Keikei Lahaina i ka ua Pa‘ūpili

By Sharde Mersberg Freitas, Chapter Organizer | Reading time: 1.5 minutes

Keikei Lahaina i ka ua Pa‘ūpili
Majestic Lahaina in the Pa‘ūpili rain.

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #1703

Through the devastating fires forever changing Lāhainā, Maui, and all of Hawaiʻi, there is yet so much strength in our community and ʻike kūpuna that continues to be carried and uplifted, especially during this time. Many can recall a song, or an iconic image, recalled to memory when thinking of Lāhainā and Maui. In the spirit of continuing to support, praise, and pule for the future, this ʻōlelo noʻeau speaks of the majestic town of Lāhainā and its Paʻūpili rain. May the rain be cleansing and healing for its people, and continue to bring us together to support each other moving forward.

One famous mele for Lāhainā is Puamana. The ʻohana of its composer, Irmgard Aluli, performed this song in tribute to Lāhainā, their ʻohana roots to that special place, as part of the Maui Ola benefit concert.

May the words of this mele be carried to sing praises and provide strength to our Lāhainā community and all of Hawaiʻi.

Puamana, kuʻu home i Lahaina
Me nā pua ʻala onaona
Kuʻu home i aloha ʻia

Kuʻu home i ka ulu o ka niu
ʻO ka niu kū kilakila
He napenape mālie

Home nani, home i kaʻae kai
Ke kōnane a ka mahina
I ke kai hāwanawana

Haʻina ʻia mai ka puana
Kuʻu home i Lahaina
I piha me ka hauʻoli

Puamana is my home in Lahaina
With flowers so fragrant
Glistening my home is so loved

My home is surrounded by coconut trees
That stand majestically
Gently in the breezes

A beautiful home nestled along the shore
With the bright moon
Upon the whispering sea 

Told is the refrain for my beloved home
Trees filled with much rustling
Happiness and joy