I'm Trying to Commit This Song to Memory

Hawai'i is unique in having a state song that's not in English: "Hawai'i Ponoi." But perhaps "Hawai'i Aloha" should be made the state song, as it expresses some praiseworthy ideals, instead of bringing up the archaic concept of chiefs paying allegiance to a royal line that's died out (after all, it was adopted when the 50th State was still an independent kingdom). It turns out that in 1967 the Hawaiian legislature thought of making this the official state song, but "Hawai'i Ponoi" won out.

Here's how the ukulele master and biggest name in Polynesian entertainment, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, sang it on YouTube.

Also on YouTube: 2 women Soldiers from Hawai'i perform the song in Iraq.

And now for the words to the first verse in Hawaiian, followed by an English translation:

"Hawaii Aloha"
Lyrics: Reverand Lorenzo Lyons
Music: James McGranahan

VERSE 1:
E Hawai'i e ku'u one hanau e
Ku'u home kulaiwi nei
'Oli no au i na pono lani e
E Hawai'i, aloha e

HUI:
E hau'oli na 'opio o Hawai'i nei
'Oli e! 'Oli e!
Mai na aheahe makani e pa mai nei
Mau ke aloha, no Hawai’i [or aloha e] (repeat hui)

VERSE 1:
O Hawaii, O sands of my birth
My native home
I rejoice in the blessings of heaven
O Hawaii, aloha.

CHORUS:
Happy youth of Hawaii
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Gentle breezes blow
Love always for Hawaii.