The Value of Hawaii 2: Ancestral Roots, Oceanic Visions

He Welo

HE WELO HÄWANE RIOS Thriving Temple Unwavering Boundless Energy Essence Clarity Unity Frequency Vibration Highest Upmost Sacred Brilliant Majestic Birthright KA WEHENA / THE RISING As I step out into the darkness, a peaceful calm comes over my being. Shades of blue paint the expansive sky, getting lighter as I journey to the top. A cloudbank comes to greet the summit with a gift of lei for an old friend. The cool mist of Lilinoe dances playfully with the breeze of Lïhau. A gust of wind awakens my spirit and sends an electric chill through my feet, landing at my Rios, He Welo 281 very core. The first rays of sun touch the great realm of Kanaloa and shine ever so slightly, like the dew on the wings of an ‘iwa bird in the morning. Kükahau‘ula spreads his warm red kapa cloak over the majestic mountain and embraces cherished Poli‘ahu with a kind of love that is both rare and true. As I lift my arms to the mighty Wäkea in silent prayer, while grounding deep into the great Papawali‘inu‘u, a divine energy trembles on the earth and reflects in the sky. My eyes wander to the last of the gleaming stars above that whisper the stories of creation, and I am forever changed. E ala e ke ‘äpapalani e. ‘O Mauna a Wäkea ke ‘äiwaiwa la‘a kapu o Hawai‘inuiäkea. KA PILINA / THE CONNECTION The profound connection I feel to Mauna a Wäkea is so deep, so clear and unwavering, that it is almost indescribable. My childhood memories are filled with moments of looking to this sacred mountain in awe of its incredible vastness and unprecedented beauty. I was raised to honor the mother earth and her marvelous bounty; to know the powerful relationship between human , earth, sky, sea, and creature; and to understand that we are not separate but one with the universe. These teachings allowed me to open myself to the wonder of the spirit world and to tap into the pure and all-encompassing interconnectedness of which my ancestors were masters. Like all of us, my spiritual journey began long before my soul came back and manifested in this body form. I am humbled to have come down bringing the gift of sight with me, a gift that many in my family line have carried with them for generations. I am no longer afraid to talk about what I see and hear in the spirit world, for this is a part of my history, my culture, and genealogy. However, when I speak about this, I do so in trust and with the utmost respect and gratitude to the realm that has shaped me in every way. KA HO‘INA / THE RETURN The first time that I can recall an encounter with the spirit in full detail was when I traveled to Kaua‘i at the age of ten. I can still remember sitting up in my bed and looking around me with elements of confusion and fear. When I finally settled into the magic happening around me, I realized the magnitude of the moment and chose to accept it with gratitude. As time passed and I grew older and more influenced by the weight of society, I became fearful, and asked that this gift be taken from me. I was told that only when I was ready, open, and clear of the fear and doubt would I be able to see again. Years passed, and I grew further away from my center and true self. I allowed myself to get so enraptured by the human experience and drama of it all that 282 SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS I almost forgot the teachings I was brought up with. I am grateful for that time of my life for it allowed me to explore and venture down paths that led to many of my most intense and insightful life lessons. Each of these experiences has taught me great things about perseverance, forgiveness, and courage . The path back to the center, to the mauli, began when I planted my feet on the summit and bowed down to the power of the elements. A promise and commitment to the mountain was made and has since then guided my every step as a kanaka Hawai‘i of this land. KA HO‘OHIKI / THE PROMISE In 2011, my family became petitioners...