Translation from Hawaiian to English of a Hawaiian song

December 21, 2013 9:21 AM

Where can I find an English translation of the lyrics to a Hawaiian song called "Ka `opae" written by Dennis Kamakahi?

I love this song and would love to know what it is about. So far, I think it's about shrimp or shrimp fishing, but would love to know what all the words mean. The lyrics can be found here. I have also pasted them below:

Ka `opae by Dennis Kamakahi

Hui after each paukû

E hele au i ke kahawai
`Ike nô ka `ôpae
Aia iâ Hâlawa lâ
Ma Moloka`i nani

Hui:
Ka `opae, ka `opae, ma ke kahawai
Ka `opae, ka `opae, ma ke kai hohonu

Ke `imi nei au nô iâ `oe
ma ke kahakai
Aia i ke kahawai
Ke loa`a nei au iâ `oe

`Ai mâkou i ka `ôpae
Inu i ka `awa
Momona me nepunepu
Ka `ôpae o Hâlawa

`Ai mâkou i ka niu haohao
Mai `o Hâlawa
`Ono nô me ka wai
Ka wai o ka `awa

`Auhea `oe, ku`u ipo lâ
Makemake au e honi iâ `oe
A inu i ka `awa ç
Ho`i mai ia`u

Ha`ina mai ka puana lâ
`Ai mâkou i ka `opae
Momona me nepunepu
Ka `ôpae o Hâlawa


Mahalo!!

posted by surfgator to Writing & Language (1 answer total)

Response by poster: For your listening pleasure, here is the version of the song that I liked
posted by surfgator at 9:24 AM on December 21, 2013