Aloha Friday: Kimo Henderson Hula

Raiatea sings a song written by famous kapuna Helen Beamer about Hilo philanthropist James Henderson.

Kimo Hula - Words & music by Helen D. Beamer
Aia i ka u ka o Pi`ihonua Ke kîhâpai pua ulumâhiehie I laila au la `ike i ka nani O nâ pua `ala a he nui wale Ho`ohihi nâ manu o ke kuahiwi Nâ `i`iwi maka pôlena I ka `ono i ka wai o nâ pua O Moanike`ala i ka uluwehiwehi Mahalo `iâ `oe e ka hoa aloha I ka ho`okipa e nâ malihini Eia kô lei poina `ole O Leimakani lei onaona Ha`ina `ia mai ana ka puana Moanike`ala i ka uluwehiwehi Hea aku mâkou e ô mai `oe Kimo o ka uka `iu `iu he inoa		In the uplands of Pi`ihonua A flower garden in beautiful arrayThere I see the beautyOf the fragrant flowers in great profusion The birds of the forest are attracted hereThe yellow eyed `i`iwi At the sweet nectar of the flowers Of Moanike`ala's beautiful gardens Thank you dear friendFor gracious hospitality to visitors Here is your unforgettable, belovedLeimakani, a lei so fragrant The story is toldMoanike`ala, beautifully verdant We call, you answerJim of the highlands, your name-song
Source: Songs of Helen Desha Beamer, Copyright 1953 Harriett Beamer Magoon - Composed for James Kimo Henderson, "James of the Highlands" a poetic reference to Scotland, his birthplace. Moanike`ala was the name of the Henderson home in Pi`ihonua, above Hilo. Leimakani was Kimo Henderson's wife.