876. It took the place of another song called "He Mele Lāhui Hawaiʻi". Later, it became the official song for the Territory of Hawaiʻi. In 1967, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature made it the official state symbol.
The tune of "Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" sounds a bit like "God Save the King". This is the national anthem of the United Kingdom. In Hawaii, people often sing "Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" at sporting events. They sing it right after the U.S. national anthem. Many local schools and community groups also sing it.
What the Lyrics Mean
In the Hawaiian language, "Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" means "Hawaiʻi's Own". The song is a message of loyalty and duty to the Hawaiian people and their leaders. It talks about defending the land and honoring the chiefs.
| Hawaiian Original | English Translation |
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Hawaiʻi ponoʻī |
Hawaii's own, |
Learn More
- Huapala ~ Hawaiian Music and Hula Archives ~ You can hear the song's tune on this website.
| Preceded by He Mele Lahui Hawaii |
National anthem of the Kingdom of Hawaii 1876-1893 |
Monarchy overthrown |
