‘Ōlelo No‘eau

‘Ōlelo No‘eau are beautiful and thought provoking Hawaiian proverbs. By integrating these ‘Ōlelo No‘eau into our everyday routine, we strive to raise an awareness of the need to live responsibly, sustainably, and to cultivate a greater appreciation for the Hawaiian cultural ethos of environmental guardianship. The pristine beauty of the Hawaiian Islands is evidence of the power of these ‘Ōlelo No‘eau.

We are offering just a few of our favorite and hope that you will savor each of these finely crafted expressions of wisdom and poetic beauty. We believe that the power of 'Ōlelo Hawai’i (written words/verbal expression) has a transcending impact on modern society. Through these cultural expressions of Old Hawai’i, we are able to glean a deeper understanding of the everyday thoughts and lives of the Hawaiians who created them, implement these ideals into our everyday lives, as well as pass on these traditions to the next generation.  

 

Sustainable Living

Mōhala i ka wai ka maka o ka pua – Unfolded by the water are the faces of flowers. Flowers thrive where there is water, as thriving people are found where living conditions are good. Where there is clean water, there is life.

E hele me ka pu’olo – Make every person, place or condition better than you left it always.

‘Ukuli’i ka pua, onaona I ka mau’u - Tiny is the flower, yet it scents the grasses around it.

Hahai no ka ua i ka ululā'au - Rains always follow the forest. Through this knowledge, Hawaiians hewed only the trees that were needed.

Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina I ka pono - The life of the land is preserved in righteousness. Said to instill a commitment and perseverance to a sustainable ethos and recognition of changes and improvement.

He ali’i ka āina; he kauwā ke kanaka - The land is chief; man is its servant. Land has no need for man, but man needs the land and works it for a livelihood.

La'i lua ke kai - The Sea Is Very Calm, Deep and Peaceful. This expression was once used to describe our kūpuna (elders) who exemplified a tranquil, calm and astute demeanor.

Ka lā i ka Mauliola - The sun at the source of life.

Love

Ua ola no i ka pane a ke aloha – There is life in a kindly reply.

Ua ola loko i ke aloha – Love gives life within.

I ho'okahi kahi ke aloha - Be one in love.

Kahuna nui hale kealohalani makua – Love all you see, including yourself.

Ku'ia kahele aka na'au ha'aha'a – A Humble person walks carefully so as not to hurt others.

E Hoomau Maua Kealoha - May our love last forever. 

Aloha Aku No, Aloha Mai No - I give my love to you, you give your love to me. 

Ho'i Hou Ke Aloha - Let us fall in love all over again.

He kehau ho'oma'ema'e ke aloha - Love is like a cleansing dew.  

No Keia La, No Keia Po, A Mau Loa - From this day, from this night, forever more. 

E aloha kekahi i kekahi a e mālama kekahi i kekahi - Love one another and take care of one another.

Strength and Endurance

He ‘a‘ali‘i kū makani mai au; ‘a‘ohe makani nana e kula‘I - I am a wind-resisting ‘a‘ali‘i; no gale can push me over. A boasting meaning "I can hold my own even in the face of difficulties." The ‘a‘ali‘i bush can stand the worst of gales, twisting and bending but seldom breaking off or falling over.

‘A’ohe Pu’u Ki’eki’e ke ho’a’o ‘ia e pi’i – No cliff is so tall it cannot be climbed.

Kulia i ka nu’u – Strive to reach the highest.

Kū a māloʻeloʻe, lālau nā lima i ka hoe nui me ka hoe iki - Stand up straight, reach for the big and little paddle. Said to young people to be prepared to weather whatever comes your way.

He po’i na kai uli, kai ko’o,‘a‘ohe hina pūko‘a - Though the sea be deep and rough, the coral rock remains standing. Said of one who remains calm in the face of difficulty.

E kaupē aku nō i ka hoe a kō mai - Put forward the paddle and draw it back. Go on with the task that is started and finish it.

Oi kau ka lau, E hana I ola Honua - Live your life while the sun is still shining.

O ka pono ke hana 'ia a iho mai na lani - Continue to do good until the heavens come down on you.