HALAU O LIMALOA

Origin of the Name

alau O Limaloa is a name which was presented through a ho'ailona. A traditional ho'ailona is a vision usually revealed after great ritual preparation through pule and intention. The ho'ailona revealed the island of Limaloa. In traditional ways when a ho'ailona comes and it revels a name and if there is a relative who has parts of or the full name that is presented, permission is necessary to use that name. Since it was revealed to Kumu and that one of his aunties held a similar name it was imperative that he ask permission to use the given name. Because his aunty was very Christian and very conservative, Kumu felt that it would have been easier to re-dream a ho'ailona than to ask permission. Hence for six months he tried to re-dream a ho'ailona. Every time he asked for a ho'ailona every time the island of Limaloa presented herself. After much consternation and repeated pule and ritual he knew Halau O Limaloa was the name and he needed to gather enough strength to ask his aunty for permission to use her name. In the summer of 1993 he called his aunty and asked for her permission to use her name. She granted him permission and Halau O Limaloa was born.

Limaloa is a mystical island that can be found between Kaua'i and Ni'ihau. Only the people of West Kaua'i and Ni'ihau know of this island. When Kumu was young his family would talk about the mystical, mythical, magical island of Limaloa. Limaloa rises up and then descends into the ocean. Limaloa is often called the Hawaiian Atlantis. At times in the past Limaloa was considered the entrance to the Land of MU. Today, most people do not know about Limaloa and many people, even Hawaiians who grew up with a strong Christian base feel that Limaloa does not exist and is only a figment of one's imagination. However, the haumana of Halau O Limaloa who have traveled to Kaua'i on the HO'ONANA trip have seen Limaloa. There is a specific process and ritual that one goes through prior to seeing Limaloa. If everyone follows the instructions they are honored with the view of Limaloa. The haumana of Halau O Limaloa are now the guardians of Limaloa.

Mahalo Aunty Mercy for granting Kumu permission to use the name of Limaloa for our halau.

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