Mele Analysis: Kaulana Nā Pua

Written ʻIanuali of 1893, "Kaulana Nā Pua" was composed as Ellen Wright Prendergast was sitting in the garden of her father's house in Kapālama. Members of the Royal Hawaiian Band visited her and voiced their unhappiness at the overthrow and subsequent takeover of the Hawaiian Kingdom. They begged her to put their feelings of rebellion to music.
By taking a deep dive into the intricacies of "Kaulana Nā Pua," kumu can provide haumāna with a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context surrounding the overthrow, while also highlighting the transformative potential of mele as a force for empowerment and healing.