Kūpuna say the name Nāhiku (the sevens) refers to the trail of life toward perfection. – Photo: Liquidlibrary

Nā Wai Nāhiku:
Seven steps to perfection

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Ph.D., R.D.

'Ohe'o Gulch in Hāna is the site of Nā Wai Nāhiku, the Seven Sacred Pools. Far mauka of the pools is the source of its water, Waimūkī (whisperings of wizards) Falls. 'Ohe'o Kapo Gulch is the entire name of the gulch. It is named for the goddess Kapo and the 'ohe (bamboo) that symbolizes her. Elders say that Kapo sways like a beautiful reed in the wind. In times past, these pools were reserved for only ali'i to use and the kapu was well-guarded. Below the pools, at the mouth of waters that flow from Waimūkī Falls is Kūloa Point Beach. It is said that the name Kūloa (long waiting) refers to the long periods of waiting required in religious ceremonies held there in times past.

Elders have said that the name Nāhiku (the sevens) refers to the trail of life toward perfection. Elders pointed out that when young people erred and their elders hoped to win them back to the ways of goodness, they would go through a prayer-guided climb through the seven pools. Nā Hiku is called sacred or fortunate for those who keep climbing toward beauty and perfection of the soul.

The climb to perfection began in the sluggish, brackish water of the pool, 'Akahi akahi (inexperienced), located nearest Kūloa Point beach. The second pool is Luakapu. Luakapu means profound, referring to the sense created by removal of a kapu, restriction or spiritual burden. 'Ekolu, the third pool, is also called “A Kō Lū Pi'i Kua,” meaning “The road to perfection is a straight and narrow path.” It is third of the steps to perfection.

The name of the fourth pool, 'Eha'eha, represents the “pain and longing” of a man's spirit in its quest to perfection. Moving through the ceremony, the quest requires personal sorrow for errors committed, repentance and the will to be free from all past error. The participant is purified in this pool. It is the midpoint in the ceremony, when one can almost perceive 'Iolani, the Bird of Perfection. The easiest way to move through this pool is to swim, because the climb up the trail is difficult.

The fifth pool, Laulima, is above the bridge. Laulima symbolizes removal of the kapu or error through recognition of reverence and goodness in the soul, mind and heart. The sixth pool, Eō ano, refers to the novice “answering the call with a song in the heart.” Nā Hiku, the seventh pool, is the culmination in perfection or cleansing and is the last step in reaching the stars. This is the largest pool and the high surrounding cliffs create a natural cathedral-like experience. Looking upward above Nā Hiku, all that one sees are the waterfall and the heavens.

It is interesting that the pool beneath the bridge is not counted in the seven steps to perfection. In fact, elders cautioned against swimming in that pool. However, today, one can witness young people jumping from the bridge into that pool. Today, protocols of our ancestors are ignored at many of Hawai'i's historic and natural sites. Hawaiians believe that breaking protocol always results in a burden.

The gods and guardian spirits of Hawai'i reside in the water, rocks, sand and plants around these sites. Quiet and respectful behavior and the obligation to provide care for the area are required of man. We need to demonstrate and teach our keiki and mo'opuna that traditions of respect for our spiritual guardians are always foremost.