Pua Hau O Maleka (Fair Blossom of America) - Chant for Kamamalu


Auhea wale ana oe, aha hana
E ka pua hau o Maleka
Ke ui ne ka manao, aha hana
Pehea o Niakala
Kela wai kamahao, aha hana
Wai halulu i ka moana
Nana i na'i na moku, aha hana
Lohe aku nei Rusini
Aole i hopo Lakana, aha hana
I ka nui a o Akia
Huea ke kaona nui, aha hana
Laki ka moana Iniana
Ehuehu no o Enelani, aha hana
Ke kowa ao Kekokia
Haina mai ka puana, aha hana
O ka lani no he inoa
Kahea: He inoa no Kamamalu


Chiefess Kamamalu, London 1824
Where are you?
Fair blossom of America
My thoughts turn to inquire
How is Niagara Falls?
That wonderful waterfall
That rumbles on to the sea
It flowed on the other lands
And was heard of by Russia
London had no fear
Of the size of Asia
The great city rose up to the
Defense of the Indian Ocean
England was furious
Over the Scottish straits
The end of my song
Name song for the chiefess
Call: The name song for Kamamalu


Source: Kamamalu (1802-1824) was the daughter of Hoapili and Kalakua. The third and favorite wife of Kamehameha II, her half brother, she accompanied him to England, November 27, 1823 on the English whaling ship "L'Aigle" captained by Valentine Starbuck. The royal party included Governor Boki of Oahu and his wife Liliha, the king's trusted French secretary and interpreter, John Rives, and $25,000 in gold. They arrived May, 1824, were welcomed warmly and stayed at the elegant Osborne Hotel. The royal party entranced the English, visited the theatres and occupied the royal boxes, courtesty of King George IV. Plans were made for an audience with the English monarch and a state reception to honor the Hawaiians. Coached in protocol, Liholiho was anxious to impress the English aristocracy and wanted to outfit his delegation in fashionable apparel. When the clothes bill was presented, Liholiho found more than half of their money was missing. This misfortune was overshadowed by a greater tragedy, measles. Kamamalu, like all Hawaiians, had no immunity to disease and succumbed rapidly, even though King George sent his personal physician to minister to the Hawaiians. July 8, Kamamalu died. Overcome with grief and weakened by the disease, Liholiho followed his queen to death July, 14. King George arranged for the Hawaiian royalty to be returned home with all the honor worthy of their regal station. The "Blonde" a 46-gun naval frigate brought home the Hawaiians, minus the discharged John Rives, and the bodies of Liholiho and Kamamalu in their royal coffins.