Ka Uluwehi o Ke Kai

Plants of the Sea

We are learning this Hula 'auna song in Module 1 to practice our hula dance moves

Ka Uluwehi o Ke Kai

Words & Music by Edith Kanakaole
Listen it here

He hoʻoheno kē ʻike aku Ke kai moana nui lā Nui ke aloha e hiʻipoi nei Me ke ʻala o ka līpoa He līpoa i pae i ke one Ke one hinuhinu lā Wela i ka lā kē hehi aʻe Mai manaʻo he pono kēia Hoʻokohukohu e ka limu kohu Ke kau i luna ō nā moku la ʻO ia moku ʻula la e hō ʻOni ana i ʻōi ʻaneʻi Haʻina mai ka puana Ka līpoa me ka limu kohu Hoapili ʻoe me ka pāhe'e ʻAnoni me ka līpalu

Such a delight to see The great big ocean So familiar and very cherished With its fragrance of the lîpoa (1) It is lîpoa which washed ashore Onto the shiny white sand Hot from the heating sun as you step on it Don't think that this is fun How enticing is the display of limu kohu Atop the rocks Enticing one to pick them As they sway to and fro Let the story be told Of the lîpoa and the limu kohu (2) Close companions of the pâhe`e (3) Intermingled with the lîpalu

(1) lîpoa: brown seaweed

Branches are leaflike, somewhat wavy, golden colored, with dark brown midrib. The plant gives off strong, characteristic odor. Found subtidally 3-15 feet depth or more; sometimes tossed up in large windows. Leafy branches are washed, and heavily salted for indefinite storage. Young plants can be chopped or pounded, lightly salted, and refrigerated for current use. Spicy flavor good with fish and meat dishes, especially stews.

(2) limu kohu: another type of seaweed

The plant has a creeping basal portion from which soft, fuzzy uprights grow. Found on edges of the reef in areas of constant water motion. Only uprights are collected; plants are rinsed thoroughly, soaked overnight, then lightly salted. Upper branches are pounded and rolled into balls the size of a walnut for indefinite storage. Used in small quantities as the flavor is penetrating. Added to poke, Lomi, and stewed beef. Favorite limu of most Hawaiians.

(3) pâhe'e: another type of seaweed

(4) lîpalu: another type of seaweed

References:

http://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/publications/ediblelimu/

http://www.huapala.org/Ka/Ka_Uluwehi_O_Ke_Kai.html