Hawaiian Values

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The area now known as Leilani Estates was traditionally called Keahialaka, meaning “the fire of Laka.” It was part of an ahupuaʻa, a wedge-shaped land division stretching from the mountains to the sea, providing resources like fish, fertile land, and timber. These divisions were integral to the sustainable living practices of Native Hawaiians.

 Haysmer Hawaii

According to Hawaiian legend, the volcano goddess Pele first arrived at Keahialaka in Puna. Driven by a desire to meet ʻAilāʻau, the god of Kīlauea, she journeyed inland. However, ʻAilāʻau fled, fearing Pele's power. Finding Kīlauea vacant, Pele made it her eternal home, digging its foundations day and night. 

Images of Old Hawaiʻi

In the 1960s, developers established Leilani Estates on this sacred land, primarily for profit. On January 29, 1969, the Leilani Community Association (LCA) was incorporated, with founders Richard Henderson, D.W. Rose, and Kenneth B. Griffin. The association was tasked with maintaining roads (excluding Leilani Avenue), landscaping, and promoting community welfare.

The original name of what is now known as Leilani Estates is Keahialaka, which means the fire of Laka, the goddess of verdant forests. Laka is the fiery essence reflected through the foliage during volcanic eruptions and seen dancing across the night sky. She is the guardian of native trees and plants within the ahupuaʻa, the traditional land division of Puna, home to Pele and the sacred Halemaʻumaʻu crater. In Hawaiian tradition, every living thing has a spirit, expressing itself through nature and creation. Pele’s journey from Tahiti brought her to Hawai‘i Island, where she made her home in the caldera of Kīlauea. It is said that the ancient deity ʻAiʻlaʻau—the “forest devourer”—retreated into hiding upon her arrival. Our stories, chants, and dances keep these relationships alive. They are rituals woven into our bodies, minds, and spirits—living myths retold with each eruption that renews the land. Though place names may change, the essence remains. The land speaks through fire, wind, and rain. We live on the hem of Pele’s skirt. When she chooses to cleanse and renew, we must honor her presence. Let us walk gently on this land, for the ʻōhiʻa trees stand as sentinels of Puna. The land is sacred. The greatest value we can uphold is to live in harmony with nature and the elements. Be safe. Be well. Aloha, Kaonohiokalaniokala

The Aloha Spirit is more than a greeting—it is a way of life. It is a law, and a guiding philosophy rooted in kindness, unity, and mutual respect.

According to Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes §5-7.5, Aloha is defined as:

• ʻAkahai – kindness, expressed with tenderness 
• Lōkahi – unity, expressed with harmony
• ʻOluʻolu – agreeableness, expressed with pleasantness
• Haʻahaʻa – humility, expressed with modesty
• Ahonui – patience, expressed with perseverance
   

These values reflect the warmth, sincerity, and depth of Hawai'i’s people. Aloha is not given with expectation—it is a genuine care extended from one soul to another. To live with Aloha is to see what is unseen, to hear what is unspoken, and to know the unknowable. Let our leaders and communities embody the Aloha Spirit as we work together in service of our shared home. Aloha, Kaonohiokalaniokala

The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. This guiding principle speaks to the sacred relationship between the Hawaiian people and the ʻāina (land). It reminds us that life is sustained through righteousness and balance. We are now in the season of Lono, a time of rain, thunder, and harvest. The Makahiki season, honoring Lono, celebrates community, abundance, and rest. Maunakea is draped in the snowy embrace of Poliʻahu, goddess of the mountain.

These words express the privilege and reverence I feel living on this sacred land.

• Ua – the life-giving rains from the heavens
• Mau – the thriving of life through fire, water, wind, and earth
• Ke Ea – the breath of life, the rhythm of the tides and the soul
• O Ka ʻĀina – the land, a living tapestry of color and sustenance
• I Ka Pono – right action, righteous living, balance, and healing
   

As stewards, we are called to honor the land. The ʻāina is the chief; we are her caretakers, planters, teachers, and protectors. Let us embody pono—right thought, word, and deed—and ensure that the life of the land continues through our integrity.

Kuleana means responsibility, but more deeply, it is the ability to respond—with awareness, integrity, and care. Our kuleana begins with ourselves: to be mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions. It is in self-reflection that we grow. We also carry kuleana for each other: to listen, to be kind, and to act with compassion. For our families, kuleana means nurturing each member’s growth and wellbeing. Family is the root of community. As community members, our kuleana is to lead by example, lend support, and contribute to shared goals. For those in leadership, kuleana means making decisions with wisdom, promoting safety and harmony, and fulfilling responsibilities with aloha. May this year deepen our understanding and strengthen our connections with one another. Aloha lives here.

Manaʻo Iʻo refers to our highest, truest thoughts—rooted in truth and shaped for the good of the community.

Mana, the spiritual energy that flows through all things, can be cultivated through right action, loving relationships, and community service. Mana is not about possession, but presence. It is earned and shared.

Certain places—like Haleakalā, Mauna Kea, or historic battle sites—are rich in mana. But people, too, carry this sacred energy. Here in Hawai‘i, we live in relationship. We call strangers “Aunty,” “Uncle,” or “Tūtū” because we recognize our shared humanity. Honor each person’s mana. Greet others with aloha. Live with lokahi (harmony) and kōkua (service). Your reflection is in every relationship you build.

Hoʻoponopono is a traditional healing practice used to restore harmony within ourselves and with others.

Through forgiveness, misunderstandings and pain can be transformed. By acknowledging our part in conflict, we make room for healing. Hoʻoponopono illuminates the unseen, untangles the misunderstood, and offers peace where there was once discord. Forgiveness creates miracles. It is kindness in action.

As we build a new chapter in Leilani Estates, let us support one another. Let us honor the lessons of Pele’s visit in 2018, knowing we are guests on her land. Let go of what was. Choose what can be. 

Live in aloha, the ho‘oponopono way.

Lō means to obtain, and kahi means one—together, they signify unity and harmony. Let us plant seeds of cooperation and growth. Like members of an ʻohana, each person plays a role in the wellbeing of the whole.

Laulima—many hands working together—helps us reach shared goals and care for the land, sea, and each other. Lōkahi calls us to speak with ʻoluʻolu (pleasantness), act with haʻahaʻa (humility), and persevere with ahonui (patience). Open minds and hearts create lasting change. Let us walk this path with compassion.

Be the change. Make a difference. Work in friendship and connectedness, guided always by aloha.

Ulana means "to weave"; pilina means "relationship." Together, they form a vision of community woven through connection, strong in unity. As Leilani rebuilds, healing is our foundation and hope is our goal. We invite each person to share their dream of a thriving, caring community. Challenges have shaped us, but they have not broken us. We remain strong—resilient, compassionate, and committed. Let us weave a lei of aloha, offering its beauty and meaning to one another. Let us care for the future of this land we call home.