E Ola Ke Aliʻi Ke Akua - by William Charles Lunalilo

 

Ke Akua Mana Mau
Hoʻomaikaʻi, pōmaikaʻi
I ka mōʻī

Kou lima mana mau
Mālama kiaʻi mai
Ko mākou nei mōʻī
E ola ē

Ka inoa kamahaʻo
Lei nani o mākou
E ola ē
Kou ʻeheu uhi mai
Pale nā ʻino ē
Ka mākou pule nō
E ola ē

I mua ou mākou
Ke aliʻi o nā Aliʻi
E aloha mai
E mau ke ea e
O ke aupuni nei
E ola mau mākou
Me ka mōʻī

 

 


 
King William Charles Lunalilo

 
 
 
 
 

Eternal, mighty God
Bless us from your bright abode
Our sovereign king
May your all powerful arm
Ward from our sire all harm
Let no vile foe alarm
Long may he reign

Royal distinguished name
Our beauteous diadem
Long life be yours
Thy wing spread over our land
From every foe defend
To you our prayers ascend
Long live our king

Before Thee
King of Kings
Of Whom all nature sings
Our prayer we bring
Oh, let our kingdom live
Life, peace and union give
Let all Thy care receive
Bless Thou our king

Source: William Charles Lunalilo, born January 31, 1835, at Pohukaina, Oʻahu was a grand nephew of Kamehameha I and a prince of high rank. His grandfather, Kalaimamahu was Kamehameha I's half brother and his grandmother was Kalakua, sister of Kaʻahumanu. Educated at the Chief's Childrens School he was popular, a good student, and won many scholastic awards. His favorite subjects were literature and music and he composed poetry. In 1860, Kamehameha IV sponsored a contest for a National Anthem: Hawaiian lyrics set to the tune of "God Save The King". Won by Prince Lunalilo, at age 25, this was written in 20 minutes. As a young man he was engaged to Princess Victoria Kamamalu, a choice popular with everyone except her brothers, Kauikeouli (Kamehameha III), Alexander Liholiho (Kamehameha IV) and Lot Kapuiwa (Kamehameha V). The date was set, but interference from her brothers, cancelled the wedding. This offended Lunalilo so deeply, he refused to be buried with Hawaiian royalty, choosing to be laid to rest on the grounds of Kawaihaʻo Church, alone and away from the Kamehamehas. Neither Princess Victoria nor Prince William ever married. English version by Makua Laiana. Hawaiian Text edited by Puakea Nogelmeier