“The ‘aina (land) is where we go to get grounded. That is what we base our aloha ‘aina (love of the land) on. We manifest ourselves into everything that is physical and that is how we get back in tune with the spiritual. Humans are the only ones not in tune with it. Where I am standing and where you are standing IS our closest spiritual world. At the moment I am looking at the coastline, at coffee trees, mango trees, banana trees. This place that I love has been in the family for over 1000 years and these were all planted by my ancestors. It is recognized as the mana, the spiritual self, caring. What they nurture and I have gone into that realm. I know the trees are all alive– it nurtures me, my family, my children and whoever else.”
Anonymous, Native Hawaiian Guide, Island of Hawai’i
UA MAU KE EA O KA ‘AINA I KA PONO — The life of the land is preserved in righteousness.
Tags: aloha, hawaiian culture, hawaiian language
Shelah Abubo is the owner of Jean & Abbott Properties a Kauai based rental agency specializing in luxury Kauai Vacation Rentals. Born & raised on Kauai, Shelah knows the Island intimately and has found her passion in sharing her knowledge and expertise with island travelers and guests.
