Na Wai Ho'i Ka 'Ole O Ke Akamai?

Aloha mai e ko Maui! Kauikeaouli established "He Aupuni Ho'ona'auao, A Kingdom of Learning". His brother, 'Iolani Liholiho, Kamehameha II, who reigned before him also valued education. When Liholiho traveled abroad to Europe he received compliments from other monarchs who praised his wisdom. He responded to this praise by saying, "Na wai ho'i ka 'ole o ke akamai, he alahele i ma'a i ka hele 'ia e o'u mau makua." "Who would not be wise on a path walked upon by my parents and ancestors?" In his response he did two things. First, he acknowledged his kūpuna, his ancestors and their intelligence. He understood that because his ancestors were smart, innovative, wise and they had taught these things to him, he, too had inhereted those same qualities. His kūpuna valued intelligence and instilled in him a love of learning. Although he was being praised he returned that praise and glory to the source, his kūpuna. Second, he showed his confidence in his upbringing. He considered himself no different than any of the other monarchs of the world. He saw himself as their equal. We learn valuable lessons from Liholiho. As parents and adult role models, we can instill in our keiki and the keiki we have contact with, this same kind of confidence. We can help them value education and become confident, contributing members of our community. So just how we do this? Tune in tomorrow and we'll discover some ways together.