In 1976, the Mākaha Sons of Ni‘ihau began their professional career with five members, as an opening act in a small nightclub known as “Uptown Yokos.” The group has reorganized several times, with members seeking other professional careers, and the deaths of the Kamakawiwoole brothers.
The Mākaha Sons of Niihau and the Makaha Sons have released 21 CDs, and produced a DVD on their own record label. They have won Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and Hawaii Music Awards. They produce their own signature concert, “Take a Walk in the Country,” in Hawai‘i each year. They produce and promote young artists in traditional Hawaiian music. They formed the “Mākaha Sons Foundation”.
Aloha Ka Manini
Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hail to the manini and pôpolo
He i'a noho ia i ka laupapa
Fish that live in the reef
Kala ka nenue 'o ka nahawele
Kala and nenue mixed with nahawale seaweed
Moani ke 'alake honi aku
The scent is inviting
The belly of the ahole fish is rich and fat
Poi 'uala kâohi pu'u
With sweet potato poi it slides down the throat
Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puanaTell the refrainAloha ka manini me ka pôpoloHail to the manini and pôpolo
The Makaha Sons' "Aloha Ka Manini" is a song that celebrates Hawaiian cuisine and fishing practices. The lyrics speak of different kinds of fish found in Hawaiian reefs, such as manini and pôpolo, which are hailed for their taste and texture. The verse also describes the blending of different types of fish, such as kala and nenue, with seaweed to create a mouth-watering dish. The scent of this dish is described as inviting, drawing you in to taste its rich flavors. The song also mentions the ahole fish and its fatty belly, which tastes delicious when eaten with sweet potato poi.
Overall, "Aloha Ka Manini" is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and the importance of locally caught and prepared food. It speaks to the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and the land and sea that sustains them. The song is a reminder of the importance of honoring traditional practices, preserving natural resources, and supporting local agriculture and fisheries.
Line by Line Meaning
Aloha ka manini me ka pôpolo
Salutations to the manini and pôpolo fish
He i'a noho ia i ka laupapa
These are fish that live in the reef
Kala ka nenue 'o ka nahawele
Kala and nenue fish mixed with nahawale seaweed
Moani ke 'alake honi aku
Its scent is alluring
Âhole ia'a piko lihliha
The belly of the ahole fish is luscious and buttery
Poi 'uala kâohi pu'u
It goes down smoothly with sweet potato poi
Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana
And that is the end of the story
Contributed by Tyler G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@_neon-xeon_3966
I do not live in Hawaii or know any hawaiian songs but i stumbled into this at the movie called "50 first dates" I personally find this song to be extremely nice and charming to listen to
@_neon-xeon_3966
Am I the only one who thinks this song is extremely underrated
@MoonlightTheGreat
Absolutely not