Nā Pu‘u Kinikini ‘o Waimea

Nā Pu‘u Kinikini ‘o Waimea

Our family comes from the valleys of Kohala and the rolling hills of Waimea. This deep and unwavering love we have for this ‘āina was passed down through the generations, through stories, songs, dances, and chants. My Grandfather and his brothers were raised hunting the forests behind our home and observing the four rivers. Their intimate pilina to the living world in and around them is such a powerful reflection of the way our Great Grandmother Mable Ke’alalaua’e lived her life in sacred relationship to the land and sea.

I can see that love in the way my mother dances on the hillside of Owa’owaka. I hear it in the way my cousin Keomailani knows and speaks the names of our homelands. I feel it in the way the wind responds to our voices as we say those very names out loud together.

I am so proud to come from this family. It is so beautiful to know that every single person in our generation has a passion and gift that connects them to who we are as Kānaka Hawai’i. My cousin Keomailani, is the Middle School Principle of Kanu o ka ‘Āina and a living resource of elemental knowledge. Her sister Emalani is brilliant PhD and Professor of Pacific Studies in Aotearoa. Their sister Auli‘i is an incredibly talented artist in multiple disciplines. All of their brothers are hunters and amazing fathers to their children.

I look at my Aunty Brenda’s daughters and can’t help but be moved to tears thinking of the women they have become. Lilinoe is an amazing artist who owns her own successful makeup and nail business. She is an incredible mother to two beautiful keiki. Shiadani has become a lomi practitioner and continues to expand her skill sets daily. Aunty Dina and Uncle Mikes son, Heimana, has just graduated high school and has such a bright and creative mind.

I look at my sister, Kapulei, and the wells of love I have for her overflow like our rivers do after a big rain. She is so young and already is a celebrated and extremely accomplished photographer. She is preparing for her rites of passage ceremony and is now training to become an ‘ōlapa.

We all are who we are because of the those who came before us.

E ola ka Hale Kū Pa‘a