Opening chant

Aloha no e Hilo e

Ku'u 'aina aloha e

'0 ka ua Kanilehua e

Ho'opulu i ka liko

Pu ia me ka makani

Ka makani 'A'alahonua

Ku a'e e na kama e'

0 Hilo Hanakahi e

[translation]

Great is the love to you o Hilo

My dear beloved land

0 the Kanilehua rain

That soaks the flower buds

It comes together with the wind called 'A'alahonua

Here the children stand tall

In the land of Hilo Hanakahi


Kanilehua is the name of the rain in Hilo. In this chant, this rain represents the people here in Hilo. The flower buds represents the children/the youth of Hilo. The rain that comes down and soaks the flower buds represents the people of Hilo, particularly the teachers and parents, nurturing the children with knowledge and love so that the children will grow just as the flower buds grow through the nurturing of the rain. 'A'alahonua is the name of the wind in Hilo. 'A'alahonua literally means "earth fragrance". The coming together of the rain and this particular wind represents the togetherness of the people and their children, and like the strong fragrance of the sweet-smelling flowers and plants that makes Hilo a pleasant place, strong is the bond of love we shall have for our children that will make Hilo a pleasant place to live in for they are the future of the land.

Hanakahi was the famous chief in Hilo and is used in this chant to designate the district of Hilo.

©Composed in May, 1992 by Ku'uhoamele Cuban, Hilo High School

Re-created in September, 1993 for Ha'aheo Elementary School
1997 for DeSilva Elementary School