Pono, a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture, embodies the essence of righteousness, balance, and harmony. It’s more than just a word; it’s a guiding principle influencing every aspect of life, from interpersonal relationships and environmental stewardship to spiritual connection and personal well-being. Understanding and striving for pono is key to experiencing the true spirit of Hawaiʻi.
What Exactly Is Pono?
At its core, pono translates to “goodness,” “righteousness,” “correctness,” or “balance.” However, the depth of its meaning extends far beyond simple dictionary definitions. Pono encompasses a holistic understanding of right living, where individual actions are considered in the context of their impact on the entire ecosystem – both natural and social. It’s about maintaining equilibrium, ensuring fairness, and acting with integrity in all endeavors.
Think of it like this: Imagine a finely tuned musical instrument. When all the strings are in pono, the instrument produces beautiful, harmonious sounds. But if one string is out of tune, the entire performance suffers. Similarly, when individuals and communities strive for pono, they create a harmonious and thriving society. When elements fall out of balance, it disrupts the flow of life and can lead to negative consequences.
Pono in Daily Life: More Than Just Saying “Aloha”
Pono manifests in numerous ways throughout Hawaiian culture. It’s not just a passive concept; it’s an active pursuit. Here are some concrete examples:
Relationships (Pilina): Pono dictates that relationships should be built on respect, honesty, and mutual support. Gossip, backstabbing, and taking advantage of others are considered breaches of pono. Maintaining pono in relationships means actively nurturing connections, showing compassion, and resolving conflicts peacefully. This also speaks to the idea of kuleana, meaning responsibility, which is intrinsically linked to pono. Each person has a responsibility to maintain pono in their relationships and community. For example, elders are greatly respected in Hawaiian culture due to the wisdom they possess. Treating them with reverence and listening to their guidance is considered pono.
Environment (ʻĀina): The concept of mālama ʻāina, which means to care for the land, is deeply rooted in pono. Hawaiians traditionally viewed themselves as stewards of the land, responsible for protecting its resources and ensuring its sustainability for future generations. Overfishing, polluting waterways, and destroying natural habitats are all considered violations of pono. Sustainable practices like loʻi kalo (taro farming) and loko iʻa (fishponds) exemplify this commitment to environmental pono. These traditional methods are designed to work in harmony with nature, providing food and resources without depleting the environment. Today, this translates to supporting local farmers, participating in beach cleanups, and reducing your carbon footprint.
Spirituality (Mana): Pono is intertwined with spirituality, recognizing the inherent mana, or spiritual power, that resides in all things – people, places, and objects. Upholding pono means respecting this mana and acting in ways that honor the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. This can involve participating in traditional ceremonies, showing reverence for sacred sites like heiau (temples), and maintaining a sense of gratitude for the blessings of life. For example, before entering a sacred space, it’s common practice to offer a prayer or oli (chant) to ask for permission and express respect. Furthermore, taking only what you need from nature reflects the pono in spirituality.
Work (Hana): Pono applies to the workplace as well, emphasizing fairness, integrity, and dedication to one’s craft. Treating coworkers with respect, completing tasks responsibly, and striving for excellence are all manifestations of pono in the professional sphere. A modern example is running a business ethically, paying fair wages, and providing excellent customer service, instead of, for example, cutting corners or misleading customers.
Misunderstandings and Modern Challenges
While the concept of pono is deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture, it’s often misunderstood or misinterpreted in the modern world. One common misconception is equating pono with perfection. Striving for pono doesn’t mean being flawless; it means acknowledging imperfections, learning from mistakes, and continuously striving to improve. It’s a journey, not a destination.
Another challenge lies in balancing traditional values with the demands of modern society. The influx of tourism, development, and global influences can sometimes clash with the principles of pono. For example, the mass commercialization of Hawaiian culture can lead to the commodification of sacred traditions and the exploitation of natural resources. Navigating these challenges requires a conscious effort to uphold pono in the face of conflicting pressures. This means supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability, advocating for responsible tourism practices, and promoting the preservation of Hawaiian language and culture. Another concrete example is the ongoing struggle to protect sacred sites from development. Activists and community members often rally to defend these locations, arguing that their preservation is essential for maintaining pono and honoring the ancestors.
