Nopu ka Mana‘o

Aloha e ko ka ‘Ohana HARA,

Humbly asking for your consideration of my mele, ‘Nopu ka Mana‘o, a collaboration with @saddleroadproductions, in the Hawaiian Single of Year Category on this years preliminary Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards Ballot.

This song honors the divine feminine deities of Mauna Kea and all of the women who stand on the frontlines to protect the slopes and summit of this sacred mountain.

The words follow the journey of our prayers to our places of ceremony from Pu‘uhuluhulu to Ha‘iwahine, Waiau, and further to the highest peak of Kūkahauʻula.

Each verse speaks of the elemental manifestations of the snow goddess Poli‘ahu and her attendants who live in the mist, chill of the wind and rain, and the arch of the white rainbows. We call upon them to guide us in this realm as we stand together in strength and grace for the mountain we love.

Mahalo piha again for your consideration 💙

Nopu ka mana‘o i ka ua kea,

na Hāwane Rios
Kia‘i Mauna

Mahalo piha to @brandy.alia for this beautiful cover art and to Uncle @tomkualiiphotography for this stunning photo of Waiau.