Kumulipo
Origin, genisis, source of life.
From the depths of the darkness to the first ray of light, the Kumulipo is our creation story orating the birth of our land, our resources, and our initial being. It's humbling to reflect upon a time when the heat stirred the earth, from the first coral polyp to a time where only Akua could enter this realm, and on to the time when the first Kanaka was born. The Kumulipo is our foundation intertwined in our DNA, all 16 verses of it. Our genealogy is a continuation of that story for which we are still telling today guided by the mana reverberated through every gate of transmission.
Hoa
To tie, bind, secure, lash.
A friend, partner, or companion.
Hoa, amongst its many meanings, is a term used in my halau when binding hau around lauhala creating a handle on an 'ulī'ulī (gourd rattle - hula implement). This is one of the last steps used to bind everything together securing and creating the final product. The word hoa also means a friend, companion, or partner. Throughout this design process, I found myself deeply appreciating the connections, the ties, and the binding of thoughts, and goals that I can exchange and converse about with my friends and family. I am thankful for the relationships we have all built by lashing such thoughts and actions together.
360º Hoa
To tie, bind, secure, lash.
A friend, partner, or companion.
Hoa, amongst its many meanings, is a term used in my halau when binding hau around lauhala creating a handle on an 'ulī'ulī (gourd rattle - hula implement). This is one of the last steps used to bind everything together securing and creating the final product. The word hoa also means a friend, companion, or partner. Throughout this design process, I found myself deeply appreciating the connections, the ties, and the binding of thoughts, and goals that I can exchange and converse about with my friends and family. I am thankful for the relationships we have all built by lashing such thoughts and actions together.
Kahili
To tie, bind, secure, lash.
A friend, partner, or companion.
Hoa, amongst its many meanings, is a term used in my halau when binding hau around lauhala creating a handle on an 'ulī'ulī (gourd rattle - hula implement). This is one of the last steps used to bind everything together securing and creating the final product. The word hoa also means a friend, companion, or partner. Throughout this design process, I found myself deeply appreciating the connections, the ties, and the binding of thoughts, and goals that I can exchange and converse about with my friends and family. I am thankful for the relationships we have all built by lashing such thoughts and actions together.
360º Kāhili
This design is based on a series of ceremony taken place in one week on Hawaiʻi island in 2019 that lead to one large ceremony on the mauna. Hulu (feathers) and Kahili (feathered staffs) were very prominent throughout the days of our ceremonies and shared their beauty in the clouds, ʻoli, mele, hula, and moʻolelo portrayed that week. We later made our way to the Mauna as a hui and in the grace of our kupunas splendid touches we shared space obtaining energy that fed us for weeks to come. It is within this design that I reflect upon these moments and creations that hold the essence of time and space.
Kupu
Sprout, growth, off spring.
My favorite part about watching a plant grow is when they first begin to sprout. The first breath of a new life is so special and every bit of magical portraying strength and resilience. A great example of resilience and growth is the Kupukupu fern who is one of the first to grow by breaking through the foundation of a freshly hardened lava flow. It is also in these moments of hardships and tribulation when we question our potential and worth, but are reminded that we were designed to withstand the piercing elements that life throws our way. It's a great reminder to remain rooted and it is the rough terrain that shapes and grounds the strongest plants and trees.
Pā Pōhaku
Stone wall
The process of creating a stone wall always mesmerizes my thoughts and I. From its function and purpose to its abilities and strengths. Pā Pōhaku stand firm, tall, and strong because of the energy and awareness that is put into building it. We are pōhaku who build off of each other and together our strengths and weaknesses refresh a resilience instilled by our kupuna and ʻāina that feed us.
360º Pā Pōhaku
Stone wall
The process of creating a stone wall always mesmerizes my thoughts and I. From its function and purpose to its abilities and strengths. Pā Pōhaku stand firm, tall, and strong because of the energy and awareness that is put into building it. We are pōhaku who build off of each other and together our strengths and weaknesses refresh a resilience instilled by our kupuna and ʻāina that feed us.
Pūnāwai
Fresh Water Spring
When water begins to make its way below the ground it is headed towards a complex net of terrain. Through cracks, crevices, and pockets of air it is on a journey to an underground mass flow body of water. These underground aquifers work with our fresh water springs to transport the flow to the shoreline where in turn, Loko i’a (Fish Ponds) are able to be built. Our fishponds are designed to generate brackish water within the pond which in turn creates a healthy living environment to raise fish that can care for the community.
