Island Wisdom: Hawaiian Traditions and Practices for a Meaningful Life (feat. Kainoa Daines)
We’re at a pivotal time in society where we’ve become so far immersed in modern existence that we need to take a step back and look at life through a more meaningful and spiritual lens.
Hawai‘i—with its breadth of cultural richness, and deeply-rooted traditions—is one lens that we can use. My guest, Kainoa Daines, is here to give us insight into the wisdom and traditions of his beautiful island culture.
Kainoa Daines is the senior director of brand for the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau and a member of the Royal Order of Kameh-ameha I. He is a resident of Honolulu with roots on all the major Hawaiian Islands.
During this interview, Kainoa shares time-honored wisdom, teachings and practices that can help us live more meaningful lives. He also talks about some common misconceptions about Hawaiian culture, language and local folklore.
Interview time stamps:
03:35 ︳Hawaiian's regard for nature and living with the land
04:41 ︳Kainoa discusses the inspiration and process behind writing "Island Wisdom"
07:19 ︳The biggest things people get wrong about the Hawaiian culture
11:49 ︳Kainoa's thoughts on how Hawaii is represented in pop culture and the media
15:30 ︳The deeper meaning and ethics embedded in the greeting, "aloha"
22:20 ︳What is Ho'oponopono, and how can we use it as a healing practice
29:11 ︳How the Hawaiian term for intuition/inner knowing, called "na'au," can guide us
34:00 ︳Kainoa shares the most valuable philosophies and lessons he's learned from his elders
38:45 ︳Practicing the Hawaiian value of care (for ourselves and others)
41:30 ︳Do modern Hawaiians still preserve old traditions and practices?
44:47 ︳How to travel responsibly to Hawaii (and other destinations) without damaging the fragile ecosystem
49:00 ︳Why empathy is much needed in the world
51:55 ︳Resources to learn about the Hawaiian mythology
Learn more about Kainoa Daines’ book “Island Wisdom: Hawaiian Traditions and Practices for a Meaningful Life” here.