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Majestic is the top of Olokuʻi The proud waters of Wailau Pleasing is the ginger fragrance The gentle fragrance of this place Chorus: Quick moving water down the cliffs The mist on the lehua leaves Bright light of Kalawao Light on the ocean surface |
| Source: Lyrics & translation from G. Cooke collection - This old mele tells of Kalawao, the original site of the leper settlement on Kalaupapa peninsula, Molokaʻi. It describes the lighthouse and the natural features of the coastline. Stanza 1, Olokuʻi is a peak in north Molokaʻi and the name of the fortress where Kaʻōhele was trapped and caught by Oʻahu invaders. A famous kūkini (swift runner), he was a member of Molokaʻi royalty. Stanza 1, Wailau (many waters) is a valley on the north coast often called the female valley. Recorded by Molokaʻi Jubilee Singers, 1930. Music clip by Gippy Cooke | |