It is important that we acknowledge our Pūnāwai because it is for the most part unseen, yet it plays a very vital role in how our systems run. It is a great reminder of patience, for the most purified water surfaces from journeying through the toughest terrain.
These systems, fishponds, and works of our Kupuna are a reminder of who we are and the possibilities we are capable of when we take care of the people, places, and things that feed us and our `āina. Ola I ka wai!
Nā Wāhine
To the wahine in my life who tend to the fire that hold the health and wellness of our communities and ʻāina. Your strength is boundlessly inspiring and i’m forever grateful to share spaces with your strength and experiences.
Kanaloa
“The foundation of the earth”, brother of Kāne (god of fresh water), and god of the ocean. He is the bridge that connects our shores to one another and ignites the depths of our deepest thoughts. The power of the ocean and the life that is created within it are products of Kāne and Kanaloa who elivate through each living being. Ola!
Wai
Kāne — our god of fresh water— is a vital part in balancing the sources of sustinance and creative energy that allows the health and wellness of our people and our land to continually flow. Stretching from Uka (inland/upland) to Kai (the ocean) the flow of our rivers dictate the health and wellness of our land and communities. There are often boulders, branches, and obstacles that sit in the waters path, but wai always finds a way to move around and continue on its journey. I am encouraged by the power that wai holds. To give and sustain life and to to mold and create fluid paths. I often remind myself to really embody the qualities that wai holds and move through/around each obstacle, direct my flow with a purpose, and continue on this beautiful journey.
Hāʻena
Red-hot, burning, hot breath.
Each day the sun rises, there is an exchange of breath between the first light of day and our ʻāina (land). Hāʻena is the name this interaction was given sharing its vast breath of life amongst all it can touch. This inoa (name) is deeply rooted in a few special spaces across the pae ʻāina who also share the name, Hāʻena.
The very first spark of inspiration for these earrings come from Hāʻena on Kauaʻi where I share my first experience of the truest form of ʻāina momona (fertile/rich land). It is a blessing to bask in the sun beneath Makana, hiʻu wai in Limahuli, and explore the reefs of Keʻē. The healing effect is instant and this pattern was inspired by the amazing people who mālama this wahi and allow others to add to its essece. I am grateful for those who continue to pass on the knowledge, stories, and practices of their kupuna. Mahalo for letting us be apart of your journey.
360º Hāʻena
Red-hot, burning, hot breath.
Each day the sun rises, there is an exchange of breath between the first light of day and our ʻāina (land). Hāʻena is the name this interaction was given sharing its vast breath of life amongst all it can touch. This inoa (name) is deeply rooted in a few special spaces across the pae ʻāina who also share the name, Hāʻena.
Pilina
Association, Relationship, Union, Connection
Pilina is the relationship and connection that is established between people, place, and all that is held within those spaces. The association we have with our ‘āina (land), ourselves, and each other establishes the quality of balance that life entails. As an extension of the beings that feed us it is important that we give back and feed those places and spaces as well. Pilina, is having a strong relationship or connection that inspires awareness. Being observant and aware is how we understand and tend to these relationships because what we give is what will receive from them.
Pilina
Association, Relationship, Union, Connection
Pilina is the relationship and connection that is established between people, place, and all that is held within those spaces. The association we have with our ‘āina (land), ourselves, and each other establishes the quality of balance that life entails. As an extension of the beings that feed us it is important that we give back and feed those places and spaces as well. Pilina, is having a strong relationship or connection that inspires awareness. Being observant and aware is how we understand and tend to these relationships because what we give is what will receive from them.
Kuamoʻo
Backbone, spine, or path
He ola lōʻihi nō ʻiwikuamoʻo
The long lasting life of our backbone
This ’ōlelo no’eau is a reminder of the people and places that have set the path to who we are today. Our backbone, our foundation, and our kupuna (ancestors) who live on through us and the paths we follow. We are living proof of our ancestors wildest dreams.
Kapalili
Fluttering, waving, as a leaf in the wind
As hula dancers, we are taught to mimick the world around us to contribute to the vibrations and elevate them in our own ways. I remember as a little girl I would watch the wind blow currents through the trees as the leaves dance and sway to the beat it plays. Itʻs not everyday we come across people who are aware of the constant elements that we experience everyday, but it is a dream to one day radiate a vast awareness for these beings again and the characteristics they hold for each place.
