E Ala E’ - awakening the sun

We have the most wonderful Hawaiian ambassadors on this cruise. We are learning Hula, Ukelele, Hawaiian Language, eating Hawaiian foods, and being exposed to many other features of Hawaiian culture.

Most important, our ambassadors ooze aloha energy. Every word, every emotion, every step is filled with the spirit of aloha. This Haole has great respect for Hawaiian culture and I think it’s wonderful that our ambassadors are exposing so many to what it means to “live aloha”.

IMO- Living with aloha is much more than a greeting. It is a way of life rooted in love, compassion, and focused on maintaining harmony with nature. It is about being the best you can be, and giving back in all that you do. I firmly believe that if we could all learn to live with Aloha, the world would be a much better place.

This morning the captain opened the bow. Some of us braved the winds and cool temperatures to experience our Hawaiian Ambassadors complete the sacred chant E Ala E’ - which celebrates our connection to the rising sun. It was a beautiful tribute as we sailed into Maui after five days crossing the pacific.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JMx-5RD-FM

https://youtu.be/_JMx-5RD-FM?feature=shared

I have been blessed to participate in several E ala E ceremonies during Celebration of the Arts- held annually at the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua. The celebration is designed to teach, embrace, and preserve the Hawaiian Culture.

The celebration officially begins very early on Friday morning, and when I say early, I am talking walking from the condo down to DT Fleming beach at 5:15am, in the pitch dark, with a flashlight. But it’s worth every moment of missed sleep and every stubbed toe for the opportunity to participate in such a sacred ritual.

This Hawaiian sunrise ceremony, known as Hi‘uwai, involves entering the ocean to cleanse, release burdens, and connect with Kapuna (ancestors), and is followed by the E Ala Ē chant to "awaken" or call up the sun.

Entering the ocean at sunrise to cleanse and connect with Kupuna . (DT Fleming Beach, Kapalua, Maui)

If you look closely, I’m the blond ponytail in the third row from the back.

This YouTube video was filmed in Kapalua during opening ceremony of celebration of the arts, and explains E ala E’ much better than I ever could. I can think of no better way to begin the day…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0UiMQdbonc

https://youtu.be/z0UiMQdbonc?si=_QyirEt78Vs3m6Q8

Here is the English translation for those interested-