Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Hawaiian Pahu: Celebrating the Sacred

Pahu Li'i (Little Drum)

E hō mai ka ʻike mai luna mai ē
ʻO nā mea hūnā noʻeau
o nā mele ē
E hō mai ē 

Grant us the knowledge from above
The knowledge hidden 
in the chants
Grant us these things

 The strong Mana (spiritual energy) of the Hawaiian Pahu (drum) celebrates the sacred. The Pahu's sounds of power amplify sacred chants and Hula.

"Its deep solemn tone inspires the dancers and stirs the emotions of the spectators." 

The Pahu raises the Mana of celebrations and ceremonies in honor of the Akuas (Gods). All over the world the drum enhances rituals of healing, consciousness transformation and prayers. In old Hawaii drums were given names because they have a voice.

Up to this day the Pahu (drum) has been one of the most important percussion instrument in Hawaii.
According to Legend, La'a mai Kahiki (La'a from Tahiti) is said to have brought the drum and Hula dance to Hawaii during the twelfth or thirteenth century. He chanted and played the Pahu as his canoe passed the islands. On O'ahu, one of the islanders raced along the shore following the canoe while pounding his chest in imitation of La'a's drum. Later this man fashioned a drum and taught the people of O'ahu to play it.
There are different kinds of Pahus the Ho'opa'a (drummer and chanter) might use:

Pahu Hula (dance drum)


Ipu Hula (double calabash drum) 


Puniu (coconut knee drum) 





Pahu Pule (prayer drum)

Pahu Pule (prayer drum) was considered sacred and always kept in the Hale Pahu (drum house) of the Heiau (temple). Temple drums were large, up to 46 inches tall, made from coconut or breadfruit log, the drum head covered with shark or fish-skin.


The sacred nature of the Hawaiian Pahu inspired the creation of Pahu Li'i (Little Drum).


Pahu Li'i (Little Drum)
Birth Date: Kekemapa 22, 2015 (12-22-15) 

Pahu Li'i invites you to join her in a celebration of the sacred!

E hō mai ka ʻike mai luna mai ē
ʻO nā mea hūnā noʻeau
o nā mele ē
E hō mai ē

Grant us the knowledge from above
The knowledge hidden 
in the chants
Grant us these things


The divine beat of Pahu Li'i’s Drum signals the beginning of an empowering ritual.
Chanting and drumming softly, Pahu Li'i walks through the sacred Hawaiian forest. She rejoices in the Mana of peace and happiness that surrounds her.
In the Aloha (compassion) spirit, the Lōkahi (unity) spirit, and the Pono (righteousness) spirit, Pahu Li'i honors the Akuas (Gods). She tells stories about Aumakuas (ancestral guardians), the sacredness of life and respect for all things with her drumming and chants.
Pahu Li'i's rituals have the greatest potential to create healing transitions, restore peace and harmony within ourselves or in relationships, provide materialistic gains, and fulfill many more of our deepest desires.

Pahu Li'i's rituals inspire us to celebrate and manifest the sacred. 

Pahu Li'i’s Tutu (grandmother) wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into Pahu Li'i 's red and green feather and flower Haku (head lei), wrist and ankle leis. In Hawaii the Hulu (feather) represents spiritual strength, unity and love. It is believed to link to the divine.
Tutu also sewed Pahu Li'i’s yellow dress with a red belt and matching crocheted panties. Last she gave Pahu Li'i the precious little Puniu (coconut drum) and drum stick, which, following tradition, has been handed down through generations. All these things were Tutu's sacred gifts of Aloha (Love) to her beloved Mo’opuna Wahine (granddaughter).

Pahu Li'i is about 4” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. The body is made out of stretch cotton and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. Pahu Li'i has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Pahu Li'i is a one of a kind collectible display dolls handcrafted by Hawaiian Dolls. She comes with her story and a certificate of authenticity.

Pahu Li'i inspires the power of rituals.