Ahuahu
Healthy, strength, and vigor —as of animal or plant—
What does it mean to be healthy, to have strength, or to be vigourus? .. It is to find balance and stability within the moments we are pushed to grow or thrive in an uncomfortable way. When we look at how resilient our plants and trees are I am inspired by their strength to attain through many adversaries that life throws their way. Ahuahu is a perspective of seeing each situation as a lesson or even a blessing by understanding the purpose of every event and being within our journey.
360º Ahuahu
Healthy, strength, and vigor —as of animal or plant—
What does it mean to be healthy, to have strength, or to be vigourus? .. It is to find balance and stability within the moments we are pushed to grow or thrive in an uncomfortable way. When we look at how resilient our plants and trees are I am inspired by their strength to attain through many adversaries that life throws their way. Ahuahu is a perspective of seeing each situation as a lesson or even a blessing by understanding the purpose of every event and being within our journey.
360º Papa
Flat surface, reef, layer, foundation
Within our Kumulipo, the first thing born into the realm of light is koʻa (coral). Our foundation. This design is also apart of a bigger design named Pā Pōhaku (Stone Wall) and refers to the start of the building process. When a stone wall is built it is vital that the foundation be set first. The process of solidifying each layer is an important step to ensuring that what youʻre building will be strong and stable. Before we begin any project itʻs recomended to set the foundation and the rest will follow in its lead.
Lono
O ke au o Makali’i ka po.
The time of the rise of the Pleiades.
This is the indication of a new year. The sun sets in the west and Makali’i rises on the horizon in the east. It is the beginning of the Makahiki Season honoring our god of peace and fertility, Lono. Bringing forth a shift in weather and a time to tend to relationships and each other while allowing our ‘aina to breathe. This is a time to enjoy each other, the vitality in the rains, the stories carried by the wind and the significance in replenishing all that feeds us.
This design is dedicated to Lono. He is present in the misty lights that shine beneath the clouds while they soar through the sky and the voice we hear in the storms. He is the rain that is sent to the ground and the vitality sent to feed all of that which lays below the horizon. During this time of the year he is present in all the shifts of weather. This simple design has been replicated into different forms of Lono just like all the different forms he shares with us.
Makawalu
Numerous, many, much, eight eyes
Makawalu & the water cycle.
Through each stage of the water cycle there are boundaries and situations to overcome. Water shape shifts into entirely new vessels to continue their journey. Turning into gas, being liquified, floating in the air, going through bodies of plants, animals, people, and falling onto ʻāina, but continuously moving to allow the filteration of our enviroment to refine and remind us of its purest being.
Makawalu is allowing ourselves to use our senses and resources to look at one thing in —at the very least— 8 different perspectives. This way of understanding is what guides the way we view each other and the world around us.
Makawalu is the word that comes to mind when thinking of the layers that cleanse the water that persists deep beneath the floors of our foundation. With each layer refining the shift as an everlasting entity they travel through dirt, rock, sand, and cement filtering to its purest form of liquid. That is makawalu. To allow a perspective to be filtered through many layers as well as potential outcomes which in turn allows a thought, word, story, or action to be refined until weʻre left with its pure concept and understanding. Itʻs a beautiful reminder of having patience (ahonui) beause all it takes is persistant hard work and time.
360º Makawalu
Numerous, many, much, eight eyes
Makawalu & the water cycle.
Through each stage of the water cycle there are boundaries and situations to overcome. Water shape shifts into entirely new vessels to continue their journey. Turning into gas, being liquified, floating in the air, going through bodies of plants, animals, people, and falling onto ʻāina, but continuously moving to allow the filteration of our enviroment to refine and remind us of its purest being.
Makawalu is allowing ourselves to use our senses and resources to look at one thing in —at the very least— 8 different perspectives. This way of understanding is what guides the way we view each other and the world around us.
Makawalu is the word that comes to mind when thinking of the layers that cleanse the water that persists deep beneath the floors of our foundation. With each layer refining the shift as an everlasting entity they travel through dirt, rock, sand, and cement filtering to its purest form of liquid. That is makawalu. To allow a perspective to be filtered through many layers as well as potential outcomes which in turn allows a thought, word, story, or action to be refined until weʻre left with its pure concept and understanding. Itʻs a beautiful reminder of having patience (ahonui) beause all it takes is persistant hard work and time.