Kukaniloko and the Hawaiian Religion

This weekend I went on the Kukaniloko field trip. So much stood out to me from this experience it's almost overwhelming; I don't know where to begin.

Initially I was shocked by our surroundings. As we weaved through the newly built upscale offices and businesses I couldn't imagine where we were going. I thought this was supposed to be a sacred place, one of unsurpassed historical and cultural significance. While this is still true, I personally just assumed (in my naiivity) that the environment and surroundings would match traditionally; basically all I'm saying is I never thought a sacred place like that would be on the other side of some overgrown fence behind a park in the back of a business district. It's as if the State is trying to hide it; out of sight out of mind. Luckily they're not succeeding.

It wasn't until this outing that I began to understand the depth of Hawaiian culture, not only in tradition, customs, or food but also in religion. While it may not be a unified "religion" with a church and priest I feel it is deeper and bigger than that. The aina is the church, the pohaku and trees the priests. Still, Hawaiian culture contains everything from a creation story to rules on how to live a pure life; how is this not religion? I'm not saying that as a bad thing, I understand the connotations associated with "religion" vs. spirituality. Overall, from what I can tell, it is definitely more of a spiritual practice than a religious one, however I think it is important to note that this practice which may seem foreign and unbelievable to many is really no more far-fetched or crazy than our culturally accepted relgious myths and values (Christianity for many).

I could go on forever about the things that stuck with me from Kukaniloko. So much information and wisdom was shared, I only hope I am able to retain a piece of it. It was educational and inspirational, opening my mind and my soul. In these places of such cultural significance you can feel the mana. If you couldn't maybe you just needed to take off your shoes :)


Oh, and one last thing; even if you don't believe it, even if you don't understand, even if you don't give a shit - please respect the aina and the fact that some people hold these places/traditions/beliefs very close. I don't understand why considering others is such a difficult task for some people in today's society...