The Hawaiian Conch Shell, Calling the Divine

A gift from the Pacific Ocean, the pure sound of the Pu (Hawaiian conch shell) echoes across the ‘Aina (land) invoking blessings of divine Mana (spiritual energy). 

The ceremonial Hawaiian practice of blowing the conch shell dates back to the ancient past and continues in many present day traditions.
Blowing the Pu is a deep part of Hawaiian culture. Blown in accordance with Hawaiian protocol, it is a call to the divine announcing the official beginning of a sacred ceremony.

In ancient times the Pu announced the arrival of Ali’I (royalty), the beginning of the Makahiki season (Hawaiian New Year festival) and other important events. Conch shells were so precious, they were handed down from one generation to the next. In old Hawaii the Pu was also used to communicate across the waters, requesting and granting permission to come to shore. When blown correctly the beautiful hollow sound of the Pu can be heard from miles away.

Today the conch shell is still used in many traditional festivities and ceremonies throughout the islands, keeping Hawaiian culture alive.

Following sacred protocols the conch shell is blown pure and clear in the four directions. Complex sets of meanings are applied to when, how many times and in which direction the Pu is blown. The teachings of Kahunas (priests) reveal some of the deep sacred meanings of blowing the Hawaiian conch shell in tune with divine Mana (spiritual energy).

One well known story of the Pu tells about the mystical Hawaiian Menehunes, a legendary race of small Hawaiian people, who were considered gods by the Polynesians. When Chief Kiha on Oahu used a conch shell to control the little gods, the Menehunes stole it from him and blew it all night long so that nobody could sleep. Finally a brave Hawaiian retrieved the stolen conch shell but chipped it on the way back. This very shell is now displayed at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu.

The heavenly call of the Hawaiian Pu inspired the creation of Magical Menehune Guardian Angel Pupu Puhi (Conch Shell).

Pupu Puhi’s Mana radiates unconditional Aloha.

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

Hawaiian Aumakua, Our Ancestral Guardian Spirits

"Kaha ka 'Io me na Makani"

(The Hawk Soars with the Winds) 

To the ancient Hawaiians, an Aumakua was a deified ancestral guardian spirit, embodying the form of an animal to watch over their descendants. An Aumakua could manifest itself as a shark, a sea turtle, an 'Io (hawk), a pueo (owl) or other animal. The Aumakuas empower, guide, protect and inspire their descendants. They are treated with the greatest respect and often asked for advice in times of need. Aumakuas also may bring gifts of Mana; supernatural powers that manifest in talents and abilities.

In Hawaiian mythology, ‘Io, the Hawaiian Hawk, is considered a messenger of God. The sacred bird teaches us to look at life from a higher perspective. ‘Io is the king of the Hawaiian birds.

“He ‘Io au, he manu i ka lewa lani. 

(I am ‘Io, the bird that soars in the heavenly sky.)” 

‘Io reminds us to live well, love nature, and Malama ‘Aina (care for the land).

The Hawaiian Hawk is endemic to the Islands of Hawaii. His feathers are different shades of brown. ‘Io is about 17 inches long and considered an endangered species.

Watching the majestic bird soar through the sky in the beautiful, secluded mountains of Kau on the Big Island of Hawaii, where I have lived for the past 30 years, I developed a deep connection to him. ‘Io, calling to me from leva lani (the heavenly sky), became my Aumakua.

Following an inspiration I decided to include 'Io in the creation of "Magical Hawaiian Menehunes". Many hours and a lot of love went into handcrafting the 1.5" miniature Hawaiian Hawk.

'Io became the Aumakua of Princess Iolani.

Princess Iolani's and ‘Io’s Story 

Birthdate: Ianuali 3, 2010 (01/03/10) 

Iolani (Heavenly Hawk) is a Hawaiian Menehune Kamali’i Wahine (Princess). Her sacred Aumakua (ancestral spirit) is the Hawaiian ‘Io (hawk). In Hawaii the ‘Io is considered the hawk of the Ali’i (royalty). 'Io is a messenger of God. He soars high above, reminding us to live well, love nature, and Malama ‘Aina (care for the land). 

