Not just a local classic, but a beloved song which evokes a special spirit that you will not forget if you are lucky enough to be present at an event that ends with this song. As the event closes, the group holds hands and sings along, swaying to the music. You can feel the love and spirit embodied in this song.

Written by The Reverend Lorenzo Lyons in the 1800’s. Lyons broke from his contemporaries (who discouraged the use of Hawai’ian) and was a strong advocate for the Hawai’ian language.

Video of another of Hawaii’s beloved native sons, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (IZ) singing a soulful rendition of Hawai’i Aloha, years ago on the Big Island of Hawai’i:

E Hawai`i, e ku`u one hânau e
O Hawai`i, O my sands of my birth
Ku`u home kulaiwi nei
My native home
`Oli nô au i nâ pono lani ou
I rejoice in the blessings of heaven
E Hawai`i, aloha e!
O Hawai’i , greetings of love!

[Hui] (chorus)

E hau`oli e nâ `ôpio o Hawai`i nei
Be happy, O the youth of Hawai`i
`Oli e! `Oli e!
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Mai nâ aheahe makani e pâ mai nei
From the gentle winds blowing here
Mau ke aloha no Hawai`i
Always the love for Hawai`i

E ha`i mai kou mau kini lani e,
Speak hither your heavenly multitudes
Kou mau kupa aloha e Hawai`i
Your beloved people O Hawai`i
Nâ mea `ôlino kamaha`o no luna mai
The radiant wonderful light from above
E Hawai`i, aloha e!
O Hawai`i, greetings of love!

[Hui] (chorus)

Na ke Akua e mâlama mai iâ `oe
God protects and nurtures you
Kou mau kualono aloha nei
Your beloved ridges
Kou mau kahawai `ôlinolino mau
Your ever glistening streams
Kou mau mâla pua nani e
Your gardens of beautiful flowers