Dancing hula was pivotal at keeping ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi alive, especially after 1896ʻs language ban, spanning 4 generations which prohibited "by any means" Hawaiians to speak their mother tongue. In 1893ʻs The illegal annexation of the Hawaiian Kingdom (there was no "joint treaty") and there was less then half of Hawaiian eligible to vote for Statehood...There was a total of 21,269 signatures with 21,109 signatures of Hawaiian subjects and 160 signatures of resident aliens of Hawaii that opposed becoming apart of the U.S after itʻs military occupation.  This song was ushered by the Royal band to be written by Eleanor Kekoaohiwaikalani Wright Prendergast (April 12, 1865 – December 5, 1902) whose home was at the foot of Kapalāma. This song voices to the hearts of Indigenous everywhere, it is timeless. In my schooling we were taught this song and would dance it in front of tourist unbeknownst to what the words really mean...curious? I created a video with the translations, and where to find the original song go to my twitter page @camilledee33. I hope you enjoy my edits xoxo 

Aloha mai