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Hawai`i Pono`i

Hawaii State Song

King David Kalākaua wrote the words to the state song; "Hawaiʻi Ponoʻi" (music composed by Captain Henri Berger). Photo by Hawai'i State Archives / Wikipedia (public domain image).

Official State Anthem of Hawai'i

"Hawai`i Pono`i" by King David Kalakaua and Henri Berger was designated the official song of Hawaii in 1967. All State Songs

Lyrics to "Hawai`i Pono`i"

Hawai`i pono`î
Nânâ i kou mô`î
Ka lani ali`i,
Ke ali`i
 
CHORUS
 
Makua lani ê,
Kamehameha ê,
Na kaua e pale,
Me ka ihe
 
VERSE 2
 
Hawai`i pono`î
Nânâ i nâ ali`i
Nâ pua muli kou
Nâ pôki`i
 
VERSE 3
 
Hawai`i pono`î
E ka lâhui e
`O kâu hana nui
E u`i ê
 

TRANSLATION

VERSE 1
 
Hawaii's own true sons
Be loyal to your chief
Your country's liege and lord
The chief
 
CHORUS
 
Royal father
Kamehameha
Shall defend in war
With spears
 
VERSE 2
 
Hawaii's own true sons
Look to your chief
Those chiefs of younger birth
Younger descent
 
VERSE 3
 
Hawaii's own true sons
People of loyal heart
The only duty lies
List and abide