Meet the artist: Kiaʻi Lee

Every Monday during the semester, Pūpū A ʻO ʻEwa proudly showcases the work and manaʻo of a writer or artist from our community. This week we proudly feature Kiaʻi Lee.

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Ke Ala Hele I Mauna Kea

1
I mua māua i ke ahiahi
Nalowale kea o ka lā
Milika’a mai a ka ua o Lilinoe
Ke ala hele i Mauna Kea

2
Ua noe nō ke ala nui
Na’e, ‘ike ‘ia i ko’u mana’o
E maka’ala maua a ka hō’ea
Ke ala hele i Mauna Kea

3
Kūkilakila i ka la’i
Kohu mea i ka lani
Pōmaika’i i no ka huaka’i
I Mauna Kea, ke mauna kapu

4
Puana ‘ia ka inoa
O ia mauna kapu
Kūlia i ka nu’u me nā lani
Ke ala hele i Mauna Kea
‘O Mauna Kea mauna kapu
He poina’ole a mau loa

1
We go forward in the evening/Vanished in the light of day?We are caressed by the rain of Lilinoe/The pathway to Mauna Kea

2
That path is very misty/Yet itʻs seen in my mind/Stay awake until the arrival/The pathway to Mauna Kea

3
Standing majestically in the calm/Resembling something in Heaven/Blessed indeed is the journey/The pathway to Mauna Kea

4
Told is the name/Of that sacred mountain/Strive toward the summit among chiefs/The pathway to Mauna Kea/Mauna Kea is sacred/It is never forgotten

 

Credits: Videos by Robert Delim and Kat Camit; feature photo courtesy of Kahoʻolemana Naone, Makawalu Photography