Hāloa

Hawaiians are one with Hāloa, and are one with kalo (taro). In Hawaiian culture, the plants and the ‘aina are our ancestors. They are our kūpuna – our elders, and we have a responsibility to mālama (care for) the land and all living things. The Kalo plant, in itself, needs to be cared for and loved, as it is a vital part in the geneology of the Hawaiian people and most important crop. It is our responsibility & manao to take care of the ‘aina, so that the ‘aina will feed the people. The sacredness of the taro plant serves as a reminder of Hawaiian values and as a staple food, reminding all of us the essential connection to nature and duty to the sacred ‘aina.

One of the many great mo’olelo – stories – of Hawai’i is the one of Hāloa. The Hawaiian creation story that explains the connection between all Hawaiians and nature:

Two gods, Wakea (Skyfather) and Ho’ohokukalani (she who sets the stars in heaven) conceived a child through ni’aupi’o – a sacred ancestual union. Their son named Hāloa, meaning long breath, eternal breath, was sadly stillborn. The family wrapped Hāloa in kapa cloth and buried him in the eastern side of the house so he could always great the sun as it arose. As Ho’ohokulani grieved the loss of her son, those tears from her eyes soaked the deep earth below and in time, a plant grew from his grave. This plant was fragile and tender but also strong and healthy, far reaching and long. The parents called this kalo baby Hāloanakalaukapalili. This name was given because it has a fluttering heart-shaped leaf on top of a long stalk that gently trembled, which is what a kalo plant does when the wind blows. When Ho’ohokuokalani gave birth to a healthy second baby boy, they named him after his brother who passed, Hāloa.

Hāloa, was a very important child, as he was the first Hawaiian - Kanaka Maoli - and all Hawaiians are his descendants. He connects all Hawaiians in unity with one another, with the kalo and the rest of the natural world. Just as Haloanakalaukapalili the kalo cared for his younger brother and all of his decedents by bringing providing them with sustenance, Hāloa embraced the duty to serve his elder brother and mālama ‘aina. This is the relationship Hawaiians have to Kalo, it is our Kuleana to care for eachother.

18 x 24 Wet Cyanotype Original with Koa Wood Frame