Hawai’i ’78

The Bird Sings Oral Tradition Song Library

Hawai’i ’78

A haunting and beautiful song grieving the losses of the indigenous people, spirit and land of Hawai’i in the face of modern civilization. Wholehearted Chorus sings this in the spirit of love and protection for indigenous lands, species, cultures everywhere.  This song is sung with ukelele, as was made famous in the version byIsrael Kamakawiwo’ole. Learn more about this song at www.hawaii78.com.

Composer & Copyright

Original song by Mickey Ioane, Clayton Kua, Abe Keala and Kawika Crowley. Arranged for Wholehearted Chorus by Lisa G. Littlebird.

Recording

Ukelele on the recording by Jay Burriss, vocals by Lisa G. Littlebird.

Inspiration Track

Lyrics

Ua mau
ke ea o ka aina
i ka pono
o Hawai’i

Cry for the gods,
Cry for the people,
Cry for the land that was taken away
And then yet you’ll find, Hawai’i

Translation:

The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.

5 Comments
  • Terilyn Demarsi

    This happens to be the most beautiful and so reql song I’ve ever heard…ever!
    Qhen visiting Hawaii seeing all the beautiful island has to offer is the closest thing to Heaven.

  • Piilani Kanekoa (Kepaa)

    Much Mahalos to everyone of Keaukaha Braddah Mickey Ioane sorry forgot to mention We love you There Manao and touch of this song will always be with us All …Keaukaha Strong

  • Piilani Kanekoa (Kepaa)

    Alot Mana and Movement to my braddahs Braddah Abe and Clayton Da Blallahs Of Keaukaha deepest Aloha

  • JAMES EDWARD LAAU

    IN MEMORY OF A WOMAN OF PASSION, FOR HER CULTURE THE LANGUAGE, MY PATH TO A JOURNEY OF MUSIC, BEYOND THE UNIVERSE, EVEN THOUGH SHE PASSED ON JACQUELINE LEILANI ROSSETTI HER VOICE IS EVERLASTING, I WILL BE WAITING AT THE END OF THE ROAD….LOVE YOU SKY. THE MAKAHA SONS OF NI’IHAU AND JACQUELINE MADE THE 70’S TODAY THEIR IMPACT IS FELT TODAY…

  • Lulu Flanagan

    So moving! Brought tears to my eyes…..

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