vt., To correct. To put in order; to regulate; to correct what is erroneous.

To put to rights; to put in order or shape, correct, revise, adjust, amend, regulate, arrange, rectify, tidy up, make orderly or neat, administer, superintend, supervise, manage, edit, work carefully and neatly; to make ready, as canoemen preparing to catch a wave (For. 5:127). Cf. luna hoʻoponopono, mea hoʻoponopono. Hoʻoponopono ʻole, slovenly untidy, disorderly, careless, thoughtless, uninhibited, blunt, reckless. Hoʻoponopono hou, to revise, reorganize, re-edit. Noho hoʻoponopono ʻole, sitting in a careless or indecent way. Kāna hoʻoponopono ʻana i ka ʻāina (Laie 495), his apportioning of the land [on becoming chief]. Ka hoʻoponopono waiwai ʻana (For. 5:129), the financial arrangements, adjustments. Hoʻoponopono waiwai, administrator or executor of an estate; to administer an estate. Hale hoʻoponopono, administration building. Ka hoʻoponopono ʻana, regulation. Kānāwai hoʻoponopono ʻia, revised law.

Mental cleansing: family conferences in which relationships were set right (hoʻoponopono) through prayer, discussion, confession, repentance, and mutual restitution and forgiveness (Na_na_ 60).

SOURCE: https://kumukahi.org/units/na-kanaka/mauli-ola/hooponopono

e aliʻi ka laʻi, he haku na ke aloha.
Peace is a chief, the lord of love. Where peace is, there love abides also.
— ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #532

Problem Solving in Hawaiian Culture: Ho‘oponopono

Conflicts and misunderstandings are a part of human experience, but Hawaiian culture offers a traditional approach to resolving these issues and restoring harmony within families. This process is known as ho‘oponopono, which translates to “making things right.”

The Process of Ho‘oponopono

Ho‘oponopono is led by a respected elder or leader known as a haku. The haku is chosen for their wisdom and ability to guide the process fairly. The steps involved include:

Choosing the Haku: The leader is selected based on their experience and the respect they command within the family.
Establishing Rules: The family agrees on specific rules and processes for the session. This includes agreeing to the honesty, confidentiality, and commitment required for the process.
Commitment to Truth and Love: Participants must be honest and agree to restore the spirit of aloha (love and compassion). They must also agree not to repeat what was discussed during the ho‘oponopono session.
Spiritual Guidance: Prayers play a crucial role in ho‘oponopono, with an opening prayer, closing prayer, and any additional prayers as needed to seek spiritual guidance and healing.
Self-Reflection and Forgiveness: Individuals reflect on their own contributions to the conflict, admit to any negative feelings or actions, and work towards forgiveness.

Traditional Practices Following Ho‘oponopono

After the process, the family traditionally celebrates with a feast. In the past, offerings like pigs were made to the gods, and families would bathe together as a symbolic act of cleansing and renewal.

The Lasting Impact of Ho‘oponopono

The tradition of ho‘oponopono remains relevant today, helping families to rebuild connections and maintain the spirit of aloha. It emphasizes the importance of effective communication, honesty, and forgiveness, which are essential for keeping family bonds strong and healthy.

By engaging in ho‘oponopono, families learn to resolve conflicts constructively, fostering deeper understanding and unity within their communities.