It previously served as the national anthem of the independent Hawaiian Kingdom during the late 19th century, as well as the short Republic of Hawaii, and has continued to be Hawaii's official anthem ever since annexation by the United States in 1898.

It was adopted as the national anthem in 1876,[1] replacing Liliʻuokalani's composition "He Mele Lāhui Hawaiʻi".

The melody is reminiscent of "God Save the King" and the Prussian anthem "Heil dir im Siegerkranz".

[2] "Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" is commonly sung at sporting events in Hawaii, immediately after the U.S. national anthem.

Hawaii's own, Honor give to thy chiefs, Of kindred race are we, Younger descent.

Hawaii's own, People of this our land, Duty calls fealty, Guide in the right.