the special ceremony my sister organized at the start of the Triple Crown of Surfing events was amazing. it was a way to thank the Hawaiian King’s and Queen’s that made Hawaii, Hawaii. it was very powerful, it was very special, and it was very beautiful. i had chicken skin the whole time! this is what Hawaii is all about. and for a 100% Japanese girl to organize it, i was very proud of my sister Tammy Moniz!
at the end of the ceremony, we all held hands and sang Hawaii Aloha. you could feel the “mana” or power. and you could feel the sense of family. so strong that many grown men were tearing. it was as beautiful as it gets.
when i was growing up in elementary school, we use to sing this song every single morning. that was up until i was 4th grade. then for some reason i still don’t know, the all the schools stopped singing it. i hope someday the government brings this song back into the classrooms where it belongs. for us adults, it brings back the Hawaii to Hawaii. watch and listen to the last video as Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole sings it. this is Hawaii Aloha!
“Hawaii Aloha”
E Hawai’i e ku’u one hanau e
Ku’u home kulaiwi nei
‘Oli no au i na pono lani ou
E Hawai’i, aloha e
E hau’oli na ‘opio o Hawai’i nei
‘Oli e! ‘Oli e!
Mai na aheahe makani e pa mai nei
Mau ke aloha, no Hawai’i
E ha’i mai kou mau kini lani e
Kou mau kupa aloha, e Hawai’i
Na mea ‘olino kamaha’o no luna mai
E Hawai’i aloha e
Na ke Akua e malama mai ia ‘oe
Kou mau kualona aloha nei
Kou mau kahawai ‘olinolino mau
Kou mau mala pua nani e
Translation:
O Hawaiʻi, O sands of my birth
My native home
I rejoice in the blessings of heaven
O Hawaiʻi, aloha.
Happy youth of Hawaiʻi
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Gentle breezes blow
Love always for Hawaiʻi.
May your divine throngs speak
Your loving people, O Hawaiʻi
The holy light from above
O Hawaiʻi, aloha.
God protects you
Your beloved ridges
Your ever glistening streams
Your beautiful flower gardens.
