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Kūpuna Letter to Moʻopuna




I woke up this morning precisely at 5:19 am, but a restless energy prevented me from drifting back to sleep. An instinct urged me to gaze outside, where I was captivated by the Mahina Hoku's (full moon’s) radiant brilliance. In its gentle luminosity, I lay immersed, its soft beams casting over my face. My vision, unaided by glasses or contacts, painted a hazy panorama of multiple moon images. As I adjusted my gaze, the singular beauty of the moon sharpened. This playful dance between clarity and blurred vision brought forth feelings of childlike wonderment, similar to marveling at a celestial kaleidoscope.

In those moments, ethereal like beams seemed to dance on my retinas, evoking imagery of energy radiating from the moon, stretching across the vastness of the sky. My mind wandered to our ancestors, pondering their celestial understanding. Did they discern the moon's craters? Did they realize its glow was sunlight reflected back to Earth? How did they grasp such profound knowledge of our universe without today's informational resources?

Engrossed in these patterns of light and energy, I felt a connection—a voice, not in the audible sense, but in thoughts piercing my consciousness. "Indeed, this is akin to our kilo," the voice echoed. An intrinsic understanding dawned on me, suggesting that perhaps their modes of knowledge acquisition might have indeed surpassed our own technological feats. The voice elaborated, "Knowledge has myriad pathways. Be receptive to perceive, sense, and understand, but first, you must engage in kilo."

Suddenly, the realization hit me: I was conversing with my grandparents. Overwhelmed, I inquired, "If you were to write a letter to future generations, to your mo’opuna, what wisdom would you impart?"


It felt like a sudden surge of knowledge. I was compelled to stay up and write. This is what they said:


E aloha e kuʻu moʻopuna,

As I gaze upon the years that have passed, I witness the ebb and flow of our people, the beauty and resilience of our ʻāina, and the challenges that came with change. The tears of our ancestors flow with the kahawai, and their songs ride upon the makani, echoing the stories of days gone by.

We were once sole stewards of these islands, living in harmony with the land, the sea, and all the life they nurtured. We held a profound respect for every rock, every plant, and every creature. Our lives were woven with the rhythms of nature. But times changed, and so did our beloved Hawaiʻi.

Now, kuʻu moʻopuna, as I see the world you inherit, my hopes for you are clear. Cherish the ʻāina as we once did. Learn from our traditions and carry forward the wisdom of the past. Seek knowledge from the stories, the chants, the mele, and the hula. Preserve our ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, for in our language lies the essence of our identity.

In these times of modernity, where the world is fast-paced and constantly shifting, hold firm to our values. Remember the principle of aloha, not just as a greeting but as a way of life. Show kindness, compassion, and understanding to all. Foster the spirit of lōkahi (unity), for in unity, our people thrive.

Protect our ʻāina. It's not just land but a living entity, our divine mother who nurtures and provides. Advocate for sustainable practices, remembering always that we are mere temporary stewards, with the responsibility to pass on a thriving Hawaiʻi to the generations that follow.

Connect with our fellow Kānaka Maoli, and together, create a community that upholds our traditions, values, and culture. Engage in the modern world but ensure that our unique voice is never lost amidst the cacophony of progress.

Above all, moʻopuna, live with integrity. Your actions, no matter how small, ripple across time and touch the lives of countless others. Be the embodiment of our legacy, for you are the hope and the promise of our future.

Remember always, you are the dreams of your ancestors realized. E mālama pono  - take care, do what is right and always, aloha i ke kahi i ke kahi - have love for one another as we have loved you. 

Me ke aloha nui, Koʻu Kūpuna



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