WHAT'S IN A NAME

“He ka inoa ‘o ia” Kaumakaiwa began as Lopaka

He was a namesake to his father
When he turned 13 (teen) it was decided
That he would be given a name
Reflecting the life style of a “hiapo” The oldest grandchild

A test of endurance was his challenge
When he proved to withstand the test
A ceremony of rites of passage was bestowed
And along with it
A name inclusive of skills, duty and direction
For the long breath of the family,

“Kaumakaiwapo‘ohalakahi‘ipakaokanahele Keali‘ikanaka‘ole”

Kaumakaiwa – mysterious eyes alight

po‘hala – upon the one to carry on the virtues, arts and skills of the family

kahi‘ipaka – instruction provided by

okanahele – the wilderness of the uplands

Keali‘ikanaka‘ole – foundational ancestral name.

“Amama, ua noa, lele wale aku nō.” There it is, it is free, it will fly.

- Pualani Kanaka'ole