Kaulana Nā Pua facts for kids
"Kaulana Nā Pua" is a famous Hawaiian patriotic song. Its name means "Famous are the flowers." Eleanor Kekoaohiwaikalani Wright Prendergast wrote it in 1893. She wrote it for members of the Royal Hawaiian Band.
The band members were protesting the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani and the Hawaiian Kingdom. This song is also known as Mele ʻAi Pōhaku, which means the Stone-Eating Song. It is also called Mele Aloha ʻĀina, the Patriot's Song. It is still very popular in Hawaiʻi today. Many people may not know its deep historical meaning. The song shows strong feelings against the U.S. taking over Hawaiʻi.
Long ago, this song was considered very special. It was not meant for dancing. But today, hālau hula (hula schools) perform Kaulana Nā Pua. They dance it as a hula ʻauana, which is a graceful dance. It is often performed by makuahine (mature women).
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The Meaning of the Song
The words of "Kaulana Nā Pua" tell a powerful story. They speak about loyalty to the Hawaiian land and its people. The song talks about resisting those who wanted to take over Hawaiʻi.
Song Lyrics and Their Message
Here are the Hawaiian lyrics and what they mean in English:
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Kaulana nā pua aʻo Hawaiʻi |
Famous are the children of Hawaiʻi |
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Pane mai Hawaiʻi moku o Keawe |
Hawaiʻi, land of Keawe answers |
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ʻAʻole aʻe kau i ka pūlima |
Do not sign |
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ʻAʻole mākou aʻe minamina |
We do not care |
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Mahope mākou o Liliʻulani |
We support Liliʻuokalani |
Why the Song Was Written
The song was written after the Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown in 1893. A new group called the Provisional Government of Hawaii took power. This group later became the Republic of Hawaii.
The Royal Hawaiian Band's Protest
Eleanor Prendergast wrote the song for the Royal Hawaiian Band. The band members had refused to sign a loyalty oath to the new government. Their bandmaster told them they would have to "eat rocks" if they didn't sign. This meant they would go hungry.
The band members chose not to sign. They believed it was wrong to sell their loyalty to their country for money. The song expresses this idea. It says that the land will always provide for them, even if they have no money. The land itself lasts forever.
"Kaulana Nā Pua" Today
The song "Kaulana Nā Pua" has become very important again. This is thanks to the Hawaiian Renaissance. This movement celebrates Hawaiian culture and language.
The words of the song are often used today. They show opposition to U.S. rule in Hawaiʻi. It is a powerful symbol for the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. This movement seeks greater self-governance for Native Hawaiians.
