PIHA KA PEʻA I KA ʻEKA Ē
by Eugene "Eukaretz" Kristofher
PIHA KA PEʻA I KA ʻEKA Ē
TRANSLATION
The ʻEka winds of Kona fill the sail of a double haul canoe!
TRANSLATION THOUGHT
Knowledge found within the winds of Kona, encourages learning, experiences and exploring possible insights of Kona
MANA'O THOUGHT
The sails are filled with knowledge (opportunities) for a speedy journey of knowledge.
THE STORY
Traditionally, it was known that the waʻa was a reference to the kino (body); therefore, a Kālai Waʻa is truly a self-observant, self-protector, self-discoverer of knowledge past, present and future. Today, we see Kālai Waʻa as a navigator embarking upon the large ocean making important decisions for the canoe (Hōkūleʻa, Hikianaliʻa and Makaliʻi). E hoʻi I kapiko - Return to the center or return to traditional knowledge. Use this metaphor to navigate your own canoe into the future upon the large wave of technology focused upon traditional knowledge, family legacy and western understanding to impact your lifeʻs journey. Kauʻikeaouli was a true navigator for the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1825 - 1854 encouraging the perpetuation of righteous life.
RETURN TO TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Local culture which is respectfully removing your footwear at the entry of any house reflects the respect of the lauhala (pandanus) flooring which was used in a traditional Hawaiian household. Respectfully, the lauhala mats were created by community lauhala weavers (elders of the family as a legacy (Hoʻoilina). Kona was known to have created the most eloquentauhala pieces such as the Moena Lauhala (Lauhala mats), Pāpala Lauhala (Lauhala hats), Moe ā ʻUluna Lauhala (Lauhala beds & pillows), and ʻApolima Lauhala (Lauhala Bracelets). Today, Lauhala is no longer used for the traditional flooring, yet the tradition of respect continues with such a small gesture of traditional care within the family and their legacy of Hōʻihi -Respect.
GALLERY
