MICHAEL-THOMAS FOUMAI
COMPOSER
LILIʻUOKALANI & ELIZABETH ACHUCK
Sanoe [Mist] (mid-1870’s)
Arranged By Moon Kauakahi
Orchestrated By David Kauahikaua
With all its rich poetic kaona (hidden meanings), this mele leaves listeners wondering about the secrets of Sanoe, whose beauty and charm attracted and allured many male admirers, although she was a married woman. One story suggests that Sanoe was a high-born lady in King Kalākaua’s court; others surmise Sanoe was actually Mrs. Elizabeth Achuck, the co-writer herself; and still some say it refers to Princess Likelike, being admired by visiting officers of an Italian ship, as the last verse hints. In any case, Sanoe remains a mystery and one can only enjoy listening to the song. Originally written in the 4/4 time signature, many have thought it was written and continue to sing it as a waltz in a 3/4 time. (Moon Kauakahi)
ʻAuhea ʻoe, e Sanoe
Hoʻopulu liko ka lehua
Eia hoʻi au
Ke kali nei i ko leo.
ʻO ka pane wale mai nō
ʻOlu wau mehe wai ala
Honehone mehe ipo ala
Paila i ka nui kino.
E kala nēia kino
I piliwi ai i laila
Pehea e hiki ai
E kō ai o ka manaʻo.
Ke hea mai nei Water Lily
E ao mai ʻoe iā kāua
Eia aʻe nō ʻo Pelo
Manu ʻāhaʻi ʻōlelo.
Lohe aku nei nā kuhina nui
A he ʻahahui ko Loma
Ke ʻoni aʻela i luna
E like me Likelike.
*Compiled by Michael-Thomas Foumai. Digitally published for the Hawaiʻi Symphony Sheraton Starlight Series on June 4-6 2021.
Where are you, Sanoe
You who dampens the young lehua bud
Here I am
Waiting for your voice.
With just your response
I am content like a water’s flow
Like a sweet sound from a sweetheart
That tingles throughout my person.
My entire being has so long
Believed in what is there
How can it come to be
How can my wishes come to pass.
Water Lily is calling
For you to be watchful over us
Here comes Pelo
A bird who spreads the news.
The great leaders have heard
And Rome has its own association
It moves skyward
Similar to Likelike.