Nā Mele | Story Behind the Song | Aloha ‘Oe

Mele Fong aka Ukulele Mele tells the story behind the traditional Hawaiian song Aloha ‘Oe. The song tells of two lovers bidding farewell in a fond embrace and is the most famous composition by Hawai’i’s last monarch Queen Lili’uokalani.

Native Hawaiian Mele Fong from Maui is an experienced educator and professional entertainer with over 50 years experience playing the ‘ukulele – Hawaii’s official instrument. Are UKE having fun yet? Watch. Listen. Play. The Ukulele Mele Way!

“O Kou Aloha No” (The Queen’s Prayer) – Royal Hawaiian Hymn [Lyrics + Translation]

During March of 1895, US business owners in Hawaii illegally overthrew the monarchy and arrested Queen Liliuokalani. During her imprisonment, Queen Liliuokalani wrote this prayer on March 22, 1895, and soon set it to this melody. In this hymn, the queen tells of her great love for God, a love great enough to ask for the forgiveness of those who imprisoned her. In Hawaii today, this hymn is sung expressively with great reverence and devotion.

Daily Words of the Buddha for October 01, 2023

Sukhakāmāni bhūtāni
yo daṇḍena vihiṃsati,
attano sukhamesāno,
pecca so na labhate sukhaṃ.

Sukhakāmāni bhūtāni
yo daṇḍena na hiṃsati,
attano sukhamesāno,
pecca so labhate sukhaṃ.

Whoever takes a stick
to beings desiring ease,
when one is looking for ease,
will meet with no ease after death.

Whoever doesn’t take a stick
to beings desiring ease,
when one is looking for ease,
will meet with ease after death.

Udāna 2.13
Translated from Pāli by Thanissaro Bhikkhu