A Year of Enlightenment

I am thrilled to say that today marks  one year since I started this blog journey and I want to thank all of you have traveled it with me so far. Being able to share my thoughts, goals, and aspirations with you has brought me that much closer to the realization of what Alaka’i Associates can and will become in the next few years. I hope you will continue to join me on the way there.

For today, I would like to return to the kukui tree and its symbolism for enlightenment. It continues to be a guiding light for me.

Considered one of the “canoe plants” that arrived with Polynesian migration, with many uses including medicinal, food, dye and waterproofing for kepa, and fishing, but most revered for its role as both a literal and spiritual source of light.

In recent tradition, it has come to symbolize enlightenment, knowledge, protection, guidance, peace, and learning.

‘olelo no’eau: said to have been originally cited by a Tahitian mother to her son, which poetically links the continuation of the ‘ohana and their enlightenment with the illumination shed by a chain of kukui seeds. “The seed was sown. It budded, it blossomed. It spread out and budded again and joined a line on line, like the candlenut strung on one stem. ‘Tis lighted. It burns aglow and sheds its light o’er the land.”

My kukui tree stands strong in my backyard as a symbol of all that I dream for Alaka’i Associates.

As a gift to those who have been faithful followers or subscribers to my blog this past year, I will be sending you a small kukui nut gift as a token of my gratitude. And for any new subscriber in the month of April, you too will receive a gift if you provide your mailing address.

Mahalo and Aloha,

a hui hou…