How You Can Embrace Pono
Whether you’re a visitor or a resident of Hawaiʻi, you can embrace the spirit of pono in your daily life. Here are some practical tips:
Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about Hawaiian history, culture, and values. Read books, attend workshops, and engage in conversations with local residents. The more you understand the context behind pono, the better equipped you’ll be to embody it in your actions. You might start by visiting the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, which offers extensive exhibits on Hawaiian history and culture. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and show genuine curiosity.
Respect the Environment: Practice mālama ʻāina by reducing your waste, conserving water, and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives. When visiting natural sites, stay on marked trails, avoid touching or disturbing wildlife, and leave no trace behind. Consider participating in a beach cleanup or volunteering with a local conservation organization. For example, the Surfrider Foundation has chapters throughout Hawaiʻi that organize regular beach cleanups and advocate for ocean protection.
Support Local Businesses: Choose to patronize businesses that are owned and operated by local residents and that prioritize sustainable practices. Look for companies that source their materials locally, pay fair wages, and give back to the community. This helps to support the local economy and preserve traditional ways of life. Farmer’s markets are a great way to find locally grown produce and support local farmers.
Be Mindful of Your Actions: Consider the impact of your choices on others and on the environment. Before making a decision, ask yourself: Is it fair? Is it respectful? Is it sustainable? Striving for pono means being conscious of your actions and making choices that align with your values.
Learn Some Basic Hawaiian Phrases: Demonstrating an effort to learn the language shows respect for the culture and can help you connect with local residents on a deeper level. Start with basic greetings like “Aloha” (hello/love) and “Mahalo” (thank you). Learning the meaning of words like “Pono” showcases further acknowledgement.
Practice Hoʻoponopono: This traditional Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness is a powerful tool for restoring balance and harmony in relationships. It involves taking responsibility for your actions, seeking forgiveness from others, and forgiving yourself. Although complex, understanding the basic concepts of Hoʻoponopono helps to navigate relationships and misunderstandings in a pono way.
Pono and Sustainability in Tourism
Tourism is a major industry in Hawaiʻi, but it can also have a significant impact on the environment and local communities. Embracing pono in tourism means promoting sustainable practices that minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits for both visitors and residents.
This can involve supporting eco-tourism operators who prioritize environmental conservation, choosing accommodations that are committed to sustainability, and respecting the local culture and customs. It also means being mindful of your consumption habits and avoiding activities that exploit natural resources or contribute to pollution. For example, choosing reef-safe sunscreen helps to protect coral reefs from harmful chemicals. Patronizing local restaurants that source their ingredients from local farms and ranches also supports sustainable agriculture and reduces your carbon footprint.
Here’s a practical example: instead of taking a large group tour on a motorboat to see dolphins and whales, consider a smaller, more eco-conscious tour run by a local company that specializes in responsible wildlife viewing. These tours often have knowledgeable guides who can educate you about the marine environment and promote respectful interactions with the animals which helps to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. Also, note that several areas may have restricted access to preserve the environment and prevent disruption to wildlife. Checking with local tourism boards or conservation authorities like Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Hawaii DLNR ahead of trips ensures visits are respectful and support the delicate ecosystem.
The Cost of Ignoring Pono
Ignoring pono can have serious consequences, both for individuals and for the community as a whole. When individuals act selfishly, disrespectfully, or irresponsibly, it can erode trust, damage relationships, and create conflict. When communities fail to uphold pono, it can lead to social injustice, environmental degradation, and cultural loss.
Examples of the cost of ignoring pono are evident throughout history. The exploitation of natural resources, the suppression of indigenous cultures, and the perpetuation of social inequalities are all consequences of failing to act in accordance with pono.
For a historical example, the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 represents a profound violation of pono. The annexation of Hawaiʻi by the United States was carried out without the consent of the Hawaiian people and resulted in the loss of sovereignty, land, and cultural identity.
How to Ensure Pono in Your Interactions with Native Hawaiians
Interacting with Native Hawaiians respectfully and in a manner consistent with pono requires sensitivity, awareness, and a genuine desire to learn. Here are some key steps:
Learn About Hawaiian History and Culture: Understanding the historical context of Hawaiʻi, including the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the ongoing struggles for sovereignty and cultural preservation, provides a foundation for respectful interactions.
Listen More Than You Speak: When engaging in conversations with Native Hawaiians, prioritize listening to their perspectives and experiences. Avoid making assumptions or generalizations based on stereotypes.
