Meaning of Pono in Hawaiian & How it Affects Culture (2024)

Pono, like many Hawaiian words, does not have a one-to-one-word English translation. If there were one, it would probably be "righteousness," as in the state motto: "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka Aina i ka Pono," or "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."

What's missing with the word "righteousness," however, is the balance and harmony pono connotes for Hawaiians. To be pono means to be in a state of harmony or balance with oneself, others, the land, work and life itself.

Samuel Hoyt Elbert'sHawaiian dictionary gives six different meanings for pono. While we most often think of pono as an adjective, some meanings here are nouns or adverbs:

  1. Goodness, uprightness, morality, moral qualities, correct or proper procedure, excellence, well-being, prosperity, welfare, benefit, behalf, equity, sake, true condition or nature, duty; moral, fitting, proper, righteous, right, upright, just, virtuous, fair, beneficial, successful, in perfect order, accurate, correct, eased, relieved; should, ought, must, necessary.
  2. Completely, properly, rightly, well, exactly, carefully, satisfactorily, much (an intensifier).
  3. Property, resources, assets, fortune, belongings, equipment, household goods, furniture, gear of any kind, possessions, accessories, necessities.
  4. Use, purpose, plan.
  5. Hope.
  6. Careless, informal, improper, any kind of (preceding a stem). For example: Ponoʻai, to eat in any way or anything, take potluck.Ponohana, to work any way that suits one.Pononō i ka noho, living any old way, shiftless.Ponolole, any kind of clothes. Maiponohana ʻoe, akā e hanapono, don't work carelessly, but work carefully.

Pono, like mahalo, or a thankful way of living, and kuleana, or a sense of personal responsibility, is one of the values of the aloha spirit that's so deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture. It differs slightly from the other values in that, for most, it is slightly out of reach. It is something to authentically aspire to rather than to fully attain, mostly because pono means more than doing the right thing in a given situation, but rather living life with balance, harmony and integrity, seeking to improve the surrounding world.

The concept of pono is taught to Hawaiian children at a very young age. It is a guiding principle that is to shape their every decision. "Is it pono?' they are to ask. In other words, will what you're about to do help bring harmony and good into the world?

The concept may feel a bit lofty until one considers an example. Littering is easy to do because it requires effort to put something into the garbage, especially if there isn't one nearby. The pono choice, however, would be to avoid littering, as it affects the earth, creating imbalance and introducing a foreign substance into the natural world. Picking up someone else's garbage is also a pono action, as it helps restore order and balance, even though it's a small action.

Pono is a large, diverse idea that encompasses a range of balanced, proper and good actions. It is also an idealistic one, in that everyone does something that's not pono once in a while. But the Hawaiian way is to keep reaching for pono in life by making righteous decisions each day.

Meaning of Pono in Hawaiian & How it Affects Culture (2024)

FAQs

What does pono mean to the Hawaiian culture? ›

Many people first encounter the word pono in the Hawaii state motto, a phrase attributed to King Kamehameha III: Ua Mau ke Ea o ka 'Aina i ka Pono. This motto is most often translated as: The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness. In other words, pono means “righteousness”—in this case.

What is the importance of pono? ›

Pono is to achieve excellence, prosperity, and a state of equity. For ka poʻo kahiko (chiefs of old Hawaiʻi) and their descendants today this means living in balance within ourselves, those around us, and the world that sustains us. To be pono is to be virtuous and true to one's nature.

What is the story of pono? ›

Pono is a little Hawaiian menehune who doesn't understand why he and his friends constantly play pranks on human giants: They hide garden tools, move objects around, and do other silly things. However when Mrs. Miyamato trips and breaks her foot because of his actions, Pono starts questioning his and friends' behavior.

What are the other words for pono? ›

Goodness, uprightness, morality, moral qualities, correct or proper procedure, excellence, well-being, prosperity, welfare, benefit, behalf, equity, sake, true condition or nature, duty; moral, fitting, proper, righteous, right, upright, just, virtuous, fair, beneficial, successful, in perfect order, accurate, correct, ...

How do you show respect in Hawaiian culture? ›

Always ask questions and permission. The best way to respect the Hawaiian culture is to ask! If you're not sure about anything, such as where to go or what to wear, you can never go wrong by asking a local.

What is Hawaiian spiritual energy? ›

In the native Hawaiian culture, the sacred term mana is known as spiritual energy of power and strength. It's possible for mana to be present in objects and people. For people, it's possible to gain or lose mana through the different decisions they make.

What are the three Hawaiian values? ›

Malama 'aina, care for the land, Malama kai, care for the sea, are basic Hawaiian values that are being introduced to the Western world.

