2024: Nana ka maka, hoolohe ka pepeiao, paa ka waha.

Aloha e ka poe haumana olelo Hawaii,

This week I want to talk about a well-known Hawaiian phrase: "Nana ka maka, hoolohe ka pepeiao, paa ka waha," which means "Observe with the eyes; listen with the ears; shut the mouth." The translation for the last line is key, and it always makes me laugh.

When I worked at the office of Kawaihuelani Center of Hawaiian Language, Dr. Ipolani Wong (Niihau Native) would often have lunch with some of the employees, including myself. I sat at lunch, day after day, listening to her tell stories and speak to people and barely said a word. This went on for two whole years! I always took it as an opportunity to shut up, listen, and learn.

In the early days of learning, I spent the majority of it listening and reading. As I transitioned from a student to a teacher, I began to speak more. I wish more people would adapt the concepts of this phrase. In it, we learn patience, respect, and can retain an immense amount of knowledge. It’s hard to develop any of these skills when you’re talking, not listening, and not observant of what’s going on around you.

I understand that if you’re a quiet and reserved person, like myself, the principles of this phrase may come easier. If you are talkative and outgoing, you may have a harder time with it. Regardless of your temperament, I hope you take this philosophy seriously as you begin this new year.

"Nana ka maka, hoolohe ka pepeiao, paa ka waha."

Me ke aloha no,

Malu

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