- `Ulupalakua (Breadfruit Ripened On The Back)
- by John P. Watkins
A`o `Ulupalakua E `ïnikiniki ahiahi Ka home a`o paniolo E wehi e ku`u lei A`o `Ulupalakua `Onaona me ka `awapuhi He nani ma'oli nö Ha`ina mai ka puana A`o `Ulupalakua H `ïnikiniki ahiahi Ka home a`o paniolo Famous Is `Ulupalakua The pangs of the cold evening air The home of the cowboys My lei is an adornment Of `Ulupalakua The sweet scent of ginger is Truly beautiful Tell the refrain Of `Ulupalakua The pangs of the cold evening air The home of the cowboy Source: Kamehameha Schools HSI Copyright John Watkins - An ancient Maui chief would send runners to Kipahulu for breadfruit. When they returned with the fruit, it was ripe. The chief called the district Ulupalakua or "breadfruit ripened on the back". The composer visited Ulupalakua, in up-country Maui on the southwestern slopes of Haleakala. He was so impressed by the cold mountain air, the scent of ginger and the cowboys, he composed this mele in 1947, to honor the district. Edited by Dr. Barbara Price
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