What are the spiritual beliefs in Hawaiian culture? ›

The traditional Hawaiian religion is a polytheistic animistic religion. Its beliefs encompass the presence of spirits in objects such as the waves and the sky. The Hawaiian religion believes in four gods; Kāne, Kanaloa, Kū, and Lono.

What does pono kai mean in Hawaiian? ›

The prefix Pono (constant) together with Kai (seas) formed the name of the 241-unit complex. The resort today is a majority of one and two bedroom timeshare vacation units and some whole ownership.

What does Chee pono mean in Hawaii? ›

“Chee pono” is a Hawaiian expression of elation...we say it means 'Hell Yeah! ' Check out the NEW Chee Pono Shirt coming for Spring, which will be available online soon.

What is the Hawaiian word for place of worship? ›

A heiau (/ˈheɪ. aʊ/) is a Hawaiian temple.

How do you practice pono? ›

Ho'oponopono for Self Forgiveness

To practice ho'oponopono, take a few deep breaths with your eyes closed. Then, slowly repeat these phrases to yourself about 7 or 8 times. (“I'm sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you… I'm sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you“— and so on.)

Who is the founder of pono? ›

Pono Founders

Dave Sedeno, native Hawaiian and Pono Wines founder, experienced a journey of his own to get to where he is today.

What is the Hawaiian word for life? ›

We're kicking off the new year with the Hawaiian word for life: “ola” (“oh-lah”).

What is Malama Pono mean? ›

Mālama: To tend to, care for, preserve, protect, watch over. Pono: To be in a state of harmony or balance with oneself, others, the land, work, and life. Mālama Pono: Take care of oneself, self-care.

What does Ola pono mean? ›

E Ola Pono means to live with respect for and to seek harmony with those around you and the environment in which you live.

What is the Hawaiian word for righteous? ›

Pono is the Hawaiian word meaning to be righteous, balanced, good, correct, and moral. It encourages excellence, prosperity, and a sense of duty.

What is most important in Hawaiian culture? ›

Hawaiian Arts & Culture: The Expression of Aloha

Today, Hawaiian culture may hold many of the answers sought in a rapidly changing world. The spirit of aloha – being in the presence of and sharing the essence of life – teaches us lessons of peace, kindness, compassion and responsibility to future generations.

How do I stop being disrespectful in Hawaii? ›

Don't Run Your Mouth

Even if you think you're a big shot back home, Hawaii is not the place to test people. Respect the locals, and even if you think you are right in an argument, take the high road. If you step out of line, you might just get laid out and your vacation will be over.

What are traditions of Hawaiian culture? ›

The honi ihu, or the touching of noses, is a traditional method of greeting one another, whether it's a man and woman, two men or two women. It allows both people to exchange breath, which is the supremely important life force in Hawaiian understanding, and also share scents and convey a closeness in relationship.

What is god's strength in Hawaiian? ›

Ku (Ku-ka-ili-moku) ("Snatcher of the Land") is a God of Strength, War and Healing and is one of the four great gods along with Kanaloa, Kane, and Lono. Ku-ka-ili-moku was the guardian of Kamehameha I.

What is the symbol of life in Hawaiian? ›

Piko in Hawaiian is another word for the navel where life begins. The symbol brings new life and purity to the world. It also represents peace, tranquility and spiritually along with a strong sense of regrowth or new beginnings.

What is the Hawaiian symbol of wealth? ›

Water is a symbol of abundance and prosperity in Hawaiian culture. The Hawaiian word waiwai equates water to wealth 🌊. It reflects the literal seat of riches in Hawaiian society and is the core of this rich and inspiring culture 🌺.

What is the Hawaiian word for unconditional love? ›

Aloha – Unconditional love, outpouring, and receiving of the spirit, a way of life, an attitude of expressing one's happiness, joy, and gratitude for life.

What makes Hawaiians unique? ›

People from Hawaii are widely considered some of the friendliest in America, for very good reason—the culture is based on acceptance and affection. People greet each other and say farewell with the word “aloha,” which has a deep meaning connected to love, joy and positive life energy.

What is number 1 in Hawaiian? ›

Hawaiian1. One. Ekahi, ho`okahi. Two.

Who are the 4 Hawaiian gods? ›

While there are numerous akua (gods) in the Hawaiian Pantheon, there are four major gods Kū, Kanaloa, Kāne, Lono.

Do Hawaiians believe in god? ›

The Hawaiian religion is polytheistic, which means it is open to and embraces several gods and goddesses, each one with several functions and responsibilities. In fact, the Hawaiians worship around 40,000 traditional religious deities and spirits.

What are traditional Hawaiian beliefs about death? ›

Traditional Hawaiian Beliefs about Dying, Death, and ',Uhane

This belief views death as the release trigger for the person's 'uhane to separate from the body. Belief in eternal reunion with one's ancestors in Pō must have been vastly reassuring to the family – conscious Hawaiians.

