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”.
Punaiki 'Ea
Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I ka 'ehu kai a'o Punaiki'eâ
He pine 'ônou o kou aloha 'eâ
I ka lâ le'ale'a o ke kino 'eâ
Ha'ina 'ia mai ka puana 'eâ
I ka 'ehu kai a'o Punaiki'eâ
Ha'ina 'ia mai ka puana 'eâ
I ka lâ le'ale'a o ke kino 'eâ
My love is for you
Who is like the sea spray of Punaiki
Your love is a pin pricking me
In the younger days of my life
The story is told
The sea spray of Punaiki
The story is told
In the younger days of my life
The Hawaiian song "Punaiki 'Ea" by the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau is a beautiful and romantic love ballad. The first verse tells the listener that their love is as gentle and calming as the sea spray of Punaiki, a beach located on the northern shore of Maui. The second verse reveals that the singer's love is intense but painful, like a pin prick. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the contrast between the gentle and intense love felt by the two lovers. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, conveying the ups and downs of love and the beauty of the Hawaiian islands.
The song is based on a traditional Hawaiian melody and was written by the legendary Hawaiian musician and composer, Dennis Pavao. Pavao was a member of the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau and is considered one of the most important figures in modern Hawaiian music. He wrote many classic Hawaiian songs and was known for his beautiful falsetto voice. "Punaiki 'Ea" is one of his most famous compositions and has been covered by many other Hawaiian musicians.
Line by Line Meaning
He aloha 'ia mai nei 'oe, 'eâ
You are loved deeply with affection
I ka 'ehu kai a'o Punaiki'eâ
Like the sea spray of Punaiki
He pine 'ônou o kou aloha 'eâ
Your love is like a sharp sting
I ka lâ le'ale'a o ke kino 'eâ
In the youthful days of my life
Ha'ina 'ia mai ka puana 'eâ
This is the story that is told
I ka 'ehu kai a'o Punaiki'eâ
Like the sea spray of Punaiki
Ha'ina 'ia mai ka puana 'eâ
This is the story that is told
I ka lâ le'ale'a o ke kino 'eâ
In the youthful days of my life
Contributed by Olivia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kevinlyman8153
The world knows not of unconditional love yet.
@trey9427
I love ❤️ the makaha sons they sing 🎤 great 👍
@gerdhynk6969
Another juwel of this incredible singers! This should have 800 000 views!
@kevinlyman8153
Yes mahalo for the love.