For students of Hawaiian language, music, dance and culture, this work is a rare mine of gold! The author gives the original songs in Hawaiian text, coupled with English translations. These songs are very much a part of Hawaiian culture and society, the texts showing roots in mythological facets, cultural associations, ecological backdrops, and even erotic imagery!
This book represents a collection of Hawaiian songs and poetic pieces that have done service from time immemorial as the stock supply of the hula. The descriptive portions have been added, not because the poetical parts could not stand by themselves, but to furnish the proper setting and to answer the questions of those who want to know.
