Na Mele o Hawai`i
by Leilehua Yuen

Na Ka Pueo
     "Na Ka Pueo," a song which was perhaps written by a sailor, tells of a ship named "Pueo-Kahi," a cargo vessel which sailed between Hana and Honolulu harbors during the end of the monarchy period and during the republic.
     The "Pueo-Kahi" was named for a place near Hana, Maui. It is an excellent surf spot and near the birthplace of Queen Ka`ahumanu. "Pueo-Kahi," which could be translated as "Lone Owl," was named for the owl (pueo) demigod of that area.
     Mamala is the old name for Honolulu Harbor. It was named for the shark woman, Mamala. Her shark husband, `Ouha, became the god of Waikiki and Koko Head after she left him for Honoka`upu. In this song, the name of the bay, Mamala, is used as a kind of pun with "malama," "to protect."
     Another pun, which may or may not have been intentional, is in the ship's name. An additional meaning of "pueo" is "shroud." A shroud is one of the lines which holds a ship's mast in place. "Ho`okahi" can have a meaning implying working together as a unit. So even though the ship really was named after the area it came from, the name is a good one because it also implies that the parts of the ship, including the crew, all work together to help it.

Na Ka Pueo

Na ka Pueo-Kahi ke aloha, ea
Ne`ene`e `au kai o Maui.

Kowelo ko hae Hawai`i, ea
Ma ka `ilikai a`o Mamala.

Malama `ia iho ke aloha, ea
I kuleana na`u e hiki aku ai.

Ha`ina `ia mai ka puana, ea
Na ka Pueo-Kahi ke aloha.

From the Pueo

Love from the Pueo-Kahi, tra la
Wriggling across the sea to Maui.

The Hawaiian flag billows on the wind, tra la
Over the sea at Mamala.

Protect the love, tra la
I have the right to come for it.

Tell the refrain, tra la
Love from the Pueo-Kahi.