Quarter 1: Nani Ke Kalo

We see this in the moʻolelo of Hāloa, one of the Hawaiian creation stories. In it, Wākea and Hoʻohōkūkalani have a child. When it comes time for that child to be born, they find that he, unfortunately, is without life, so they bury the baby outside of the hale. In their mourning, they are consoled when they find that out of the area that the child was buried, came forth the first kalo plant, which they name Hāloanakalaukapalili. Hoʻohōkūkalani becomes pregnant again, this time giving birth to a healthy baby boy, who they also name Hāloa, after his kuaʻana (elder brother). Hāloa the kaikaina (younger brother) becomes the first aliʻi and the progenitor of the Hawaiian people, establishing in the Hawaiian world the familial connection of all Hawaiians to kalo. In the moʻolelo, we are reminded of our kuleana (responsibility, privilege) as kānaka (people) to mālama (care for) kalo, who in turn will feed, care for, and nourish us. 

Everyone’s life has purpose and meaning, therefore, loving, caring for, and respecting oneself is essential to being able to respect anything else. For us at Hoʻokuaʻāina, the phrase “nani ke kalo” reminds us to carry ourselves with great respect. Visitors are challenged to contemplate thoughts about themselves and shift their perspective, if needed, to consider the great value of their own life. All participants are to use the expression “nani ke kalo” as a reminder that they are sacred and must carry themselves accordingly. In addition, this expression is to be used to encourage others, who may not be thinking, speaking, or acting in such a way. After recognizing the value and importance of our own lives, we are then able to respect and care for ʻāina and for others in our families, classes, and community.

INQUIRY QUESTIONS

• What do you think about the following statements?

  • • Your life has meaning and purpose

    • Your life is destined for greatness

• Has anyone expressed those things to you? How does believing that shift how we see and carry ourselves?

• How can we apply the concept of “Nani Ke Kalo” to our lives today?  

Aloha kekahi i kekahi, the call to love one another, is the standard expectation set at Kapalai. This is no easy task. We all have been faced with the stress and busy-ness of life or have found ourselves in situations where our patience is tested. Unfortunately, it is often most challenging to be loving and compassionate to others in these moments, especially those who are closest to us. While difficult, these situations also provide amazing opportunities to demonstrate true aloha as we choose to put our best selves forward.

Through this ʻōlelo noʻeau we are reminded of the importance of consistently demonstrating aloha to others. It does not say that we should only aloha kekahi i kekahi sometimes or when we feel like it or when it is convenient. Rather, the call is to love one another always, even in moments when it is difficult. Rather than demanding love and respect or withholding our love and compassion until it is earned, we are challenged to take the first step in sharing our aloha.

All of this builds on the foundation of Nani Ke Kalo where we are reminded that our lives have intrinsic value and purpose. Once we learn to truly respect ourselves, we can begin to respect and honor others, and it is from this place that aloha flows.

INQUIRY QUESTIONS

• What does aloha mean to you? Why is it important?

• How do you show aloha to others? 

• In what ways do others express their aloha to you?

• What are ways we can practice aloha kekahi i kekahi at home? At school? In our communities?

INQUIRY QUESTIONS

• How do others show their aloha you? How does this make you feel?

• How do we feel when others are not showing us aloha? How does that affect our health and well-being?

• What are ways we can be more intentional to show our aloha to others? What impacts could that have on our families, classes, schools, and communities?