Lei Onaona (Fragrant Garland) - Traditional
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Maikaʻi Pāhoa nani a ipu
Pili i ka lae aʻo Leleiwi
ʻOni ana Mokuola, kau i ke kai
Lei onaona Puna i ke ʻala me ka hīnano
Lei onaona Puna i ke ʻala me ka hīnano

I laila (hoʻi pono iho)
Hoʻi pono iho (ka ʻiʻini)
I ka nani (ka paia ʻala)
Ka paia ʻala, (ʻala aʻo Puna)

ʻAu ana ʻo ʻoe i ke kai, i o ke ʻau
Lei onaona Puna i ke ʻala me ka hīnano
Lei onaona Puna i ke ʻala me ka hīnano



Beautiful Pahoa, glory of ipu
Close to the pounding of Leleiwi point
Mokuola stirs, resting in the sea
Puna is a fragrant garland, suffused in the
Fragrance of the pandanus blossom

There (to return directly)
To return directly (yearning)
Beautiful (bowers suffused in fragrance)
Bowers suffused in fragrance (fragrant Puna)

You extend into the sea, flowing currents
Puna is a fragrant garland, suffused in the
Fragrance of the pandanus blossom

Source: G. Cooke collection - Verse 1, stanza 2, Leleiwi is a cape near Hilo where an ancient fishing heiau named Pûhala (pandanus tree) once stood. Stanza 3, Mokuola (island of life ) is Coconut island in Hilo Bay. It was a custom to go to Mokuola and fill gourds with spring water from the island. It is believed the water has healing qualities. Verse 2, stanza 4, paia is the wall or sides of houses. Many grass houses used bracts of hînano (male pandanus blossom) to perfume the rooms. Translated by Lalepa Koga Music clip by Gippy Cooke