Protocol, Poi, and Passion
The importance of their roles in Hawaiian history cannot be understated. They are two of less than twenty people that currently inhabit the Halawa Valley, that which was the very first spot in which Polynesians landed over 1,500 years ago. And although they each may have resisted taking on this role of cultural practitioner – Anakala himself, being only five years of age when he began his training, was understandably reluctant – it is clear that they take their roles seriously now. And none can blame them for being weary of the increasing number of tourists who arrive with the interest of only trekking to the famed Halawa Waterfall, over this land of which they are caretakers of. Their brusqueness, while off-putting at first, was to assert that the cultural significance of this valley is as important.
I later realized my mistake of interpreting the force of Anakala and Greg’s presentation as somewhat harsh, when in fact, as I would learn throughout the day, it came from a place of pure passion.
Greg Solatorio
Anakala Pilipo Solatorio
We were stopped at an entrance and the welcome ceremony began with an exchange of verses sung in words I did not understand. The first, from our party, asked for permission to enter, the response from Anakala included all the names of his ancestors that would allow us in. We took turns placing our gifts and leaned in to touch foreheads and share ha with Anakala. I blushed at the intimacy of what we had just participated in, and with such an esteemed host. We removed our shoes and walked across a straw mat floor inside a small seating room adorned with a surprising array of relics – everything from photos and newspaper clippings to Christmas ornaments, numerous flags, and carved geckos.
Sean-Alan.
Welcoming.
Sharing ha.
“What do you remember most from that day?” I asked tentatively.
This man, who’s gruff exterior was deterring at our first meeting, completely softened. Tears spilled out of his eyes and his voice cracked as he recounted that day waves hit the Hawaiian shores at heights of up to 60 feet.
“I can never forget the sound and the sight of the wall of water coming. It was the scariest day of my life.”
The lush landscape of the valley, 70 years after the tsunami.
*****
“Culture is sacred, not secret,” both Anakala and his son Greg relayed at different times during the day. While some believe that practices should die with the family, the Solatorio’s are eager to share with outsiders to keep them alive.
And there are few practices as deeply Hawaiian as the creation of poi, a Polynesian staple food made of taro root. It is a spiritual and sacred part of their culture, providing connections between land and ohana (family) via the dinner table.
The made-for-tourist variety which we had seen on previous visits was gently mocked as Greg began his demonstration, carefully using tools that had outlasted the six generations before him. The wooden poi board was still perfectly balanced and the two stones used for pounding the root had different surface consistencies to result in a finer poi. Greg slathered his stones and board with water and began mashing, repeating the process energetically but using as little water as possible. The result was a paste-like mound that we scooped it up with our fingers to eat. The flavour was subtly sweet and most of us went in for seconds.
Our day had been a long one spent in the humid valley, sweating beneath our kihei and in the tiny covered room where barely a breeze blew. But it was not one I wished away in any quick manner, understanding the privilege I had to listen to the stories from this important family and to taste a tradition made by their own hands. And as that afternoon wore on (well past our scheduled departure time, I might add) and deeper connections were made, gruff became accepted as passion, with ample tears, smiles and laughter shared between us all.
how to do it and where we stayed
While on the island, we stayed at the lovely Hotel Moloka’i. Rustic and mere steps from the beach, we felt very much a part of the local ohana upon arrival and loved getting to know the staff. The highlight, however, was the food. The kitchen was recently reopened under new management and offered an incredibly tasty array of dishes with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.
Our trip to Moloka’i was courtesy of the Moloka’i Visitors Association. All opinions, as always, are our own.
Beautifully written, as always. I’d love to experience this one day! Thanks for sharing.
Happy travels 🙂
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren recently posted..My 2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers + GIVEAWAYS!
Thank you Lauren!
You captured the day perfectly. Anakala’s passion never ceases. Thank you for sharing his story.
It was a very memorable day! So happy we had so much time with Anakala and Greg.
Fascinating! I love how you brought the details of the day to life. It’s great that this family shares their culture with others as a way of keeping it alive.
Couldn’t agree more – it’s sad that some don’t and do keep these things secret. It’s so important to learn and share.
How can you resist falling in love with Hawaiian people, culture and tradition after experiencing something like this? Anakala’s words “Culture is sacred, not secret.” are so true, we’ve been to several ceremonies where no cameras were allowed and wonder, who will pass on these amazing traditions when there are no elders left and the kids aren’t interested in carrying on?
Nathalie recently posted..365 Project 2015 – week 48
I couldn’t resist, that’s for sure!
What a unique experience, and superb photos to match!
Leigh recently posted..3 Days in Panama
Thank you Leigh!
Such lovely photos as always. I think I need to Hawaii with you two sometime very soon! Hannah and Lee can come, too 😉
Kristin @ Camels & Chocolate recently posted..That Glamping Life: Sleep in a Dome, Yurt or Teepee