Compositions By Liliuokalani - Kuʻu Pua I Paoakalani | <i>Kuʻu Pua Paoakalani<>

Kuʻu Pua I Paoakalani, often referred to simply as Paoakalani, is a famous song composed by Queen Lili'uokalani while imprisoned in 'Iolani Palace. It is about her garden in Paoaokalani, from which a loyal haole supporter, John Wilson (whose mother, Evelyn T. Wilson, went into voluntary imprisonment with the Queen) regularly brought her flowers. These flowers were wrapped in newspaper, through which means she was able to read the news that was prohibited to her during her imprisonment. The song is a tribute to this young man, whom she held in very high esteem.

Performance of the song is known to be vocally challenging in terms of range, timing, power, and breath control. One of the most famous recorded renditions was made by activist/singer George Helm on the first live album that was released after his death in the Kaho'olawe struggle.

E ka gentle breeze e pā mai nei		O gentle breeze that waft to me
Hoʻohāliʻaliʻa mai ana iaʻu	Sweet, cherished memories of you
E kuʻu sweet never fading flower	Of my sweet never fading flower
I bloom i ka uka ‘o Paoakalani	That blooms in the fields of Paoakalani

Hui:	Chorus:
ʻIke mau i ka nani o nā pua	I've often seen those beauteous flowers
O ka uka o Uluhaimalama	That grew at Uluhaimalama
ʻAʻole naʻe hoʻi e like	But none of those could be compared,
Me kuʻu pua i ka laʻi o	To my flower that blooms in the fields of
Paoakalani	Paoakalani

Lahilahi kona ma hiʻona	Her face is fair to behold
With softest eyes as black as jet	With softest eyes as black as jet
Pink cheeks so delicate of hue	Pink cheeks so delicate of hue
I ulu i ka uka o Paoakalani	That grew in the fields of Paoakalani

Nane ʻia mai ana kuʻu aloha	Now name to me the one I love
E ka gentle breeze e waft mai nei	Gentle breezes passing by
O come to me kaʻu mea e liʻa nei	And bring to me that blossom fair
I ulu ika uka o Paoakalani	That blooms in the fields of Paoakalani