'Aiha'a Lua

Hilo Pali Ku

Kii: No'eau Peralto

The Hawaiian Dictionary, Mary Kawena Puku'i and Samuel H. Elbert defines ‘aiha‘a as a hula step performed with bended knees, characterized by a style that is low and "bombastic." Yet, in the realm of Lua, ha‘a is more than a step; it is a foundational posture of balanced power. By maintaining a low center of gravity, the practitioner achieves a fluidic grace that harmonizes the rigid strength of Kū with the flexible yielding of Hina. This stance provides a stable base for motion, allowing for instantaneous redirection and magnifying the reach of one's defense or attack.

The power of the ha‘a begins with a literal connection to the source. As the feet and legs are positioned correctly, energy from the foundation of the earth (Papahānaumoku) is drawn upward through the manea (balls of the feet). This energy builds within the alaea (core) and is released through the ‘ai (technique) at the precise moment of impact—a process entirely governed by the control of one’s hā (breath).

While the exterior of the ha‘a may appear hard or rigid, its internal intent is one of total absorption. The practitioner intakes and compacts energy from above, below, and all around, until the focus becomes so intense the body begins to kūpaloloi (vibrate with power).

The Hilo Tradition

Among the ka po‘e Lua of old, this ha‘a was the primary kūlana (position) for battle. These traditions were often held closely within families, passed down through the generations in quiet defiance of time. An elder from Waiākea, Hilo, recalls in the 1940's watching this legacy in action as a young boy. He remembers a certain family outside of Pepe‘ekeo whose sons would gather in the yard to practice. There, under the guidance of their parents, they would drop into the ha‘a stance, training with one another to preserve the specific movements of their lineage. This stance is similar to that used by the Maori's of Aotearoa as they prepare for their Haka.

In this Hilo tradition, the form is precise:

• The elbows are held horizontally before the umauma (chest).

• The right arm is positioned above the left, resting a kapua‘i (foot) apart below the ‘auwae lewa (chin).

• With palms (poho) facing the earth, the hands begin to oni (move) as the internal energy is compressed.

With knees low and the back straight as a cliff (pali ke kua), the paukū kino (torso) and lower body move as a singular, disciplined unit. With the eyes in makawalu—seeing all things clearly and at once—the practitioner is fully mākaukau (ready).

This lua form is mirrored by the land itself. We see the ha‘a in the image of Mokoli‘i, the island outside of Kualoa, O'ahu. Ke ha‘a maila ‘o Mokoli‘i i ke kai o he‘e kō Kapapa, moku o Hina...  (Mokoli‘i dances in the squid-spearing sea of Kapapa island of Hina.)

Kii: Getty Image

This upu Lua is from the ohana of Koolaupoko. Passed down through lineages.

Traditionl K.K. Ku'ialuaopuna

Ke kahe nei ke au i Kapapa

Ma kahi e kahe ai ka hee

I ka maha Lipoa o Laa

He kole maka onaona no na kupa

Ke haa mai la o Mokolii

I ke kai o hee ko Kapapa, moku o Hina!

The currents flow to Kapapa

Where the hee freely move without effort

Amongst the clump of Lipoa at Ahualaa

The favorite of the decendants

Mokolii dances

In the squid spearing waters of Kapapa, island of Hina!