Iolani and ‘Io remind us that the divine is always with us. 

Io is just a baby hawk. He loves to play and ride on Iolani’s right arm revealing his miraculous powers and loving concerns to her. Together Iolani and ‘Io walk through the beautiful indigenous Ohia forest in the Kaiholena mountains.

Princess Iolani’s brothers, Kanaka (Hunter) and Pueo (Owl) with his Ulula (baby owl) accompany the Princess as her guardians. 

Their laughter echoes through the forest as they play with ‘Io and Ulula. They Malama ‘Aina (honor the land) with their Hawaiian chants. ‘Io is their messenger spirit who heightens their awareness and lets their true soul light shine through.

The coconut for Iolani’s cradle was selected from palm trees at Punalu’u Black Sands Beach. It is hand carved, sanded, polished, and fit to a custom coconut base. 
The coconut cradle wears a lei of white hawk feathers on the top and base. In Hawaii the Hulu (feather) is believed to link to the divine. The bedding and ruffles of the cradle are sewn out of red cotton with a gold colored Lehua blossom (flowers of the Ohia tree) design. 
Iolani’s lava-lava (wraparound dress) matches her bedding. Maile Leis (native Hawaiian vine) are wrapped around her neck and ankles. Princess Iolani bears a half moon shaped golden crown on her head and a white Plumeria flower behind her left ear. Iolani is about 3.5” tall. The body is made out of stretch cotton. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto her face. 
'Io, the Hawaiian Hawk, is about 1.5” tall. He is handcrafted out of white and brown fur, leather for the beak and claws, and black crystals for the eyes. 

On her first birthday Iolani’s Tutu (grandmother) gave her two golden Hawaiian bracelets. They were Tutu’s gift of lasting love and Aloha to her Mo’opuna (granddaughter). Iolani treasures her Tutu’s gift. She always wears the bracelets on her wrists.

Princess Iolani and ‘Io carry the spiritual power of Hawaii. 

Copyrighted Material

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

Miraculous Rituals

Rituals have extraordinary potential to transform thoughts and wishes into reality. 

They have the power to create healing transitions, restore peace and harmony within ourselves or in relationships, provide materialistic gains, and fulfill many more of our deepest desires.

We are energy connected to all energies in the Universe. In ritual we open the deepest part of our soul to communicate with the spiritual realm. To ensure a positive outcome, rituals must be performed with humbleness, love, and for the highest good of all. An offering should always be given to express our respect and gratitude.

In my opinion rituals have only one set rule: Whatever you wish for, how you perform your ritual, your offerings, etc., it all must come from the depth of your heart for the good of all. Other than that we must create our own individual rituals that feel right just for us. This also applies to the timing of the ritual. The right time to perform a ritual is not necessarily during the full moon or any other set schedule. The right time is when we are in alignment with our energy.

This doesn't mean certain guidelines from other cultural or personal rituals can’t be adopted. But we can personalize and alter these concepts to mold them into our beliefs and personalities. For example, whether you use rice, a part of a plant, rock salt, or anything else as an offering entirely depends on what feels right to you, not on what was recommended for a certain procedure.

Rituals can be compared to a very powerful prayer. I personally only perform them when I feel an intense need to do so. The reasons may be feelings of insecurity, the need for guidance to assure the right outcome of a certain situation, or there may be a strong desire to gain something from the material world.
Only the most pressing issues will motivate me to perform a ritual because it is such an intent and powerful act, it should never be done casually.
Calming the mind and body through meditation is essential prior to the performance of a ritual and establishes a connection to the universal energies.

Having lived in Hawaii for the past 30 years, I have integrated many aspects of Hawaiian culture and spirituality into my rituals.
There are many beautiful Hawaiian chants to effectuate a ritual. I would like to share the powerful Hawaiian prosperity chant with you:

E Laka e

E Laka i ka leo

E Laka i ka loa'a

E Laka i ka wai wai

E Laka i na mea a pau

Ano ai ke aloha e

Oh goddess Laka

0 Laka, queen of the voice

0 Laka, giver of gifts

0 Laka, giver of bounty

0 Laka, giver of all things

I greet you with love.

