kahua - Values
SOURCE: https://kumukahi.org/units/na-kanaka/mauli-ola/paani
The ancestors of Hawaii, known as kūpuna, were exceptionally fit, thanks to their daily activities such as fishing and farming. These tasks demanded considerable strength, endurance, and skill. The pā‘ani, or traditional games they played, were equally demanding and played a crucial role in maintaining their overall health and wellness.
The kūpuna invented a range of invigorating pā‘ani. These included surfing (he‘e nalu), canoe racing (heihei wa‘a), and outdoor bowling (maika). Such sports not only helped them stay in top physical shape but also prepared them for competitions and potential conflicts. Engaging in pā‘ani was both a fun and effective way to maintain physical fitness and mental sharpness.
Thanks to their efficiency in food production, the kūpuna had ample time for entertainment. Playing pā‘ani was a daily occurrence, and specific periods of the year were set aside for rest, recreation, and sports, known as Makahiki. This time of leisure was integral to their holistic well-being, providing physical activity, mental stimulation, and spiritual rejuvenation.
The kūpuna were thrill-seekers, as evidenced by their activities like cliff jumping (lele kawa) into the ocean and sliding (he‘e hōlua) down mountains at speeds reaching up to 50 miles per hour. These exhilarating pursuits were not just about physical feats but also about connecting with the natural world and embracing the spirit of adventure.
The importance of physical fitness was also reflected in their professional runners, or kūkini, who served the chiefs. These runners could cover great distances in a matter of hours, showcasing not only their physical prowess but also their mental acuity. Makoa, a renowned kūkini, ran 80 miles in one morning to deliver a fish to Kamehameha, demonstrating the remarkable integration of body, mind, and spirit in their athletic endeavors.
In contemporary times, Hawaiian athletes have achieved national and international acclaim, including Natasha Kai (soccer), Duke Kahanamoku (swimming), Akebono (sumo wrestling), and Shane Victorino (baseball). Their success underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of physical training, mental focus, and nutritional care.
The kūpuna also valued mental challenges as part of their holistic approach to well-being. Games like ho‘opāpā, which involved solving riddles, kept their minds sharp and agile. Such mental exercises complemented their physical activities, promoting overall cognitive health.
Children, or keiki, were introduced to the ocean early, often mastering basic swimming skills before walking. They engaged in games that tested their lung capacity and memory, such as holding their breath to delay sunset and chanting local place names. These activities fostered both physical endurance and mental alertness.
Today, continuing the tradition of pā‘ani provides numerous benefits. Engaging in traditional sports like canoe racing and surfing helps maintain physical fitness, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being. These activities connect us to the kūpuna’s legacy and remind us that staying fit is a joyful and holistic endeavor. By embracing these practices, we can enhance our own health and better care for ourselves and the world around us.
