Mahina Mālamalama (Bright Moonlight) - Words & music by Maile Kaleikoa/John Meha

He aloha ka liko ʻāhihi
Ke ʻala nahe i ka poli
ʻO ka mea loko e liʻa nei
E kui me kaʻu manai

Hui:
Kaʻu ʻia e liʻa nei
Mahina mālamalama
Ke ʻike aku ʻoe i ka hiʻona
A he nani ka ʻili puʻuwai

Mea ʻole ke anu i ka manaʻo
Ka ʻiniki i ka puʻuwai
Me he ʻala a e i mai ana
E hoʻi māua e pili

A he kula loa iho ia
E noke ai ʻoe a kena
A lawa pono ko makemake
Ka neneʻe a ka lau naʻe naʻe

Dearly loved is the bud of the `ahihi
Its fragrance appeals to the heart
This thought that comes to me
Is to string on my needle

Chorus:
This always appeals to me
The bright light of the moon
When you see its features
Its beauty fills your heart

I care nothing for the cold
That pinches at my heart
A voice seemed to say
That we should always be together

We have a long way to go
To find the sweetness of love
All that one can wish for
Here among the fragrant shrubbery

Source: Johnny Noble’s Royal Collection of Hawaiian Songs © 1928 Johnny Noble Rights throughout the world controlled by Miller Music Corp. - Mary Pukui's notes indentify the composer as John Meha. This information was from Milla Peterson who says," about 80 years ago, John was in love with Milla's mother's sister, but her father did not approve. They eloped on a beautiful moonlight night and this mele was composed in memory of that night. 3rd verse from Pukui collection. Translated by Mary Pukui.