Ask Permission: Before taking photos of individuals, participating in cultural practices, or entering sacred sites, always ask for permission. Respect their decision if they decline. Some areas, particularly on private land or culturally significant locations, come with access restrictions or require permission. Consulting resources provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs can offer guidance and ensure respectful engagement.
Avoid Appropriation: Be mindful of cultural appropriation. Avoid wearing traditional clothing or using cultural symbols in a disrespectful or trivializing manner. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and ask for guidance.
Support Hawaiian-Owned Businesses and Organizations: Actively seek out and support businesses and organizations that are owned and operated by Native Hawaiians. This helps to empower the community and preserve cultural traditions.
Respect the Language: Make an effort to learn and use basic Hawaiian phrases whenever possible. Even a simple “Aloha” or “Mahalo” can go a long way in showing respect.
Be Mindful of Your Behavior: Be respectful of local customs and etiquette. Avoid making loud noises, littering, or engaging in behaviors that could be seen as disruptive or offensive.
Navigating Respectful Cultural Immersion: A Practical Guide
There are many opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture, but it’s important to do so respectfully and responsibly. Here’s a practical guide:
Attend a Lūʻau: Attending a lūʻau is a popular way to experience Hawaiian culture, but it’s important to choose a lūʻau that is authentic and respectful of traditions. Look for lūʻau that are owned and operated by local families and that feature cultural performances that are rooted in Hawaiian history and mythology. Be prepared to engage respectfully with the performers and the cultural presentations.
Visit a Heiau (Temple): Heiau are sacred sites that played an important role in ancient Hawaiian society. When visiting a heiau, be sure to show reverence and respect. Avoid climbing on the structures, touching artifacts, or making loud noises. Some heiau may have restricted access or require a guide so planning and understanding the correct behaviours is expected.
Take a Hula Lesson: Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance that is both beautiful and meaningful. Taking a hula lesson is a great way to learn about the history and culture of hula and to connect with the spirit of the islands. Choose a hula instructor who is knowledgeable and respectful of the tradition.
Learn to Make Lei: Lei are garlands of flowers that are worn around the neck or head. Making lei is a traditional Hawaiian craft that is both relaxing and enjoyable. Learn about the different types of flowers used in lei and the meaning behind them. Be sure to use sustainable practices when gathering flowers and avoid damaging the environment.
Pono: A Call to Action
Pono is more than just a cultural concept; it’s a way of life. It’s a guiding principle that can help us to create a more just, sustainable, and harmonious world. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident of Hawaiʻi, I urge you to embrace the spirit of pono in your daily life. By striving for balance, harmony, and righteousness in all that you do, you can contribute to the preservation of Hawaiian culture and the well-being of the planet. The time to act, to embrace pono, is now.
FAQ
What is the opposite of Pono?
The opposite of Pono is typically described as pono ʻole, meaning out of balance, unfair, or wrong. It represents any action or state that disrupts harmony and righteousness.
Is Pono only for Hawaiians?
No, while Pono is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, its principles of balance, respect, and integrity are universal and can be embraced by anyone regardless of their background. It’s about acting in ways that benefit yourself, others, and the environment.
How can I learn more about Hawaiian culture?
There are many ways to learn more about Hawaiian culture. You can read books, watch documentaries, visit museums, attend cultural events, and engage in conversations with local residents. The Bishop Museum, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaiian Historical Society are all excellent resources.
What are some common mistakes that tourists make when visiting Hawaiʻi?
Some common mistakes that tourists make include disrespecting sacred sites, touching or disturbing wildlife, littering, wearing inappropriate attire, and failing to learn basic Hawaiian phrases. It’s important to be mindful of your behavior and to show respect for the local culture and environment.
How can I contribute to the preservation of Hawaiian culture?
You can contribute to the preservation of Hawaiian culture by supporting local businesses, learning about Hawaiian history and culture, respecting the environment, and advocating for responsible tourism practices to become a form of regenerative tourism that can ensure the future of Hawai’i.
References
Pukui, M. K., & Elbert, S. H. (1986). Hawaiian Dictionary: Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian. University of Hawaii Press.
Kirch, P. V. (2010). How Chiefs Became Kings: Divine Kingship and Social Evolution on the Islands of Hawaiʻi. University of California Press.
Silva, N. K. (2004). Aloha Betrayed: Native Hawaiian Resistance to American Colonialism. Duke University Press.
