Ipo Lei Momi - Words and music by Keali`i Reichel

ʻAuhea ʻoe e ka ipo lei momi, lā ē
ʻUmeʻume noweo i ka pōuliuli, lā ē

E huli mai ʻoe a honi ka ihu, lā ē
Mai pūlale naʻe o nalo auaneʻi, lā ē

Lālau lima a paʻa i ka pono, lā ē
ʻOʻeʻoʻe ka nuku i ke kapa moe holu, lā ē

Ua lomilomi ʻia a miko ka ʻili, lā ē
A nū kāua a paupauaho, lā ē

Haʻina ʻia mai ʻana ka puana, lā ē
E shh! Kaua o ala nā manu, lā ē

Where are you, O precious pearl wreath,
Glowing enticingly in the dark of night?

Turn to me and touch my nose,
Don't rush, though, or all will be lost.

Hands grope until the sweet spot is found,
As the sharp beak prods back and forth beneath the swaying covers

The skin is rubbed until it is soaked
And we grunt until there is no more breath

Tell the story
But be quiet lest the birds awaken


Source: Kealiʻi Reichel album "Melelana" Copyright 1999 Punahele, Inc. Translated by Kealiʻi Reichel