Presents
A Makahiki Carol
Eagerly anticipated by parents and other educators, this collection of
stories and songs presents treasures collected through more than a
decade of cultural presentations on Hawai`i's unique holiday season, the
Makahiki.The seed for recording this collection was planted in 2003 when the late Nona Beamer phoned Leilehua Yuen and said, "Dahling, the Volcano Art Center called and asked me to help with their Christmas presentation. It's such a worthy production, I help them every year. But this year Keola wants me to do something, so I can't be there. So, I told them you'd be happy to do it. You don't mind, do you?"
Well, how could Leilehua mind? Of course she would do it.
"Oh, and Dahling, they'll have lots of Christmas carols, but I wanted to give them something Hawaiian. So, would you please write a Makahiki carol for them?"
Thus, the Makahiki Carol was born. It has since been the signature piece for the delightful and informative holiday programs Leilehua and Manu give during the winter months in Hawai`i.
Combining traditional and historical mo`olelo (teaching stories) with traditional chants, hula, their original songs, and music, Leilehua and Manu captivate audiences of all ages in their joyous voyages through Hawai`i's culture and history.
Traditional Storytelling
Leilehua and Manu grew up with stories. Blessed with the privilage of being reared in part by their grandparents, they were exposed to the skills, talents, and culture of an older generation. When they were young, the term "cultural practitioner" was not yet in vogue. What is now known as "cultural practice" was then simply the way one's `ohana, one's family, did things. Children learned by observation, and by listening to stories.
Educational Resources
A Makahiki
Carol is designed to be a resource for parents and other educators,
to help teach Hawai`i's history, natural history, culture, and
traditional values. It is meant to be a starting point for further
exploration, and a fun way for families to learn together.
Please check back at this page every so often, as
additional resources will be added periodically.
Click HERE for a story about the Makahiki
Click HERE to learn about the first Christmas
celebrated in Hawai`i
Songs and Chants
Makahiki Carol
©2003, D. Leilehua Yuen
You’ve heard of Dasher and Dancer,
Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.
You’ve heard of the babe in the manger, born so long ago
And Santa who lives in the North, in the snow.
But how many know of our holiday here,
When Makali`i, the Pleides shines bright and clear?
Four months, said our ancients, three months of peace,
While Makali`i, the Pleides, shines bright in the East.
A time of no toil, no trouble, no fear
That’s Makahiki, the Hawaiian New Year
Holiday time, oh
Holiday time, Holiday time is here
Put aside your worries, put aside your fears
Dig the imu deep and wide for the biggest hog
Find an old kiawe tree for the biggest log
Put aside all anger,
discontent and tears
Seek out joy and happiness at this time of year
In the land of aloha plant the seeds of peace
Faith and hope and charity to harvest for the feast
Hau`oli Makahiki Hou!
Sing it loud and clear!
Makali`i shines a light by which we can steer
Chart a course for happiness all the whole year through
And when those stars roll ‘round again the world will sing with you!
E Ka
`Iole, Nau, Nau, Nau
©D.Leilehua
Yuen, copyright 1998
Ho`omakaukau
Makaukau?
Kahea: Ae, E ka `iole, e nau, nau, nau
E ka `iole, e nau, nau,
nau
E ka `iole, e nau, nau, nau
Auhea wale ana `oe,
noho i ke kula
Pe`e i ka po, `ai i ka `uala
Aia i hea nā mea `ai a
pau loa?
Nānā ia Makali`i
Nānā ia Makali`i
Nau, nau me kou niho e
ka `iole māiki
`Aki`aki ka `upena,
Nānā he puka nui
Nānā he puka nui
Loa`a mai ka mea `ai
Hia`ai na kamali`i
Hia`ai na kamali`i
He inoa no ka `iole maoli
Get Ready
Are you ready?
Yes, O, rat, chew, chew, chew!
O, rat, chew, chew,
chew
O, rat, chew, chew, chew
Where are you?
Living on the plains
Hiding in the night, eating sweet potatoes
Where is all the
food?
Look to Makali`i
Look to Makali`i
Chew, chew with
your teeth, young rat
Bite, bite the net
Look! A big hole!
Look! A big hole!
Coming to us is the
food
The children are delighted.
The children are delighted
In the name of the Hawaiian rat
Purchasing