Hi'ilawe
Song Lessons
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12m
Penned by Sam Li'a Kala'inaina Sr. the "Songwriter of Waipio", Hi'ilawe has gone on to become one of the most popular Hawaiian songs ever written. Made even more popular by the legendary Gabby "Pops" Pahinui, the song speaks of a secret love affair and the gossip that goes along with it. There are many verses to this song but when performed, a few verses get left out... Enjoy the lesson and remember that the translation isn't literal, as there is a ton of heavy kaona (hidden meaning). It can conceal the deeper reference to a person, place or thing. The use of Kaona in speech displays the craftiness an inginuity of the Kanaka Maoli. It is quite common in great Hawaiian music. Enjoy this lesson! Aloha!
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