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A Rite of Passage for the Young Men of Kīpuka Waiaʻanae

On a quiet November evening in Waiʻanae, a group of young men from Liliʻuokalani Trust delivered a reverent prayer (pule) and Hawaiian chant (ʻoli). Then they observed in silence as a kahuna (household head) presented ceremonial offerings (kapu) to release the mana (spiritual power) of Lono, the Hawaiian god of fertility, prosperity, and growth.

This was the Kāʻimua ceremony — a rite of passage symbolizing the young men’s entry to adulthood — and the responsibilities, temperament, and disposition that come with it.

Kāʻimua marks the moment when boys progress from "small-k kane” (kid mindset) to a "big-K Kanaka” (man mindset). Each participant receives a white malo, a traditional loincloth wrapped around his waist. A malo symbolizes a young man’s earned privilege to share his opinions and council alongside their Kumu (teacher.)

The ceremony was part of the Ōpūaliʻi Hekili program, a youth program by Liliʻuokalani Trust. Over the past year, Ōpūaliʻi Hekili boys met weekly to practice Hawaiian culture and learn leadership, public speaking and debate, community service, indoor and outdoor cooking, martial arts, hunting, and physical fitness.

Ōpūaliʻi Hekili is among many LT programs to help youth ages 0-26 develop resilience, embrace Hawaiian identities, and acquire skills for self-sufficiency. This was the mission of Queen Liliʻuokalani, who founded the Trust in 1909 to support Hawaiian children.

What distinguishes the Ōpūaliʻi Hekili program from the others is its focus on the Hale Mua (men’s house), located within LT’s Kīpuka Waiʻanae facility. Traditionally, as a male child begins to take on responsibility and maturity, he is ready to enter the Hale Mua. This sacred space is where much of Ōpūaliʻi Hekili training occurs for the LT youth. Within this brotherhood, they prepare for life’s challenges. 

One young man, who recently received his malo, said the ceremony encouraged him to strive for self-improvement. “I'm glad I got my malo, but I still need to push myself and really earn my next malo,” he says, adding that he hopes that his peers on other islands served by the Trust can experience the Mua concept, as well.

The ceremony was not the end of the Ōpūaliʻi Hekili program — but the start of a new chapter. These initiated members now have opportunities to lead group activities. Big brothers will welcome younger ones into the fold.

Since the ceremony, mindsets and self-awareness have sharpened. “I am not perfect, but I strive to be the best that I can be,” reflected one participant. The group activities — especially the more challenging ones like pig hunting and martial arts — brought about new confidence. The young man jokes, "Pain is in the mind, pain is weakness leaving my body!"

Another participant expressed his gratitude for LT’s youth programs and the mission behind them. “I'm glad to be a part of such a strong group,” he said. “I could never ask for more. I am proud to be a Kanaka, and I am for the Queen’s Trust.”