Hawaii’s Big Island and its “Call” to New Residents

Ever get the feeling that you belong in Hawaii?

Pu’ukohalā Heiau at Kawaihae on Kohala Coast

People are what’s fascinating about this business. I recently met the most interesting man, a retired history teacher. He started out in the Pacific Northwest, then went to an Indian reservation to follow a calling, then worked with a healer. While his wife then felt called to Haiti to assist with water purification, he felt drawn to the Big Island, and so came here. For me, this kind of lifestyle is fascinating.

It was a wonderful coincidence that when he came here, we were having a celebration at Pu’ukohalā. The event was part of the 200th year anniversary of the unification of the Hawaiian islands under King Kamehameha. This heiau (temple) was rebuilt by King Kamehameha as a sacrificial altar.

The original heiau at Pu’ukohalā was for making offerings to the shark ‘aumakua. Hawaiian families that are close to the water celebrate the shark as their ‘aumakua, or family god, as they believe that the sharks take care of you when you go out to sea. Ancient Hawaiians knew to go to Pu’ukohalā when the wiliwili tree is in bloom (summer), as this is when the sharks coming in.

For my history teacher and other clients, Hawaii means learning about Hawaiian culture, learning the words and the stories. I love sharing Hawaiian tradition, language, and culture. My client had spoken with multiple Realtors before coming, and chose me to assist him because of my stories and the fact that I had taught him the meaning of various Hawaiian words.