Kāwika

In preparation for our journey to Puerto Rico, the 2012 Hawaiʻi delegation is learning a traditional kahiko hula from Kumu Hula James Dela Cruz, co-founder of Nā ʻŌpio o Koʻolau Hula Halau. The song was hakuʻd in honor of King David Kalākaua, the "Merrie Monarch" who brought back the hula after colonial influences had suppressed this cultural practice and tradition in Hawaiʻi. We learn this hula to honor ancestors who value expression and representation beyond conventional norms set in place by colonial influence and imperial force.

Kāwika (David) - Mele Inoa for King David Kalākaua

King Kāwika Kalākaua

 

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Eia nō Kāwika ea O ka heke aʻo nā pua Ka uwila ma ka hikina ea Mālamalama Hawaiʻi Kuʻi e ka lono Pelekani ea Hoʻolohe ke kuʻini ʻo Palani Na wai e ka pua i luna ea O Kapaʻakea he makua Haʻina ʻia mai ka puana ea Kalani Kāwika he inoa

This is David The greatest of all flowers (He is) the lightning in the east That brightens Hawai`i| News reached England Also heard by the French queen Who is this flower of high rank? Kapa`akea is his father Tell the refrain King David, is his name

ONLINE SOURCE: http://www.kalena.com/huapala/Kawika.html