Ka Mano Wai: The Source of Life

Ka Māno Wai is a book that honors and preserves the stories of fourteen respected kumu loea, or cultural experts, who are the keepers of ancestral knowledge. These kumu loea are authorities in their respective fields and share their stories with the reader to teach them about maintaining and enhancing their well-being through ancestral cosmography and practices such as mana, mālama kūpuna, 'āina momona, 'ōlelo Hawai'i, ho'oponopono, lā'au lapa'au, lomilomi, and lua. The title of the book, Ka Māno Wai: The Source of Life, has multiple meanings, including the idea that ancestral practices retain history, preserve ways of being, inform identity, and provide answers for health and social justice. The book celebrates and perpetuates kanaka values and reveals ancestral solutions to challenges confronting present and future generations. Nourishing connections to the past helps to build a future of wellness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: University of Hawai'i Press

Ka Māno Wai is a captivating tribute to the rich tapestry of mo`olelo (stories) woven by fourteen esteemed kumu loea (expert teachers), who are the guardians of cultural wisdom. These remarkable individuals, including Kamana`opono M. Crabbe, Linda Kaleo`okalani Paik, Eric Michael Enos, Claire Ku`uleilani Hughes, Sarah Patricia `Ilialoha Ayat Keahi, Jonathan Kay Kamakawiwo`ole Osorio, Lynette Ka`opuiki Paglinawan, Sharon Leina`ala Bright, Keola Kawai`ula`iliahi Chan, Charles Sonny Kaulukukui III, Jerry Walker, Gordon `Umi Kai, Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie, and Kekuni Blaisdell, are renowned authorities in specialized fields of cultural practice that draw from the depths of ancestral `ike (knowledge). Beyond their academic prowess, they are cherished mentors, colleagues, friends, and family, sharing their profound stories with us. These narratives serve as invaluable guides, illuminating the path to maintaining and enhancing our well-being through ancestral cosmography and practices such as mana (spiritual, supernatural, or divine power), mālama kūpuna (care for elders and ancestors), `āina momona (fruitful land and ocean), `ōlelo Hawai`i (Hawaiian language), ho`oponopono (conflict resolution), lā`au lapa`au (Hawaiian medicinal plants), lomilomi (massage), and lua (Hawaiian art of fighting).

The authors of this book, who have a deep reverence for Hawaiian worldviews and storytelling, have created a space for intimate and illuminating conversations with the kumu loea that form the backbone of the larger mo`olelo presented within these pages. Their appreciation for the relational aspect of Native Hawaiian culture, which connects people, spirituality, and the environment, is evident in the beautifully nuanced photographic portraits of the kumu loea, taken in locations that hold profound meaning for them.

The title of this book, Ka Māno Wai: The Source of Life, carries multiple layers of significance. Just as water sustains life, ancestral practices preserve history, uphold ways of being, and nourish the soul. Through their stories, the kumu loea invite us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, reconnecting with our roots, and embracing the timeless wisdom that has been passed down through generations.

Ka Māno Wai is a testament to the enduring spirit of Hawaii and the profound impact of cultural heritage. It serves as a reminder that our well-being is intricately linked to our connection to the land, our ancestors, and the wisdom they have imparted. As we immerse ourselves in these captivating tales, we are invited to embrace the richness of our heritage and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780824893644