This particular piece of music originates from Hawaii. It is a traditional Mele Oli chant. There are two different types of Oli chants. The first type, as mentioned above, is a Mele Oli. They are chants that are performed without any musical instrumentation and performed with the voice of a singular individual. Mele Hula are traditionally accompanied by dance and musical instrumentation. Ancient Hawaiians use Oli as their primary source of preservation of oral histories and traditions. It is understood that within the themes and kaona (hidden or double meanings) spiritual power, or mana, is contained and preserved. 

“Oli Mahalo” is used at events or ceremonies to give thanks and acknowledge their teachers’ knowledge and teachings. 

English Translation: 

“ To spread forth, open up the fine quality mat

Exchange/share as potluck or aloha

Exchange as greetings 

To honor and adorn with the lehua flower

From East to West; sunrise to sunset 

(We are discoverers, navigators, take care of our ‘āina)

We thank our creators 

We thank our beloved ancestors

We thank you with love 

We thank you with love”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSL1VE6FA3Q