As we prepare to preform this week, a strong feeling of Aloha is setting in around us. We are Ohana, (family) in Hula and in life. The feeling of “Aloha” which literally means “breath”.

This day we went hiking in the Iho valley on the Island of Maui. I was hiking with friends and saw this sign.

I coul not resist. I followed the trail littered with Hybicus blossoms to a clearing.

Then I noticed small bundles of leaves, which I recognized as rocks wrapped in tea leaves as offerings. When I came around the corner I felt the energy change and there on a large rock before me was “Rainbow Man”

I had of course seen images of him. And, in my travels I have gone “in search of” many petroglyphs, and found them. But this time was different. He led me straight to him. I stared in disbelief at the beautiful altar and offerings. Then of course I went to work searching for my rock to wrap in leaves and place at Rainbow mans feet. All the while chanting as I had been taught.

This was the first time since immersing myself in Hula that I had such an experience. It was as if the ancients said. Yes, it’s time, she has earned it.  She now understands.

As we continued on, the sound of rushing waters started to fill my ears. The sacred river was running full of life. I dropped my Hibicus blossom into the water and jumped on a rock to dance. As the blossom floated, I sent it off with all the love and Aloha I could.

Several people had followed me into the jungle, so I asked if it was time to turn back. Everyone was having a wonderful time so We continued on. We came to a clearing that opened up into the valley. On one side was a acient altar of stone. In the center of the open space was a large circle of rocks that was perfectly triangulated with the altar and the Mountian. We had found one of the scared sites of acient hula and worship. I dropped to the ground in a sign of respect for the wonderful gifts I had been presented with. And started to chant….

learning the Hawaiian language is challenging and rewarding all at the same time. The sounds and the gutteral nature is not comfortable at first.  But the more you make the sounds and motions it becomes simply music.

As we started back, the spirits had one more gift for me. The watering hole was filled with locals us haoles were getting eaten alive by mosquitos. As we approached, two large warroior type guys swam across and climbed up on our side of the river looking menacing. The Hawaiians have perfected this.  I started towards them, much to the chargin of my hiking buddies. The largest of the two glared at me, and I asked in Hawaiian what plant here is the mosquito repellent. Except I couldn’t remember the word for mosquito! So this Haole was making ridicules hand gestures. Both men started laughing and asked how I knew how to speak any Hawaain at all. I explained my hulau ( House of Hula) in Kapalikiko (San Francisco). And they challenged me to show them. And I, of course obliged. Soon hugs were being passes around with much laughter and Aloha. My friends, we’re quite relieved. They didn’t know what was happenening, as my new Hawaiian friends were quite intimidating.

The answer to my question was guava. Still laughing I asked if they were setting this Haole up?! We smeared fruit all over us and hiked back down the valley, having one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Mahalo nui oi.

M