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There was a small island off the coast of Kawaihae where ilima flowers were cultivated for the royal family, but in 1946 a tsunami hit Kawaihae on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the island disappeared into the coral reef.
However, because the waves that crashed into the shore resembled the ilima flower, the waves were called Puakailima.
This song is filled with that story.
The song was written by Mrs. Kailihune Alama Naai, who was born in Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii and is said to have lived in Kawaihae, but since it is an old song there is not much information available.
It became famous in 1993 when Israel Kamakawiwo'ole sang it.
This song is arranged by Kyoichi Kishimoto, one of Japan's leading slack key guitar virtuosos, and is expressed in wonderful tones.