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The Reverend Lorenzo Lyons "An interminable language...it is one of the oldest living languages of the earth, as some conjecture, and may well be classed among the best... Long live the grand old, sonorous, poetical Hawaiian language."
One of the most beloved songs written by The Reverend Lorenzo Lyons, known as Makua Laiana. A local classic, it is sung together as a closing song at Hawaiian gatherings with the holding of hands with those adjacent, swaying with the music, and holding hands up high at the end.
... there were dissenters. Reverend Lorenzo Lyons, for one, praised the native tongue as "grand, old, sonorous, and poetical." Lyons wrote: "I've studied Hawaiian for 46 years but am by no means perfect ... it is an interminable language ... one of the oldest living languages of the earth, as some conjecture, and may well be classed among the best." ~ The Rev. Lorenzo Lyons ~
"Hawai'i has a long history of non-Hawaiians who have been embraced by the Hawaiian people. Kamehameha I considered Capt. George Vancouver a friend. Rev. Lorenzo Lyons was beloved by his congregation on Maui and wrote many hymns, in English and in Hawaiian, that are still sung today, among them "Hawai'i Aloha" which Hawaiians sing at get-togethers before they part to go home. More recently, there's Dr. Terry Shintani, who formulated "The Wai`anae Diet" which advocates traditional native Hawaiian nutritional practices. There's Puakea Nogelmeier, originally from the Midwest, now an instructor of Hawaiian language at UH-Mânoa, and a composer of songs (in Hawaiian) which have been recorded by artists such as Keali'i Reichel." ~ Malia
"Hawai`i Aloha: This is one of the many songs composed by the Reverend Lorenzo Lyons, known as Makua Laiana, who had a church for many years at Waimea, Hawai`i. He died in 1886. A variant title for the song is "Ku`u One Hanau." The song is so popular with Hawaiians that the melody is used in other songs. Mana`o (thoughts) by Mark Keali`i Ho`omalu, kumu hula of Na Mele Hula `Ohana, San Leandro, CA. Hawai`i Aloha is commonly sung in a circle, with hands raised overhead at the conclusion of the final refrain." ~ Hawaiian Independence HP
" Hawai`i Aloha: One of the most beloved songs written by Rev. Lorenzo Lyons, also known as Makua Laiana, was taken from an old hymn "I Left It All With Jesus" composed by James McGranahan (1840-1907). Sources: Na Mele o Hawai'i Nei by Elbert & Mahoe, University Press of Hawaii and Hawaiian Music & Musicians by George Kanahele."
Hokuloa Church , Puako Rd., west of Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy. (19) at Puako. Small, white stucco church, built by Reverend Lorenzo Lyons, dedicated in 1859. ~ Natural Hawai`i
"KEKAPA LEE, "Aloha Kekahi I Kekahi" This album is a treasured collection of old hymns translated into the Hawaiian language by the missionaries, most predominately Lorenzo Lyons, and others dating from the 1800's to the present. When Kekapa sings, he says that he, "...can soar to the heavens and share the Aloha that is in (his) heart!" Kekapa has been the kahu at Waiola Hawaiian Church in Lahaina (Maui) since 1990, and this is his first recording." ~ mele.com
"Waimea's landmark for over a century has been the Imiola Church, which was built in 1857 by the missionary Lorenzo Lyons. He gained popularity by writing articles for the local papers and composing Hawaiian songs and hyms. The church choir still sings in both Hawaiian and English. You can tour the church for free. It is located on 'church row' street, a few minutes past the shopping center." ~ Waimea Sights
~ A Beautiful Rendition by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo`ole ~ CD: IZ: The Man and His Music~ Another song by The Rev. Lyons: He Aloha Lani Ke Kau Nei ~ Scroll down to see a photograph of The Rev. Lyons ~ Genealogy: Hawaiian Missionaries ~ Listing of History Makers ~ Hawai`i Aloha with Chords |
