Hula: Tears of the Nation

Kamehameha Schools hula ensemble

performed August 12, 1998 at ‘Iolani Palace

NARRATOR: Our next hula is entitled Kulukulu Waimaka o ka Lahui, Mele Aloha ‘Aina, or Sovereign's Lament. This title translates as follows: Tears Streaming Down the Face of the Nation.

Falsely accused of conspiring in the counter-revolution, our Queen Lili‘uokalani was arrested and imprisoned here at ‘Iolani Palace.

Her home across the street at Washington Place was ransacked from top to bottom, just as the palace was following the overthrow two years earlier.

Her papers, diaries, signed petitions against annexation were confiscated.

In the old days, only certain individuals could handle personal belongings, under penalty of death. Hence, this blatant disregard for her status was offensive and humiliating.

Lili‘u was allowed to leave her scant living quarters to step out onto the upper verandah of the Palace during the late night hours.

It was during those quiet moments that she thought of her grieving nation and of her niece, the lovely princess Ka‘iulani, Hawai‘i's last hope.