We as kānaka, or people, have a kuleana to serve and to care well for the ʻāina we are given to steward. It is both a responsibility and a privilege. In order to mālama (care for) anyone well, a relationship must be cultivated. Through kilo, or observations, and by spending time caring for and cultivating ʻāina, we learn better what it needs.
As we learn from Papakū Makawalu, kilo is to observe with our whole selves using all of our senses. Kilo is the foundation for understanding, knowing, acknowledging, becoming involved with the systems of this natural world.
Papakū Makawalu organizes our environment into three areas.
- Papahulilani is the space from above the head to where the stars sit. The clouds, rain, wind, sun, moon, and stars.
- Papahulihonua includes the natural earth and ocean and its development, transformation, and evolution by natural causes. The dirt, rocks, mud, our seas, and freshwater.
- Papahānaumoku includes everything that moves from the embryonic state of all life forces to death. It is the birthing cycle of all flora and fauna inclusive of man. The plants, animals, and people.
Join Kumu Dani as we kilo our space here at Kapalai. Be sure to download our kilo journal (available in English & Hawaiian) and start to kilo your space today. It is amazing what we can learn when we stop and observe for a moment.
Kilo Journal – English
Click to download the kilo journal – English
Kilo Journal – Hawaiian
Click to download the kilo journal – Hawaiian
Additional Journal Pages
Source: Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation: Papakū Makawalu.
