Hawaii's māhū—and their ancient history—are finally re-embraced

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Hawaii's māhū—and their ancient history—are finally re-embraced
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The restored history of a Native Hawaiian monument elevates part of the rich, sacred story of māhū—whose powerful roles in Hawaiian culture are still present today

The healers—Kapaemāhū, Kahaloa, Kinohi, and Kapuni—voyaged from the Tahitian Island of Raiatea more than 500 years ago and became well-known across the Hawaiian islands as they used holistic remedies to cure those who were ill.

Known as The Healer Stones of Kapaemāhū, these boulders honor four māhū healers who are said to have voyaged from the Tahitian Island of Raiatea more than 500 years ago and brought their curative powers and wisdom to the people of Hawaiʻi. Efforts to reclaim the pride and Indigenous legacy of what it means to be māhū and continue to practice traditions passed down from the healers—Kapaemāhū, Kahaloa, Kinohi, and Kapuni—has gained traction in recent years.

. Kānaka Maoli culture, Wong-Kalu says, places a greater emphasis on the importance of what one can contribute to society—whether male, female, or māhū: “It is a doorway into respect and shared aloha when we honor this understanding,” she says.

The exhibit not only amplifies the history of the stones, but features stories from māhū throughout history, and traditional healing treatments practiced by māhū and others today. Wong-Kalu says Hawaiian culture places a greater emphasis on the importance of what one can contribute to society—whether male, female, or māhū.Anna Mei performs at Scarlet Honolulu, a popular LGBTQ+ club in Honolulu. Mei, who is not Kānaka Maoli , does not identify as māhū due to the cultural context.

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