Naupaka, that mysterious half-a-bloom white flower commonly found thriving near beaches, long has been a beguiling hula and vocal number in Waikiki shows.

The oft-told legend is retold by the beloved Auntie Nona Beamer in a new book, "Naupaka," crisply illustrated with a series of block-print images by artist Caren Ke'ala Loebel-Fried. The late Auntie Nona's favorite butterfly icon earns a spot on the cover.

A CD is included. It features Auntie Nona reading the tale in a simple yet compelling voice, accompanied by her singer-composer son, Keola Beamer, on guitar, and a Hawaiian translation by hanai son Kaliko Beamer-Trapp.

The Hawaiian legend tells a tale of pre-colonial Hawai'i, when ali'i — the royals — were thought to be descendants of gods.

It's a romantic saga about Naupaka and her beloved Kau'i, who can't be together (she's a royal, he's a commoner). After being ordered to stay apart by the kahuna after a long trek to a heiau, Naupaka remains in the mountains, Kau'i returns to the seashore. And the naupaka symbolizes their separation.

Auntie Nona's storytelling skills drip into her simple yet compelling text. Loebel-Fried's bold graphics provide iconic images, right on for young readers.