Mana Seekers

Mana Moon

Kumu explains what the first phases in the moon chant represent and what activities Hawaiians did during those phases. She begins by describing the Ku phases and finishes with Hilo and Hoaka, the start of our moon chant.

Moon Mana

Kumu Makamae has created a special rhythm with hand movements to help memorize the phases of the moon. Each section we memorize has been divided into anahula (moon transitions). Here is the first one we memorize. Upper Arms are held at a 90 degree angle to the body with the forearms crossed, wrists out. The hand is a fist. With each moon phase, the wrist is twisted towards the body, as if we are gathering mana and directing it inside our body core. On the phase Ku Pau, the forearms separate and are brought to the side of the body in a swift strong motion as if we are signing 'all done.'

Hilo

Hoaka

Ku Kahi

Ku Lua

Ku Kolu

Ku Pau

For the next four phases, forearms are crossed in front of the body, the hands form a C like the crescent moon. Wrists are shook outwards with the chanting of each phase. The forearms uncross and sweep across until the last phase when the arms are held to the side, in a strength filled palms down pose.

'Ole Ku Kahi

'Ole Kulua

'Ole Ku Kolu

'Ole Pau

The moon phases are becoming full. Twist your hands so that the palms are up and the arms are straight. With the chanting of each phase arms are raised 45 degrees and bent so that a full moon appears within the arms at Hoku. The fullest phase has the arms, retracing the full moon, and ending under the chest, palms up.

Huna

Mohalu

Hua

Akua

Hoku

Mahealani (spoken: Mah hay a lanee ay)

Kulu (person holds up left forearm slaps their forearm with right hand at elbow junction with a forceful statement of Kulu!)

La'au Kukahi

La'au Kulua

La'au Pau

For the next three phases, forearms are crossed in front of the body, the hands form a C like the crescent moon. Wrists are shook outwards with the chanting of each phase. The forearms uncross and sweep across until the last phase when the arms are held to the side, in a strength filled palms down pose.

'Ole Kukahi

'Ole Kulua

'Olepau

Kalaoa kukahi

Koloa kulua

Kaloa pau

Kane

Lono

Mauli

Muku

Here is the entire haka spoken with Kumu leading.

Kumu tells us the story of Maui and how he talked to the sun. 

Click here to see Kumu tell the story

Now that we know the story of how Maui captured the sun so that the sun would slow down. We can compare it with the science of why the sun here in Hawaii remains in the sky for 10-12 hours YEAR ROUND! Of course in our winter, there is a very slight shortening of the day, but compared to the rest of the northern hemisphere, we have year round consistent light for about half a day in a 24 hour cycle.

The next visit of Kumu has us learning about slam poems as a way for us to work out emotions or find a solution to a conflict. It is all about acknowledging our emotion, seeing our strengths, and turning the situation around towards the positive.