25th Inf. Div. Change of Command Ha'a Koa (Dance of the Warrior)

The 25th Infantry Division held change of command ceremony May 2, 2014 to welcome its new Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Charles A. Flynn and bid farewell to the outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. Kurt Fuller.

In a unique display, a group of 25th Inf. Div. Soldiers performed a traditional Ha'a Koa (Dance of the Warrior) and demonstrated the division's deep roots in the region and respect for the Hawaiian culture.

"Ha'a" is the Hawaiian word referring to the ancient, pre-hula, "bent-knee dance" performed by the men, while "koa" is the Hawaiian word for warrior. The term Ha'a Koa translates to Warrior dance or Dance of the Warrior. The Ha'a Koa is a kāne (masculine) protocol that is clearly and uniquely Hawaiian; Hawaiian in language, 'ike (thinking), and mana (spiritual power). The Ha'a Koa is not a particular dance, but refers to a type or category of dance that falls within an established criteria. As such, a particular Ha'a Koa may be a modern composition or consist of an ancient ha'a that may be hundreds of years old. In essence, the Ha'a Koa celebrates the spirit of the ancient Koa and the virtues of Aloha (love & compassion), Koa (valiant &c courage), Lōkahi (unity & peace), Kūpa'a (firm & loyal), and mana (power & authority).

Words and translation:

25ID Kaena / Ho'opapa:

EI MĀKOU KA PAPA KAUA IWAKĀLUA KŪMĀLIMA
(We are the 25th Infantry Division)

HĀNAU 'IA I KE KULA WELA O LEILEHUA
(Born [formed] on the hot plains of Leilehua)

AIA MA 'O KA MAUNA KI'EKI'E 'O KA'ALA
(There in the distance is majestic Mount Ka'ala)

NĀKOLOKOLO KA HEKILI MAMAO
(Thunder rumbles in the distance)

LAPA KA UILA MAI KA LANI
(Lightning strikes from the heavens)

25ID Ha'a:

HO'OWĀ KA HEKLI, WELIWELI I TE PŌ
(Thunder roars, dread fills the might)

(I) HO'OLONO NO KA UILA, A HELE MAI ANA
(Announced is the Lightning that is coming)

KĪKO'O NĀ MANAMANA LIMA, MAI WAHIAWĀ
(Reaching out, these powerful fingers of lightning, from Wahiawā)

I TAHITI TŪ, Ā TAHITI MOE
(Too far off distant lands/battlefields)

KĀ I KA HONUA, PĀPA'A IĀIA
(This lightning strikes the ground; it is scorched)

EIA KA MANA UILA, MAI WAHIAWĀ
(Here is the powerful lightning, from Wahiawā)