Aloha Kaua

Kii: Matthew Feeser

As in ancient times, in certain phases of training, haumana are taught not to look directly at the hoapaio while in close contact, but to focus their vision off to the side of the opponent, so that they could view all aspects of their opponent at once. This practice is known as akaka ka maka in some pa lua and nanaina by other halau. The art of perfecting this is called  Ka Hoakea a Kane. In using this practice, one’s footwork and skill should be at a developed level. The vision of the maka are sensitive to movement and shadows, and one’s feel or touch is magnified within the fingertips and body. The concentration of one's senses are focused on the sensation of movement within the hoapaio's body and vibrations that flow through them. This way of reading the movement of one's hoapaio through vibrations and feeling is quicker than using the maka. The maka see what has already moved, while the feeling and use of nanaina allow one to know the movement as it starts to flow. This enables certain lua people to have a faster reaction and recovery time. Everything in your presence must be seen completely.

 

This upu is used to call in the ability to focus and set the intention for one to akaaka ka maka.

 

He miti, he miti

A i hanau mai oe, e Hina e

Ka maka o ka puaa

E lelele ana i ka lani

E lelele ana i ke kuahiwi

Ewalu maka o ke kaiki pua a Hina

Na Hina oe

Na Kahiki'ula

Na Kahikilei

O Lono iki oe

O Lono nui oe 

O kuu maka, o kuu aloha, e Lono e

Haina a moe i kuahu a Olopana

A ko kakou arii

Kou inoa, eo mai

 

Be active, alert

When you were born Hina

The eyes of the pig

They sail to the heavens

They move to the mountains

The pig child has eight eyes

You are Hina

By Kahiki’ula

By Kahikilei

You are small, Lono,

You are great, Lono

You are my eyes, my love, oh Lono

Offering laid on the ahu of Olopana

The altar of our chief, 

This is your name, answer