Ma ka hana ka 'ike

Aloha kakahiaka Morning Mana'o listeners! As we continue our journey in na'auao and ways we become enlightened and wise, today I share with you another 'ōlelo no'eau that helps us understand how we learn best as Hawaiians. Ma ka hana ka 'ike, there is knowledge to be gained through work. The mana'o (idea) behind this 'ōlelo no'eau is that we truly learn by doing. We can sit in a classroom and talk about planting kalo (taro), but when we get into the lo'i kalo (taro patch), feel the mud between our toes and put the huli (starter taro plants) into the ground with our own hands, it is then and only then that we learn the art of planting taro. When we do the work our ancestors did, pass the same pōhaku (stones) from hand to hand as we reconstruct an ancient fishpond, we begin to really understand the magnitude of our ancestors intellect and ingenuity. So, in the first phasse of learning we ho'olohe pono (listen carefully) and nānā (observe/watch). Then, we ho'opili, imitate and mimic through hands on work. This wonderful pearl of wisdom left for us by our kūpuna applies to us as we learn to speak Hawaiian as well. We can talk about language all day, but when we listen, observe, mimic and try to speak and write, this is when we really learn. This is why I am so ha'aheo (proud) of each of you for jumping on board in this journey. Language acquisition can be intimidating and frustrating, but you have overcome the biggest hurdle by having the courage to ho'ā'o, to try! E ho'omau kākou, may we continue the excellent work we have started together!

Aloha nō, a hui hou!

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.