Pūlama

Ka Pilina
(Kawaikapuokalani K. Hewett)

This mele tells of a mythological woman, Lā‘ieikawai, attended by birds including the ‘apapane and the ‘i‘iwi pōlena (both red honeycreepers whose feathers were used in cloaks and other adornments worn by the ali‘i) and the ‘elepaio (a monarch flycatcher, the first bird heard at dawn and the last at night). The word pilina translates as relationship or coming together. Here, it may refer to the love and intimacy between La‘ieikawai and the Kaua‘i chief Aiwohikupua (whom lovers of Hawaiian mele will recognize as also being romantically linked with Poli‘ahu, the goddess of Mauna Kea).

PERSONNEL
Paula Kauapalaukī Rudman – vocals
Jim Romano – slack key guitar and vocals

Arrangement by Pūlama