Eō Molokaʻi Nui A Hina E
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Chant for Molokaʻi: Eō Molokaʻi Nui A Hina E
This chant introduces the beauty and power of Molokaʻi as told through place names. Composer Kamaka Kūkona honors the historic significance of each location, treasures that kamaʻāina (locals) keep dear today.
In one tradition, Molokaʻi is known as the child of the goddess Hina, as reflected in the saying “Molokaʻi Nui A Hina,” great Molokaʻi of Hina. Another popular saying that appears in this chant is “Molokaʻi Pule ʻŌʻō,” Molokaʻi of the powerful prayers, reflecting a reputation for training the most powerful priests in Hawaiʻi.
In one tradition, Molokaʻi is known as the child of the goddess Hina, as reflected in the saying “Molokaʻi Nui A Hina,” great Molokaʻi of Hina. Another popular saying that appears in this chant is “Molokaʻi Pule ʻŌʻō,” Molokaʻi of the powerful prayers, reflecting a reputation for training the most powerful priests in Hawaiʻi.
Kamaka Kūkona
Eō Molokaʻi nui a Hina ē
Eō Molokaʻi pule ʻōʻō
O Hina i ka mālamalama hoʻi ē
O Hikina Kapuupoi ka wehena o ka la
Kū mai Kamakou mauna kamahao
Ola ka wai no o Kupuwailani
Kū ka ʻulu kukui o Lanikaula
O Kapuāiwa malu ʻulu niu
O Kalamaula ʻāina hoʻopulapula
O Kalaupapa hiwahiwa o Makanalua
O Hoʻolehua lepo ʻulaʻula
Ihiihi o Mahana he papa kāhuna
O kāʻana hānau piko a ka hula
Pā Kaluakoʻi he pōhaku huna
Kalaeokalaau ʻulu i ka lāʻau
He ʻāina momona o Molokaʻi ē
O Molokaʻi nui a Hina la ē
Eō Molokaʻi
Eō Molokaʻi pule ʻōʻō
O Hina i ka mālamalama hoʻi ē
O Hikina Kapuupoi ka wehena o ka la
Kū mai Kamakou mauna kamahao
Ola ka wai no o Kupuwailani
Kū ka ʻulu kukui o Lanikaula
O Kapuāiwa malu ʻulu niu
O Kalamaula ʻāina hoʻopulapula
O Kalaupapa hiwahiwa o Makanalua
O Hoʻolehua lepo ʻulaʻula
Ihiihi o Mahana he papa kāhuna
O kāʻana hānau piko a ka hula
Pā Kaluakoʻi he pōhaku huna
Kalaeokalaau ʻulu i ka lāʻau
He ʻāina momona o Molokaʻi ē
O Molokaʻi nui a Hina la ē
Eō Molokaʻi
Respond, oh Molokaʻi of Hina
Respond, oh Molokaʻi of Deep Prayer
Hina in all of her brilliance
Hikina Kapuupoi the entry way of the sun
Kamakou stands, a wonderous mountain
The living waters of Kupuwailani
Lanikaula remains in the candlenut grove
Kapuāiwa shaded by the coconut trees
Kalamaula where the people reside
Cherished are the dwellers of Kalaupapa
So rich is the soil of Hoʻolehua
Sacred is Mahana in the training of priests
Born is the hula at kāʻana
Kaluakoʻi hears the stones being chiseled
The verdancy of Kalaeokalaau is lush
Molokaʻi is indeed a land of riches
Molokaʻi of Hina
Respond Molokaʻi
Respond, oh Molokaʻi of Deep Prayer
Hina in all of her brilliance
Hikina Kapuupoi the entry way of the sun
Kamakou stands, a wonderous mountain
The living waters of Kupuwailani
Lanikaula remains in the candlenut grove
Kapuāiwa shaded by the coconut trees
Kalamaula where the people reside
Cherished are the dwellers of Kalaupapa
So rich is the soil of Hoʻolehua
Sacred is Mahana in the training of priests
Born is the hula at kāʻana
Kaluakoʻi hears the stones being chiseled
The verdancy of Kalaeokalaau is lush
Molokaʻi is indeed a land of riches
Molokaʻi of Hina
Respond Molokaʻi