02-11-2013, 03:44 AM
Lots of "experiences" in Puna, Kapoho, Opihikao, Kalapana, Kaimu, Ka'u, (in fact, all around our island) have not been written, but related through our kupuna.
Some of the uhane (spirit) experiences have died with our kupuna, as they were not shared, or private for the ohana only (as a lesson of sorts). For example, our Tutu was Kahuna Nui and her stories would raise the hair on your skin! Then, we were taught how to deal with these kinds of "visits".
Another Kahuna Nui of our ohana (very well known to both kanaka maoli and some ka po'e haole) warned us not to speak freely of our experiences as foreigners would think we were nuts! She also taught us that one day, the ka po'e haole would bring their own spirits here with them, but we had to learn which was ours, and which was not when they "visit".
As to the written word, IMO, some are true, perhaps, some are embellished, and some are not even close to being of the Hawaiian culture.
If there are any kupuna in your area, they may be able (and moreso, willing) to share the real stories of uhane, kepalo, and other entities that visited, and continue to visit today.
JMO.
Some of the uhane (spirit) experiences have died with our kupuna, as they were not shared, or private for the ohana only (as a lesson of sorts). For example, our Tutu was Kahuna Nui and her stories would raise the hair on your skin! Then, we were taught how to deal with these kinds of "visits".
Another Kahuna Nui of our ohana (very well known to both kanaka maoli and some ka po'e haole) warned us not to speak freely of our experiences as foreigners would think we were nuts! She also taught us that one day, the ka po'e haole would bring their own spirits here with them, but we had to learn which was ours, and which was not when they "visit".
As to the written word, IMO, some are true, perhaps, some are embellished, and some are not even close to being of the Hawaiian culture.
If there are any kupuna in your area, they may be able (and moreso, willing) to share the real stories of uhane, kepalo, and other entities that visited, and continue to visit today.
JMO.