ALOHA 'OE (FAREWELL TO YOU) . . . . . Queen Lili'uokalani

Performed by Alfred Apaka

    Where and when this song was composed is unimpeachable --- on a copy of the song, in the Queen's own handwriting, in the State Archives is written: Maunawili, 1877. According to popular belief and an account by Helen Caldwell, "the inspiration for the words and music of this composition was furnished by the fond parting embrace of two lovers, whom the Queen discovered when returning...from a horseback party on the other side of the island."

    The Queen once heard "Aloha 'Oe" sung at the funeral of a missionary friend. She was shocked. "This is a love song," she said afterwards, but was told that the song would live forever as a song of farewell.