The Kumulipo: A Hawaiian Creation Chant, translated and annotated by esteemed folklorist Martha Warren Beckwith, is a profound exploration of one of the most sacred and complex genealogical chants in Polynesian culture. First recorded in the 18th century and traditionally passed down orally, the Kumulipo serves not only as a cosmic creation story but also as a royal genealogy, linking the Hawaiian monarchy to the divine origins of the universe. Beckwith's translation, first published in 1951, remains a seminal work in Pacific anthropology and literature. She approaches the chant with both scholarly rigor and deep cultural respect, offering extensive notes and contextual analysis that illuminate its structure, meaning, and significance. The text begins with the birth of light from darkness and proceeds through 16 wā (sections), detailing the emergence of life—from primordial creatures to humans and finally to the noble lineages of Hawaii. Her commentary draws parallels with other Polynesian myths and global creation narratives, highlighting both the uniqueness and universality of Hawaiian cosmology. Beckwith also explores the linguistic richness of the chant, its poetic form, and its role in ritual, memory, and identity. This edition stands as both a literary and anthropological treasure, preserving a vital piece of Hawaiian heritage. It invites readers into a worldview where the spiritual and natural worlds are deeply interconnected. For anyone interested in mythology, oral tradition, or indigenous knowledge, The Kumulipo is an essential and unforgettable read.