Hala

Aloha kakahiaka Morning Mana'o listeners! I've been thinking about hala lately. Probably has to do with the beautiful lei hala I saw this past weekend. Let's spend some time exploring this plant. Hawaiian Hala is the Pandanus tree. It is one of the most resourceful plants and was used in many different ways by our kūpuna. The leaves are woven into mats, sails, fans, bracelets and hats. The dried fruit is used as a paint brush. There are both male and female versions of hala. Even the talc of the male flower was used by our ancestors. The beautiful bright yellow and orange fruit are sewn into lei hala. Hala literally means to pass, elapse as time, to pass by or even to pass away. With that in mind, we should be careful when we use lei hala. So, what are some appropriate occasions to use hala or to give it? When someone is passing from one phase of life to the next, graduation perhaps, a hula 'ūniki or a moving up in their career or field, hala is very appropriate. I received lei hala at my 'ūniki signifying my transition to Kumu Hula. Lei hala would also be an appropriate lei at a funeral, symbolizing the passing from this life to the next life. It is an exceptionally beautiful lei! Hala is referred to in mele as well. Puna on the island of Hawai'i is famous for its hala and ka hala mapuana is associated with Kaua'i and in chant we hear of the hala from Naue. Hāmākuapoko here on our island of Maui is known for ka ua pe'e pūhala, the rain that makes one hide under the hala leaves. There are many 'ōlelo no'eau associated with this plant as well. Join me tomorrow as we explore some of them. Aloha nō, a hui hou!

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