Jul 27, 2019

Mele composed by Keola Donaghy, music composed by Keola Donaghy and Leihuanani Keali‘inohomoku

Composed for all of the protectors of Maunakea, but most especially our Maui friends and colleagues Kahele Dukelow, Kaleikoa Ka‘eo, Hōkūlani Holt, Kī‘ope Raymond, Luana Kawa‘a and everyone who has contributed to its protection.

Lei ana Maunakea i ke aloha ‘oia‘i‘o
Me ka ua kili ‘ohu o Lilinoe
He ‘ōlino aloha i ka wēkiu
Ho‘omālamalama i ke ao

Aloha nā leo o nā manu alu like
E uwalo ana i ka pono
Hulu kūpuna, makua me keiki
E lohea a puni ka honua

He pu‘uhonua ‘o Pu‘uhuluhulu
I ka ‘ilau like nō e malu ai
I ka hahana o ka lā me ke anu o ka pō
Ua pono, ua pa‘a ke kahua

Eia ku‘u mele a‘e lohe ‘ia
No nā kia‘i mauna wiwo‘ole
Me ‘oukou ka mahalo me ke a loha
O ka lāhui aloha ‘āina

Maunakea wears genuine aloha as a lei
Along with the misty rain of Lilinoe
It is a beacon of aloha
Bringing enlightenment to the world

Beloved are the birds who work together
Their voices resounding for the benefit of all
Precious elders, parents, and children
Who are heard around the world

Pu‘uhuluhulu is a sanctuary
And through cooperation will remain protected
In the heat of the day and the cold of the night
Its foundation is just and firm

Here is my song and it will be heard
For the fearless guardians of the mountain
With you all is our thanks and aloha
Of the nation of patriots