Kaena

Aloha kakahiaka! Today's Morning Mana'o emphasizes the importance of correct pronunciaiton and spelling in Hawaiian. Let's look at two words, spelled exactly the same way, Ka'ena and Kaena. The first word has an 'okina in it, Ka'ena. The second has no 'okino, Kaena. With the exception of the 'okina they are spelled the same way, k, a, e, n, a, but they have two very different meanings. Ka'ena with the 'okina can mean the glowing, the red glow or angry, raging, enraged. Kaena without the 'okina means to brag, boast, conceited or proud. You can clearly see why it is so important to spell and pronounce Hawaiian words correctly. When I think of the word Kaena I can recall a story entitled, Nā Keiki 'Elima, The Five Children. It uses the word Kaena frequently and has a great ha'awina, lesson and is filled with loina, values. E ho'olohe mai as I share the story with you.

There once were five children who went out to spear fish. The first keiki boasted and said, "I can get a he'e." He dived down and came up with nothing. The second keiki boasted and said, "I can get an ula, lobster." He dived down and came up with nothing. The third keiki boasted and said, "I can get an uhu." He dived down and came up qith nothing. The fourth keiki boasted and said, "I can get a kala." He dived down and like the others he came up with absolutely nothing. The fifth and final keiki said nothing at all. He simply dove down into the water and when he surfaced he had nā i'a he nui, plenty of fish, all kinds. His name was Ka'imipono, ke keiki kaena 'ole, the child that didn't brag. (Nā Keiki 'Elima. Wilson, Pila. Hale Kuamo'o. 1992.)

Such a great mo'olelo with a wonderful lesson for us to learn. When we do not boast or brag, but instead are quiet and humble, we are blessed abundantly. Pipi Holo Ka'ao, let the story be told. Aloha nō, a hui hou.