Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: guitar
Song Meaning of “Pupu Hinuhinu” by Keola Beamer
This beautiful traditional Hawaiian song, ‘Pupu Hinuhinu’, is written and performed by slack key guitar master Keola Beamer. It speaks of the distant past and of a mysterious and magical time of profound beauty and wonder. The translation of the song title is “Floating Shells on the Sea”, which captures the imagery of a tranquil ocean, filled with delicate shells drifting on the calm surface of the water.
The song speaks of Keola’s longing to remember and relive those tranquil days, and of his love for his home island of Hawaii. His expert guiar playing embodies his desire to reconnect with his people and their culture that have been lost in the passage of time. He implores us to remember and cherish the beloved days of the past, and to revel in the culture that shaped Hawaii and its people. The lyrics and music evoke a strong feeling of nostalgia as the listener is transported to a time of harmony and peace.
Keola’s words in the song are a reminder of just how fragile and precious life is, and of how our lives can often be a bittersweet mixture of sorrow and joy. He reminds us that no matter what the future may bring, our relationship with our history and our culture is something that will never be compromised. Through this powerful song, Keola encourages us to bring back these beautiful memories and to embrace the culture of Hawaii that will always remain in our hearts.