From the recording Hiʻipoi

Beautiful Kaua‘i
(Randy Haleakalā Farden)

Randy Farden, who lived on O‘ahu, wrote this hapa-haole song while remembering the beautiful view from his room at the famous Coco Palms Hotel on the Garden Isle. Jim’s solo version – more languid and nahenahe than any other we’ve heard – was so beautiful that Paula decided harmony would be “gilding the lily.”

PERSONNEL
Jim Romano - slack key guitar and vocals

Arrangement by Jim Romano

Lyrics

There’s an island across the sea
Beautiful Kauaʻi, beautiful Kauaʻi
And it’s calling, yes, calling to me
Beautiful Kauaʻi, beautiful Kauaʻi

CHORUS
In the midst of Fern Grotto
Mother Nature made her home
And Falls of Wailua
Where lovers often roam

So I’ll return to my isle across the sea
Beautiful Kauaʻi, beautiful Kauaʻi
Where my true love is waiting for me
Beautiful Kauaʻi, beautiful Kauaʻi