Developing strong bodies was a conscious tradition in old Hawai'i. The result of hard physical training is evident in the kāne of Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu'uanahulu, shown dancing at the mouth of Waipi'o Valley in preparation for the recent Merrie Monarch Festival. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

Oki kilohana ka pali o Waialoha

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

In old Hawai'i, developing strong, well-aligned bodies was not left to chance. After all, in the days before machinery, Hawaiian bodies were expected to perform great physical work for many hours every day. A well-aligned skeletal structure reduces muscle stress and the potential for injury whether lifting or pushing heavy objects, bending to tend the lo'i, or digging with an 'ō'ō. Traditionally, developing the body's skeletal alignment and smooth, long muscles began soon after birth for Hawaiian infants. Kūpuna gently massaged them, working to straighten and strengthen limbs, as well as to encourage desired features. Strong back and leg muscles provided the power to do daily work and assured modesty when wearing a malo. Hard physical work and the traditional Hawaiian diet kept Hawaiian bodies fit throughout life.

Hawaiian descriptions of beauty related to body attributes that they worked so hard to achieve. An 'Ōlelo No'eau that describes handsomeness or beauty says, “oki kilohana ka pali o Waialoha,” in English it's, “straight and tall is the cliff of Waialoha.” This saying admires a tall person with a straight back. A similar proverb, “ 'a'ohe pu'u, 'a'ohe ke'e,” in English says, “no humps and no bends,” and speaks of a person with excellent posture and smooth long muscles. Later, kūpuna and makua continued to teach children about proper posture and physical movement. I have clear memories of being told repeatedly to pick my feet up when walking, to sit up straight, to hold my shoulders back and to not sit on my legs. Others remember kūpuna working on their fingers to assure beautifully tapered, long fingers for hula. Developing strong bodies with muscle strength and endurance was a conscious tradition in old Hawai'i.

Kawena Puku'i wrote about body molding by early Hawaiians. She reported that Hawaiians even molded their son's heads to resemble the head shape of their ali'i as a demonstration of love and admiration for their chief. Hawaiians found flat noses, protruding ears and flat heads unattractive, so kūpuna and makua massaged the bridge of their infant's nose to raise it, ears were massaged to keep them close to the head, babies were not left lying on their backs to protect development of their heads, and eyes were massaged to encourage large, round eyes. Hawai'i's first Western visitors left written compliments about the Hawaiian stature, graceful movements and strength, in obvious admiration.

Modern day Hawaiians have changed. Hawaiian bodies no longer perform physical work each day, as our ancestors did. And it is rare to find kūpuna and makua who massage and mold their keiki's bodies. It seems that posture and body movement among Hawaiian youth, today, are more influenced by their peers television or media aesthetics. Today, organized athletics can help our youth achieve some of the traditionally desired physical attributes. Hawaiian martial-arts training retains cultural practices. 'Ōlohe lua still insist on proper body alignment and striking stances during training. The 'ōlohe teach that good posture and body alignment will result in fewer aches and pains while developing muscle strength and endurance. And, after training sessions, time is taken to massage and realign bodies.

Extra pounds and obesity was not an issue in old Hawai'i, however, it is a real and very significant problem for Hawaiians today. Lower physical fitness and hasty food choices contribute to increasing weight and chronic health conditions. Often these health conditions can be remedied by increasing exercise, watching what you eat and losing weight. Ask your doctor if improved fitness can replace or reduce your medicines.