Native Hawaiians look to our kūpuna to help us find our pathways through life, to navigate living in two worlds. They guide us by their spiritual wisdom through personal, familial or community difficulties. Kūpuna are the source of experience, knowledge, guidance, strength and inspiration to the next generations, a rich resource to contribute to the betterment of the Hawaiian people. To honor her beloved kūpuna, Kahaulahilahi Vegas, composed her mele aloha, Ka Maile.

This photo is of her kumu hula, Leinaʻala Kalama Heine, who passed away this Fall 2015, and someone Lahi, and many of us, see as an inspiration.

Pūpu A ʻO ʻEwa is pleased to feature Ka Maile, an original mele in the Hawaiian language, by Kahaulahilahi Vegas, a graduate of Hālau ʻIke O Puʻuloa – Leeward CC and UH-West Oʻahu.

Meet the artist: Kahaulahilahi Vegas

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Ka Maile

‘Auhea ‘oe ka maile o ka pō

ku’uipo onaoa e moani mai nei

 

He li’a e wili aku i nā kaluhea

Akā e akahai i kēia lau li’i

 

‘A’ohe lihi launa mai

no ku’u lei aloha

 

credits: performance recorded by Leeward Community College Educational Media Center; feature photo provided by Lahi Vegas; bio video Rokki Midro and Mauna Burgess