Rituals are an extraordinary way to honor our magnificence and all we can be.

My deep respect for the power of rituals inspired the creation of the Magical Hawaiian Menehune Twins, Pahulani and Lamaku, who perform a Hawaiian ritual which leads to victory over all obstacles.

Here is part of Pahulani’s and Lamku’s story:

Pahulani (Little Drummer Girl) and Lamaku (Torch Bearer) are twins. Their Manas (spiritual energies) are so intensely connected that they are inseparable. 
Pahulani is a Menehune Kamali’i Wahine (Princess) and Lamaku is a Menehune Kamali’i Kane (Prince). Their parents are the Ali’i (King and Queen) of the Kaiholena Menehunes.

The beat of Pahulani’s Pahu (Drum) signals major events. Lamaku’s Kukui Nut Ihoiho(torch) is the shining heart of truth and love. Together they perform a sacred Hawaiian ritual.

Pahulani’s drum and drum stick are handmade out of wood, raffia, felt, and beads.
She wears red feather leis around her head, wrists, and ankles. In Hawaii the Hulu (feather) is believed to link to the divine.
Pahulani and Lamaku wear Maile Leis (native Hawaiian vine) around their necks which connect them to the spiritual world and each other.
Lamaku’s Ihoiho (torch) is handmade out of bamboo, wood, Lauhala, and raffia. It is fueled with Kukui Nut oil. According to ancient Hawaiian beliefs Kukui represents the inner light of spirit shining brightly...

Listening to Pahulani’s and Lamaku’s chants leads to victory over all obstacles.

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

The Spirit of True Doll Making

"Little People of the Secret Power"

Creating a Menehune doll transfers me into a miniature life of my own. 

I start with a clear image of the doll I want to create: its gender, the clothes, accessories, and sometimes even its name and part of its story. The flow of possibilities and creative ideas is endless. Sewing the body, stuffing it, embroidering the face, every step of the way, the Menehune grows and takes on a life of its own. It is almost as if the doll is dictating who he or she wants to become. 

My previous plans of the design don’t seem to apply at all anymore. But I follow these inspirations because now I have entered the place of true doll making, where a deeper part of me takes over communicating with the developing spirit of the doll.

I have reached my inner place of stillness, inspiration, and guidance where I find and lose myself at the same time. It enhances my ability to communicate ideas and feelings in ways where words fail. At this point I know that my new Menehune has a soul and a personality. 

The spirit of true doll making is enlightening. 

The intricate art of crafting 3.5” miniature cloth dolls is something I would have never thought I had the patience to do. But it has become my most cherished and gratifying creation. It is a thrilling experience to look at a finished doll and see that it has come alive.

Through my Menehunes I always try to capture the ancient, magical spirit of Hawaii where I have lived for the past 30 years. Hawaiians are deeply in touch with their creative and intuitive nature. They live in harmony with creation.
The wisdom of Hawaiian culture and spirituality inspires me. I do a lot of research to integrate Hawaiian traditions and symbols into my dolls and their stories which has further increased my deep love and respect for all that is Hawaii.
Hawaiian tradition emphasizes mana or spiritual energy which is expressed in philosophies, symbolism, and culture.
In Hawaiian mythology Menehunes often are referred to as “the little people of the secret power”. The Menehune dolls’ mana connects to Hawaii’s spiritual wisdom which is conveyed through their personalities and inspirational messages.
I commit a lot of creativity, detailing, inspiration, and love to each individual doll. Every tiny configuration is treated with extreme care. Each stitch has to be in exactly the right position. The pattern and design of the clothing and accessories must be in harmony with the doll, enhance its personality and connect it with the wisdom found in Hawaiian symbols and stories. The work is never finished until the Menehune shows its spirit. Only then will I name it and write a story to reflect its personality which conveys messages of guidance, protection, and inspiration following concepts of Hawaiian spirituality and culture.

