Kū i ke Kiu
- honoring the winds of Molokaʻi
Kiu meaning scout, is a Northwestern wind that welcomes visitors to Puʻu Nānā, the home of the La‘ila‘i family and the birthplace of Hula. It was customary for visitors to stand at the foothill of Pu‘u Holehua (located south of Pu‘u Nānā) and Oli kahea, asking permission to ascend to Pu‘u Nānā. Hoping their call would be heard against the Kiu wind, only those with a righteous intent were heard and granted permission to enter.
Our kūpuna were great observers and the wind is one example of a specific element of nature that was used to build an intimate relationship between themselves, ‘aumakua and Akua. This relationship helped kupuna to recognize and heed the messages of warning or the blessings of guidance provided. Learning and understanding the winds helped them in their travels, fishing and farming often times seen as a hō‘ailona (omens).
Beloved Kupuna of Molokaʻi, ‘Anake Vanda Hanakahi and Opu‘ulani Albino offer a deeper understanding of our relationship with the ʻāina and Akua, saying that we should always call upon Akua with the truest of heart and intent in facing adversity. Not only does the wind carry our cries to Akua but it embraces us in His voice, offering guidance and wisdom. As such may we learn to recognize the ways in which they communicate with us, and may we call to the Kiu wind with the truest intentions.
Our kūpuna were great observers and the wind is one example of a specific element of nature that was used to build an intimate relationship between themselves, ‘aumakua and Akua. This relationship helped kupuna to recognize and heed the messages of warning or the blessings of guidance provided. Learning and understanding the winds helped them in their travels, fishing and farming often times seen as a hō‘ailona (omens).
Beloved Kupuna of Molokaʻi, ‘Anake Vanda Hanakahi and Opu‘ulani Albino offer a deeper understanding of our relationship with the ʻāina and Akua, saying that we should always call upon Akua with the truest of heart and intent in facing adversity. Not only does the wind carry our cries to Akua but it embraces us in His voice, offering guidance and wisdom. As such may we learn to recognize the ways in which they communicate with us, and may we call to the Kiu wind with the truest intentions.
