Kūpa'a ka po'e

Annually on January 17th, the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom is commemorated with a solemn march from Mauna 'Ala, the last resting place of our nā ali'i, to 'Iolani Palace. This poem is dedicated to our alaka'i lawelawe and kānaka, who continue to work toward restoration.

Credit:@mike_leanio_photography

Kūpa'a ka po'e

Faithful are the people

'Onipa'a e Mō'īwahine 'O Lili'uokalani.

Pa'a for 128 seasons, our kānaka walk for you,

Sombered by our past, sobered by the present,

In the light of lamakū,

Under the kapu of the pūlo'ulo'u,

With the kahili and the kāhea of the pū,

We remember your presence and your 'ano'i for peace.

We march for ea and the future of our lāhui.

Attendants in place, pu'uwai as one.

'Onipa'a e Mō'īwahine 'O Lili'uokalani.

E kāko'o iho i nā mea pono o kākou.

Translation:

Steadfast is the Queen Lili'uokalani.

Firm, solid for 128 seasons,

our indigenous people walk for you.

Sombered by our past, sobered by the present,

In the light of the torch,

Under the sacred, forbidden pūlo'ulo'u,

With the feather-standard and the call of the conch shell,

We remember your presence and your desire for peace.

We march for sovereignty and the future of our nation.

Attendants in place, hearts as one.

Steadfast is the Queen Lili'uokalani.

May our righteous cause be upheld.