What does live aloha and stay pono mean? ›

“Being PONO means being right with yourself, your ancestors, and all of nature. It is a certain attitude, a way of living. It means living your life with Aloha. Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, peace, compassion and mercy. It means being without judgement of others, being tolerant and being kind.

What do you call a white girl in Hawaiian language? ›

As with many different words, meanings change over time. Today, “haole” is basically a word used in Hawai''i to describe a white person.

What does Pika mean in Hawaiian? ›

The name Pika is primarily a male name of Hawaiian origin that means Rock, Stone. Hawaiian form of the name Peter.

What does Pili Aloha mean in Hawaiian? ›

pili. aloha

nvi. Close friendship, beloved companionship, beloved relative; loving association; to have a loving or tender relationship, to be in a bond of love, romance.

What is Hawaiian heaven called? ›

Lani in the Hawaiian language means "heaven", and in some cases, "sky." The word is derived from Proto-Polynesian *raŋi. Lani is a relatively common name in the Hawaiian language.

What is the Hawaiian word for love? ›

“Aloha” is our most important Hawaiian cultural value. Without Aloha all the other cultural values are not complete. It is defined as a noun and means love, affection, compassion, charity, grace, empathy, and much more.

What is Mahalo Piha? ›

Mahalo Piha (wholehearted gratitude) is surrounded by native birds and plants. This card is part of our Kamanuʻailehua collection. Kamanuʻailehua refers to the native birds who drink the nectar of the ʻōhiʻa lehua blossom and is part of the name given to my son at birth.

What is the full name of Pono? ›

Kojo Ansah Asare, commonly known as Yaa Pono or Ponobiom, is a Ghanaian hiplife artist widely regarded as the king of Ghanaian freestyle hip-hop.

Is Pono still available? ›

Pono effectively shut down in 2016, out of cash and getting it in the neck from critics.

Where is Yaa Pono from? ›

Image of Where is Yaa Pono from?
Tema is a city on the Bight of Benin and Atlantic coast of Ghana. It is located 25 kilometres east of the capital city; Accra, in the region of Greater Accra, and is the capital of the Tema Metropolitan District.
Wikipedia

What is the Hawaiian word for deep love? ›

We live in the Aloha State.

Who is the Hawaiian god of life? ›

Kāne is the creator and gives life associated with dawn, sun and sky. No human sacrifice or laborious ritual was needed in the worship of Kāne. In the Kumuhonua legend, he created Earth, bestowed upon it sea creatures, animals, plants, as well as created man and woman.

What is the Hawaiian word for love of my life? ›

Aloha nui loa (pronounced: ah-loh-ha-new-ee-low-a) or "all my love" in Hawaiian.

What does Ike pono mean in Hawaiian? ›

The Hawaiian value for this show is 'ike pono, which means to know what is right.

What does Mahi Pono mean in Hawaiian? ›

The name Mahi Pono comes from the Hawaiian words “mahi”, to cultivate, and “pono”, meaning “goodness, properly, or resources,” and loosely translates as “to cultivate the land responsibly.” But Mahi Pono Holdings LLC only came into existence in 2018 as a purchasing entity for the A&B lands [24].

What does Mana pono mean? ›

Mana is described as a life energy that flows through all things and humans. It may be gained or lost with everything you do. Living through pono – meaningful work, good relationships and the service you lend to your community – can allow you to gather mana.

What does aloha e Malama Pono mean? ›

Mālama - the Hawaiian word for caring, nuturing, and. preserving. Used in the common phrase " E mālama. pono!" which translates to Take good care...of yourself, each other, and the ʻāina!

What does a Hui Hou Malama Pono mean in Hawaiian? ›

A hui hou – Goodbye, until we meet again. Malama pono – Take care, be right.

What does live Aloha and stay pono mean? ›

“Being PONO means being right with yourself, your ancestors, and all of nature. It is a certain attitude, a way of living. It means living your life with Aloha. Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, peace, compassion and mercy. It means being without judgement of others, being tolerant and being kind.

What is the Hawaiian word for strong woman? ›

Wahine kaua, koa wahine (female warrior).

What does pono mean in maui? ›

The Hawaiian word “Pono” means being in perfect alignment with all things in the universe; this beautiful word captures the beauty of the Hawaiian culture and paradise.

What does Pili aloha mean in Hawaiian? ›

pili. aloha

nvi. Close friendship, beloved companionship, beloved relative; loving association; to have a loving or tender relationship, to be in a bond of love, romance.

What does Chi Hu mean in Hawaiian? ›

Chee comes from the word Cheehoo, a Hawaiian slang originating from the Samoa culture. It is a term that is often used around family and friends in a positive light. “Cheehoo!” is exclaimed when you are celebrating or if something is exciting. The term is most similar to terms like woohoo, yee-haw, or wahoo.

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