Makana vs. Ho'okupu

'Ano'ai me ke aloha e ka lehulehu! One of the questions I get asked frequently is what is the difference between makana and ho'okupu. Let's go to the puke wehewehe 'ōlelo Hawai'i, the Hawaiian language dictionary first to see what it says. Makana is defined as gift or present. It also translates as award, reward, donation or prize. It can gift or to give a gift. Ho'okupu on the other hand literally means to cause growth, sprouting or to sprout. When you think about it, makana is a literal gift, ho'okupu is the thought behind the gift. In my learning, ,most of the time ho'okupu is used when describing an offering given during ceremony. For example, you might bring a ho'okupu to Founder's Day at Kamehameha Schools or you may offer a ho'okupu at a hula festival or celebration. Typically, ho'okupu is in the plant form and it is the mana'o behind the offering that makes it a ho'okupu. Just think of the defintion, you want to cause growth and sprouting forth, metaphorically, through the ho'okupu. An 'ulu or breadfruit might be offered as a play on the word ulu, which also means growth. In hula, many times, the ho'okupu are kinolau or plant manifestations of Laka, the Goddess of hula. The leo, or voice can be a ho'okupu as well. If you are visiting the Leeward, dry side of the island you might offer wai, fresh water, as a ho'okupu. The idea is to evoke the mana'o through the ho'okupu being presented. Now, makana, has more of a noa feeling to it, free of kapu. It is a meaningful gift, given from the heart, but can be thought of as a little lighter than a ho'okupu. Now, just remember the 'ōlelo no'eau, 'a'ohe pau ka 'ike i ka hālau ho'okahi, not all knowledge is taught in one school. If you are a student of hula or Hawaiian protocol you may have your own understanding of ho'okupu and makana. It is also important to check with the host of the event you're attending or the place you are visiting to understand their protocol and the expectations so that your ho'okupu or makana is appropriate. Hopefully, today's Morning Mana'o gives you a little insight and makes the task of selecting ho'okupu or makana a little less daunting.

aloha nō, a hui hou,
Luana