DESCRIPTION:
From Steven Espaniola's sophomore album Ho'omaopopo produced by Dave Tucciarone. Queen Kapiʻolani's "Ka Ipo Lei Manu" composed for King Kalākaua | Featured guest artist: Kumu Kawika Alfiche.
Video directed and edited by: Duncan O'Brien

Shot on location in downtown San Francisco near the Palace Hotel.

Purchase full album at iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, mele.com or mkaloha.com

Queen Kapiʻolani composed this song for her husband after he left Hawaiʻi for the mainland aboard the Charleston, Nov, 1890. Under great political stress, his doctors thought a change of climate would benefit his failing health. He arrived in San Francisco, Dec 4, and took up residence at the Palace Hotel. He toured southern California and returned to San Francisco the middle of January for medical attention. January 20, 1891, the King died at the Palace Hotel. His last words were "Tell my people I tried".

He never heard this haunting love song.