Hawaii

Lua, an ancient Hawaiian martial art, was banned from public display two centuries ago by Queen Kaʻahumanu after she heard the gasps of missionaries who were terrified when they saw it performed at a ceremony. For most visitors, the word “Hawaiian” conjures images of graceful hula dancers, not warriors. But the line between dance and combat in pre-contact Hawaiʻi was never as clear as it seems today. Lua — a martial art that includes bone-breaking joint locks, strikes, and weaponry — was once practiced widely across the islands, including by women. After it was driven from public view, its

Hawaiian spirituality is deeply intertwined with the land (‘āina) and the stories of the past (moʻolelo). It’s a way of life that emphasizes respect, connection, and reciprocity with the natural world and the ancestors, shaping everything from daily practices to major life events. It’s not just a religion; it’s a worldview. Understanding the Core Concepts At the heart of Hawaiian spirituality lies the concept of mana, a spiritual life force or power that exists in all things – people, plants, animals, rocks, and even ideas. It’s not something you can see, but you can feel its presence. Think of