Working with all recycled materials, I have a vague foundation of what some of the piece will be about, however allow that to simply evolve naturally……. & it does, with plenty of guidance from above. Well, one person in particular……. Anake’ Mahealani Kuamo’o – Henry.

I won’t write an essay here. I’ll simply say the theme has been the same in both pieces : Makali’I (The Pleiades), Hoku Le’a – Star of Gladness ( (Arcturus) & Honu (Turtle), which many know has particular importance to me. This time, I received a strong nudge to add in a Mo’o….. also important to me due to connection with Anake’s lineage. 

So briefly, this piece has the Mo’o & Honu emerging from the Kalo, heading toward Makali’I & Hoku Le’a. This time Makali’I is represented by the Star Cradle in Anake’s Mahalo Nui chant. 

So, that’s the brief story. Below is some additional information that may deepen the layers.

Hawaiians trace their roots back to Hāloa, thus stating that we are all descendants of Hāloa. This creation story shows Hawaiian’s reverence to this primary food source and speaks to the sacred human relationship to the kalo plant, the ʻāina, and the rest of the natural world. The connection between Hawaiians and Haloa is sacred. To be without kalo as a source of sustenance is to suffer a spiritual death. The story of Haloa reminds us of our ties to the natural world. 

Briefly: In this moʻolelo, Wākea and Hoʻohōkūkalani have a child. When it comes time for that child to be born, they find that he is without life, so they bury the baby outside of the hale. In their mourning, they are consoled when they find that out of the area that the child was buried, came forth the first kalo plant, which they name Hāloanakalaukapalili. Hoʻohōkūkalani becomes pregnant again, this time giving birth to a healthy baby boy, who they also name Hāloa, after his kuaʻana (elder brother). Hāloa the kaikaina (younger brother) becomes the first aliʻi and the progenitor of the Hawaiian people, establishing in the Hawaiian world the familial connection of all Hawaiians to kalo. In the moʻolelo, we are reminded of our kuleana (responsibility, privilege) as kānaka (people) to mālama (care for) kalo, who in turn will feed, care for, and nourish us. 

Mo’o : Lizard, reptile of any kind, dragon, serpent; water spirit.   Succession, series, especially a genealogical line, lineage. 

Mo’olelo : .Story, tradition, legend 

Kua- back

Kuamo’o ;Backbone, spine; road, trail, path. Each articulation represents a generation.

 Anake’ Mahealani’s Oli (Chant) English Translation.

“Thank you very much for this day                                           

filled with blessings and love            

  I am this child of the Universe                             

and I come from Makali’i  (Pleiades)

My loving journey in the Star Cradle

Blessed by the ancestors

this is my song,  my story now told

I am this child of the Universe

this is my song,  my story now told

with love & blessings from the ancestors

I am this child of the Universe, so loved by the ancestors.”

This  chant/ mele inspires and reminds us that we are the Universal child from Makali’i and so loved by the ancestors, angels, guides, akua.  

Mahealani Kuamo’o-Henry, Kumu ‘Elele o Na Kupuna

is a Kanaka Maoli ( Native Hawaiian Aunty (Anake’) and Kumu from Puna, on Moku O Keawe ( the Big Island of Hawaii). Anake’ is a teacher-messenger for the spiritual voices of the ancestors within the strong lineage of na Kumu, Kahu, & Kahuna (teachers, guardians, priests, priestess/ advisors and healers) under the leadership of her ancestral Kupuna-Kane (grandfather), named Kaiwikuamo’o kekuaokalani. This translates as the “backbone strength of the heavenly chiefs.”.

Kaiwikuamo’okekuaokalani : backbone strength of the heavenly chiefs. Keeper of Hawaiian Spirituality. Keeper of the light of spirit.

The Mo’o hold great significance in the spiritual beliefs of the Kanaka Maoli. Deeply rooted in Hawaiian mythology the Mo’o are believed to be powerful supernatural beings that have played a significant role in the culture These mythical creatures are often depicted as dragon-like creatures that possess immense strength and wisdom. They protect freshwater sources and also serve as a guardian spirit or ‘aumakua for Hawaiian families. Mo’o were/are usually female and had/have the ability to shapeshift from dragon to human form