He Upu

Kii: Ku'ialuaopuna

The Upu of the Maoli: Maintaining the Hulili:

For the native people, the upu is a functional tool used to govern the natural environment of the training site. This ceremonial chant-prayer serves as a shield, ensuring that the halau remains a place of growth rather than a place of stagnation.

The Power of Named Places :

Every location mentioned within an upu is selected for its specific energetic signature. In Hawaii tradition, names carry mana (power). By chanting these names, the kanaka activates particular energies. Each site maintains a specific vibration that contributes to the overall protection of that place.

Changing Energies: 

The resonance of the chant works to loosen and release "negative" or "heavy" energies that may linger after intense physical or mental training. Resonance also increases the positive energy that is present.

Clears the Path: 

It ensures that no spiritual "debris" attaches itself to anyone or any place.

Maintaining the Natural Environment:

The upu also acts as a bridge between the maoli and the spirits of the land. It acknowledges that we are guests of the environment. By maintaining the "natural vibration" of the area, the maoli  ensure that the land continues to support their practice. If the energy of the area becomes "bound" or dark, the skill of the maoli will eventually suffer. Therefore, the upu is as essential to traditional practices.

Traditional K.K. Ku'ialuaopuna

Mehana o Kalamaula e Kanealii

Ala mai o Pohoiki i ka makani

Aia la o Puna, ka houpo a Kane

Na pea kapu o Okiokiaho

Aia o Waikahekahe, ka aina lua

Waikahekaheiki a nui

Pua ka uahi ma Luakaha

Ke ahi lapapala i ka molehulehu

O KahakaulaaKane ka ai a ka ui,

Pili ka iwaiwa ma ka papali,

Ku oi ka muo ma Waikahekahenui

Popoi ia e ka Apii

Ka hiwahiwa a Kane

Pikai i ka wai o Wakea

Helelei ka waimaka a Kane

Mai ke poo a ke kapuai

Wehe i ke ala o ka hala

Ua pau ta ura

Amama, ua noa

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Kalamaula is warmed by the sun

Pohoiki is awakened by the breeze

There is Puna in the breast of Kane

The boundary is at Okiokiaho

There sits Waikahekahe, the two lands

Waikahekaheiki and Waikahekahenui

Smoke climbs at Luakaha

The fire is ablaze as the sun passes

'O Kahaka-ula-a-kane is the stroke of the man

The iwaiwa fern clings to the rocks

The shoot stands upright at Waikahekahenui

Enveloped by the wave of the leaf

The esteemed one of Kane

Scattered, the waters of Wakea

The waters of Kane fall

From the top to the bottom

Clear the path of faults

The kapu is over

It is free