OLI

Hoʻonani i ka Makua Mau,
Ke Keiki me ka ʻUhane nō,
Ke Akua Mau hoʻomaikaʻi pū,
Kō kēia ao, kō kēlā ao.
Āmene.

———————————————-

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Composed by: Edith Kekuhikuhipuʻuoneoʻnaalikiokohala Kanākaʻole

E hō mai ka ʻike mai luna mai e

0 nā mea huna noʻeau no nā mele e

E hō mai

E hō mai

E hō mai

—————————————————-

Grant us the knowledge from above

Concerning the hidden wisdom of songs,

Grant,

Grant,

Grant us these things

Today, this oli is commonly used at the start of an event or small gathering to focus a groupʻs energies and ultimately carry out the kuleana (responsibility) they have undertaken. It is recommended that haumana (students) use this chant to help them seek knowledge and clear their minds of any negativity.

Composed by: Kehau Smith

ʻUhola ʻia ka makaloa lā
Pūʻai i ke aloha lā
Kūkaʻi ʻia ka hā loa lā
Pāwehi mai nā lehua
Mai ka hoʻokuʻi a ka hālāwai lā
Mahalo e Ke Akua*
Mahalo e nā kupuna lā ʻeā
Mahalo me ke aloha lā
Mahalo me ke aloha lā

———————————————————-

The makaloa mat has been unfolded
Food is shared in love
The great breath is exchanged
The Lehua honors and adores
From zenith to horizon
Gratitude to God
Gratitude to our ancestors
Gratitude with love
Gratitude with love

This oli was composed as a greeting of thanks for hospitality, love, generosity and knowledge that is given to us. It also gives thanks to the beauty of the islands and our people. Hāloa is ever-lasting breath. The kalo plant is considered our ancestor that is cherished and preserved. Makaloa is the finest mat woven. It is considered higher quality that lau hala. The message is that it is important for us to practice being “thankful” every day.

Composed by: Nathaniel B. Emerson 

E ulu, e ulu Kini o ke Akua
Ulu Kāne me Kanaloa

Ulu ʻōhiʻa lau koa me ka ʻeiʻei

Aʻe ami i noho i kou kuahu

Eia ka wai, he wai e ola

E ola nō e!

——————————————

Grow, grow In the multitude of God

Grow with respect to the forest and sea

Grow with ʻōhiʻa, loa and ʻieʻie

Inhabit your place, O God

Here is the water, the water of life

Life forever!

Kumu hula master and Hawaiian cultural and language expert, John Keola Lake, taught this oli to Kumu Hula Kaʻanohi Aipa. In her halau it is often used as a gathering chant when haumana enter the forest to collect greenery for costumes or hoʻokupu (offerings). It may also be used when entering the forest for inspiration or guidance.