Hawai'i pono'i

simple:Hawaii Ponoi

Hawai'i pono'ī is the state song of Hawai'i. The words were written in 1874 by King David Kalakaua, the music by Prof. Henry Berger, then his Royal Bandmaster. Hawai'i pono'ī was the anthem of the Kingdom of Hawai'i, the Territory of Hawaii, and the State anthem as of 1967. The melody is very reminiscent of God Save the Queen and the Prussian hymn, Heil Dir Im Siegerkranz.

Hawai'i pono'ī

Nānā i kou, mō'ī

Kalani Ali'i

ke Ali'i

(Hui):

Makua lani ē

Kamehameha ē

Nā kaua e pale

Me ka ihe

(verse 1)
Hawaii's own true sons, be loyal to your chief Your country's liege and lord, the chief.

(chorus:)
Father above us all Kamehameha Who guarded in the wars with his spear.

Hawai'i pono'ī

Nānā i nā ali`i

Nā pua muli kou

Nā pōki'i

(hui)

(verse 2)
Hawaii's own true sons, Look to your chiefs Those chiefs of younger birth, Younger descent.

Hawai'i pono'ī

E ka lāhui e

`O kāu hana nui

E u`i e

Hawaii's own true sons, People of loyal heart The only duty lies List and abide.

Reference

Huapala ~ Hawaiian Music and Hula Archives ~ recording of melody available at website