P o l y n e s i a n D a n c e & Hula F i t n e s s
co-op
USA & Germany
CALL US TODAY
1-(818)300.3615
Hawai'i 78'
by: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Choreography by Barbara Kawena Dempsey
Originally titled: Hawai'i 77'
Original performers: The Ioane Brothers
Original Song Writers: Mickey Ioane, Abe Keala, Cleyton Kua and Kawika Crowley
“Before we begin, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the depth and meaning of this song, ‘Hawai‘i 78.’
This is not just a song — it’s a reflection of loss, of change, and of the ongoing struggle to preserve the Hawaiian people’s connection to their land and culture. I understand that for many Hawaiians, this song carries deep pain and pride, and I approach it with the utmost respect.
I know I am not Hawaiian. I am a student of this culture — one who has danced and studied hula for over 30 years out of love and reverence. I also know something of loss and displacement. My family escaped from Hungary during the 1956 revolution. They left behind their home, relatives, language, and traditions — and I grew up hearing stories of what it means to lose a homeland, yet keep its spirit & traditions alive in your heart.
So, while I can never fully understand the Hawaiian experience, I do understand the ache of remembering a place that shaped your soul.
Having choreographed the hula for ‘Hawai‘i 78,’ I do it not to claim the story, but to honor it — to stand beside it with empathy and aloha, and to express my deep gratitude for the wisdom and beauty this culture has shared with me.”
Me ka mahalo loa,
Barbara
Ua mau, ke ea o ka aina, i ka pono, o Hawai'i
Ua mau, ke ea o ka aina, i ka pono, o Hawai'i
If just for a day our king and queen
Would visit all these islands and saw everything
How would they feel about the changes of our land
Could you just imagine if they were around
And saw highways on their sacred grounds
How would they feel about this modern city life
Tears would come from each others eyes
As they would stop to realize
That our people are in great great danger now
How, would they feel
Could their smiles be content, then cry
Cry for the gods, cry for the people
Cry for the land that was taken away
And then yet you'll find, Hawai'i. (and then bid goodbye)
Could you just imagine they came back
And saw traffic lights and railroad tracks
How would they feel about this modern city life
Tears would come from each others eyes
As they would stop to realize
That our land is in great great danger now
All the fighting that the king had done
To conquer all these islands now these condominiums
How would he feel if he saw Hawai'i nei
How, would he feel
Would his smile be content, then cry
Cry for the gods, cry for the people
Cry for the land that was taken away
And then yet you'll find, Hawai'i
Ua mau, ke ea o ka aina, i ka pono, o Hawai'i
Ua mau, ke ea o ka aina, i ka pono, o Hawai'i
Ua mau, ke ea o ka aina, i ka pono, o Hawai'i
Ua mau, ke ea o ka aina, i ka pono, o Hawai'i
NOTE:
Ua mau, ke ea o ka aina, i ka pono, o Hawai'i = The land and its life endure through righteousness and justice.
-
Ua mau = is perpetuated / continues
-
ke ea = the life, breath, or sovereignty
-
o ka ʻāina = of the land
-
i ka pono = in righteousness
Note: we will cry out "Auwe" at some point - pronounced like "ow-way"
Auwe = to groan, sigh; to implore one’s aid when in great distress