The Makahiki Carol
copyright 2003, D. Leilehua Yuen

You’ve heard of Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen
You’ve heard of the babe in the manger,
Born so long ago
And Santa who lives in the North, in the Snow
But how many know of our holiday here,
When Makali`i, the Pleides shines bright and clear
Three months, said our ancients, three months of peace
While Makali`i, the Pleides, shines bright in the East
A time of no toil, no trouble, no fear
That’s Makahiki, the Hawaiian New Year

Holiday time, oh Holiday time, Holiday time is here

Put aside your worries, put aside your fears

Dig the imu deep and wide for the biggest hog

Find an old kiawe tree for the biggest log

Put aside all anger, discontent and tears

Seek out joy and happiness at this time of year

In the land of aloha plant the seeds of peace

Faith and hope and charity to harvest for the feast

Hau`oli Makahiki Hou! Sing it loud and clear!

Makali`i shines a light by which we can steer

Chart a course for happiness all the whole year through

And when those stars roll ‘round again the world will sing with you!