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”.
Ke Alaula
Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Poha mai ka 'onohi 'ula,
Wehi 'ia ke alaula,
Mai ka mole, ke kikowaena,
Ha'alulu ke kumu honua,
Haku 'iku'i i ka' 'aina nei,
Wehe 'ia ke alaula,
Hane'ene'e hele i kai.
'Oni me ka muliwai 'ola,
Wehi 'ia ke alaula,
Uhi pono i ke ea,
Puana ke ha'ina,
Ho'okukaulani i hei kapu,
Wehe 'ia ke alaula,
No nahanauna nei.
Oh, Kumuola, My tutu,
Burst with rays of fire,
Opened a flaming pathway
From the source, the center
The foundation trembled,
Echoed throughout the land
Opened a stream of life
Appeared Kamawaipolani
Moving toward the sea,
Onward like a living river
Opened a seaward path
Enveloped in lifes' breath
The story is told,
Restore this sacred domain
Opened the path of life
For the generations of this land
The song "Ke Alaula" by Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau is a beautiful Hawaiian composition that pays homage to the ancestors and the richness of the Hawaiian culture. The song expresses gratitude towards Kumuola, which means tutor or mentor, and Tutu, which means grandparent, for opening a path towards enlightenment and a connection to the divine. The lyrics refer to the "onohi 'ula," which can be interpreted as the red rays of the rising sun or the spiritual light that brings a new dawn.
The lyrics also describe the foundation of the Hawaiian culture, which is built on a deep respect and connection to the land. The "kumu honua" or foundation of the earth trembles as Kamawaipolani appears, signifying the importance of honoring the land and the people who came before. The song speaks of the need to restore the sacred domain so that the generations to come can continue to thrive in the culture and traditions of the Hawaiian people.
Line by Line Meaning
E Kumuola, e ku'u tutu,
Oh, Kumuola, My tutu,
Poha mai ka 'onohi 'ula,
Burst with rays of fire,
Wehi 'ia ke alaula,
Opened a flaming pathway
Mai ka mole, ke kikowaena,
From the source, the center
Ha'alulu ke kumu honua,
The foundation trembled,
Haku 'iku'i i ka' 'aina nei,
Echoed throughout the land
Wehe 'ia ke alaula,
Opened a stream of life
Hoaka 'O Kamawaipolani,
Appeared Kamawaipolani
Hane'ene'e hele i kai.
Moving toward the sea,
'Oni me ka muliwai 'ola,
Onward like a living river
Uhi pono i ke ea,
Enveloped in lifes' breath
Puana ke ha'ina,
The story is told,
Ho'okukaulani i hei kapu,
Restore this sacred domain
No nahanauna nei.
For the generations of this land
Contributed by Alex S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@adolfojesussalgadotrincado541
LA TRADUCIÓN ES ESTA EN INGLÉS VIENE AL PRINCIPIO
Oh, Kumuola, My tutu,
Burst with rays of fire,
Opened a flaming pathway
From the source, the center
The foundation trembled,
Echoed throughout the land
Opened a stream of life
Appeared Kamawaipolani
Moving toward the sea,
Onward like a living river
Opened a seaward path
Enveloped in lifes' breath
The story is told,
Restore this sacred domain
Opened the path of life
For the generations of this land
@stevebusby6618
I lived in Hawaii from 1973 to 1981 and my two favorite Hawaiian artist were the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau and the Brothers Cazimero. They were the greatest years of my life, many happy memories. This song, like others they do bring back those memories vividly. I'm in my 70's now, but I hope to go back someday and relive them before it's too late. Mahalo nui loa for the memories! Aloha!
@9013kota
2023 and i am still loving this beautiful song and everythng kanaka🤗💕🌴
@beatricesantiago4061
Can't say anything else but ... so beautiful; so smoothe; so soft and swaying in the wind; Mahalo for such a beautiful harmonizing of this mele.
@beaglesrfun5896
This song keeps me grounded, back to my Hawaii.
@Miss09Ladii
This song brings back so many memories. I miss my home. Oahu Grown neva forget where I come from.
@wallywonka808
I named my daughter ke alaula, she was the dawning of my new life as a dad. mahalo, me ke aloha pumehana uncle Louis!
-walter boy
@danielhetue6968
Beautiful melody, orchestra, singing voices, and background noises
@Kava650
Mahalo for this beautiful song I’m Tongan but grew up dancing Tahitian and Hawaiian besides doing Tongan and Samoan dances. Hana Ho
@kgiffard
Mahalo nui loa Makaha Sons
@KEoG35
RIP Uncle John......You will be missed!