The creation of Wailani, the little Menehune sailor boy, became an expression of love. Looking at him humbly offering his gift of precious seashells, I feel like he is nurturing my spirit and taking care of me which in turn makes me want to take care of him.

Wailani radiates the Hawaiian Aloha (love) spirit.

Here is part of Wailani's story:

Wailani is named after the heavenly waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sailing his Wa’akaukahi (Outrigger Canoe) in the gentle breeze of Punalu’u Black Sands Beach is Wailani’s greatest pleasure.

Wailani’s Aumakua (ancestral spirit) is Nai’a, the Hawaiian Dolphin. Dolphins are often called the “Angels of the Sea”. Wailani also is an angelic little Menehune Keiki Kane (boy). His Mana (spiritual energy) is Aloha (love) and compassion. Wailani is the most generous little Menehune. Sharing his treasures with his Menehune Ohana (family) brings him the greatest joy. Wailani’s treasures are the precious sea shells he scoops up with his fishing net when he sails his Wa’akaukahi (Outrigger Canoe) through the beautiful bays of Punaluu Black Sands Beach.
Nothing makes Wailani happier than passing out the most treasurable shell gifts to his Menehune Ohana and seeing their joy and appreciation which in turn is the greatest gift to him.
Wailani knows that the more he gives, the more he will receive.

Wailani teaches us to see with the heart and act with compassion...

www.hawaiiancollectiblemenehunedolls.com

Kupukupu Keiki (Fern Baby)

Hawaiian tree ferns represent Spiritual Strength,

 Unity and Love.

The mana (spiritual energy) and beauty of the indigenous Hawaiian ferns inspired the creation of Magical Hawaiian Menehune Baby, Kupukupu Keiki (Fern Baby).

Here is part of Kupukupu Keiki's story:

Kupukupu Keiki is a Menehune Fern Baby. Hawaiian tree ferns represent spiritual strength, unity and love. Nestled within the indigenous Hawaiian ferns, Kupukupu Keiki sleeps contently in his coconut cradle sucking his thumb.
All the Menehunes love Kupukupu Keiki. When he is hungry, they bring him with his favorite treats, Mai’as (bananas) and Kahikis (pineapples). He is their Keiki Punahele (beloved child). The Menehunes take turns watching over him at all times, rejoicing in his sweet innocence.
Surrounded by his Ohana’s (family’s) Aloha (love), Kupukupu Keiki sleeps peacefully in his coconut cradle. The deep inner knowing that he is always taken care of fills him with trust and love.
Kupukupu Keiki is only 7 months old. He just left the spiritual world and his memory and connection to his origin are very strong.

Kupukupu Keiki’s Mana (spiritual energy) channels awareness of the eternal presence of love within and all around us...

Kupukupu Keiki carries the spiritual power of Hawaii.

www.etsy.com

Menehune Mana

                                                  Liko

Ancient Hawaiians possessed and practiced a deep genuine reverence for life. Their purpose was to discover and be part of the oneness of all life. They believed that Mana (energy) unites all: rocks, ocean, birds, plants, and people.

All affairs were conducted in accordance with nature. Asking permission of and giving thanks to nature was part of Hawaii’s customs acknowledging the spirit in all things and practicing devotion for life. Hawaiians called upon their inner wisdom to make the most out of nature’s offerings.

Through prayers and chants they honored the divinity within all things and people. Rather than wasting their energy talking, they went deep into silence communicating with nature and people through their minds. When they did talk their words carried the power of inner wisdom.

Hawaiians showed respect for all life. Nature responded to them by giving freely of her abundance and blessings.

Honu Iki

Hawaiians also had great healing skills. They believed that a person had to be first healed mentally and spiritually before treating the body. For that purpose they often used Ho’oponopono, a process of healing, forgiving, and putting things right.

Mana is the source underlying the wisdom of Hawaii’s spiritual journey. 

www.Etsy.com