Ulili E

This is a cute little song about

shorebirds. An ulili is a wandering
tattler (Heteroscelus incanum), which
migrates to Hawaii in winter. It nests
near streams in the alpine tundra of
Alaska from April to August. The
tattlers then fly down the Pacific coast
and winter in the islands of the South
Pacific. In Hawaii, they may be seen
foraging for mollusks on mud flats,
sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and
streams either alone or in small groups.

ulili

The kolea is a Pacific golden plover

(Pluvialis fulva). It nests in the dry
upland tundra slopes of Alaska and
Siberia and winters in the South
Pacific. The 3000 mile migration from
Alaska to Hawaii takes only about two
days. Once in Hawaii, the plovers like
to eat insects and crustaceans in
coastal areas and may be seen on
lawns, fields, and golf courses, as well.
Hone ana ko leo e `ulili e
O kahi manu noho `ae kai
Kia`i ma ka lae a o kekaha
`O ia kai ua lana malie

kolea
The voice of the sandpiper is soft and sweet
Little bird of the sea foam
Ever watchful on the beaches
Where the sea is calm

Chorus:
'Ulili e
`Ulili ho`i
`Ulili holoholo kahakai e
O ia kai ua lana malie
[repeat]

Chorus:
The sandpiper
The sandpiper returns
Sandpiper runs along the beach
Where the sea is peaceful and calm

Hone ana ko leo ko lea e

Pehea `o Kahiki? Maika`i no
O ia `aina `uluwehiwehi
I hui pu `ia me ke onaona

The voice of the plover is soft and sweet

How are you, stranger? Very well
You grace our land
Imbued with fragrance

[chorus]

[chorus]