Not many are aware that Kealiʻi Reichel‘s “Ka Nohona Pili Kai” (“The Living By the Sea” – Kuhi) is a Hawaiian cover of “Nada Sou Sou.” This fusion is a testament to the song’s universal appeal. See the Hawaiian and English lyrics below.

Keali’i Reichel “Ka Nohona Pili Kai”

Reichel in a duet on “Nada Sou Sou” and “Ka Nohona Pili Kai.” Sound check at Nakano Sun Plaza, Tokyo, 7 Sep. 2011, during Reichel’s Japan Tour.

ManoaDNA with Aureana Kamaliioiwalani Tseu [KA NOHONA PILI KAI～涙そうそう] 2 May 2o1o, Hawaii Festival in Venus Fort Church Plaza, Odaiba, Tokyo.

Kamehameha Schools Song Contest 2008 – Sophomore Class “Ka Nohona Pili Kai”

Punahou Graduation 2011 “Ka Nohona Pili Kai”

“Ka Nohona Pili Kai” Lyrics in Hawaiian and English

Lyrics¹ by Keali`i Reichel and Puakea Nogelmeier, music by BEGIN (Teichiku Entertainment Inc.).²

Pä hanu mai ka pua ehu o ke kai
E holu nape ana i ka lau kï
Me he leo `a`ala i mäpu mai
E heahea mau nei

Aloha ë, aloha no
Aloha ka häli`ali`a mau
He nani ë, he nani nö
He nani ka nohona pili kai

Lauele ka mana`o i ke aumoe
Hia`ä i ka `ulaleo o ke kai
Ka`iawe ka hä`upu aloha
E ho`omälie mau nei

He pilikana ka malu ulu niu
Hei mai ana me ka pöhuehue
A he wehi ho`i ko hi`ikua ë
E kähiko mau nei

Puana `ia no ke ehu o ke kai
Ia hanu `a`ala o ke aumoe
Moe a`e ke ala e `alo ai
E ho`olale mau nei

The spray of the sea comes as a breath
Rustling the leaves of the ti plants
Like a perfumed whisper scenting the air
Ever calling to me

Beloved, beloved indeed!
Beloved is the sweet remembrance
Beautiful, beautiful indeed!
Beauty embodies that seaside home

The mind wanders freely in the dark of night
Wakeful from the spirit-like voice of the sea
Precious images drift through my thoughts
Always bringing a sense of peace

The shade of the coconut grove is like family
Embracing me like the morning glory
Those who are gone become a thing of beauty
An everlasting adornment to hold dear

The spray of the sea recounts the story
That perfumed murmur of the deep of night
The pathway lies before us that we tread
Beckoning us ever forward

__________
¹ Keali`i Reichel CD “Ke`alaokamaile” – This is a mele about Keali`i’s Gramma’s beach home on the windward side of Maui, recalling the sights and sounds of growing up in Pa`ia. Copyright Keali`i Reichel 2003. -HUAPALA

² HUAPALA Hawaiian Music and Hula Archives.