ʻIke Pāpākolu

ʻIke Pāpākolu is a form of Hawaiian Hermeneutics introduced to me by kanaka ʻōiwi scholar, Pūlama Collier and Manulani Meyer. While this knowledge has not been published (though Aunty Pūlama is working on publishing literature for here Ph.D. on Mōʻike Aloha), other kānaka scholars such as Aunty Manu use ʻIke Pāpākolu in conjunction with other practices, such as makawalu, to interpret the Hawaiian language. In this context, “ʻike” refers to the acquisition of knowledge, “pāpā” and “kolu” means 3, in this case, the three ways of interpreting language. These three ways include the hoʻopukakū, the literal translation, the kaona, the metaphorical translation, and the noa huna, the esoteric, personal translation. Below is an example of how ʻIke Pāpākolu is used:

He poʻi na kai uli, kai koʻo, ʻaʻohe hina pūkoʻa - ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #905

Hoʻopukakū (Literal, authentic translation): Though the sea is deep and rough, the coral rock remains.

Kaona (Metaphorical, alternative translation): Said of one who remains resilient in the face of difficulties.

Noa Huna (Esoteric, personal interpretation): Coral is a colonial animal, meaning that it is composed of multiple individuals working together for the same cause. The lāhui (nation) of Hawaiʻi is stronger as a collective nation. 

To reiterate, ʻIke Pāpākolu is a way to understand and interpret theoretically all concepts in a physical, mental, and quantum way. Because kaona and noa huna are alternative and esoteric interpretations, respectively, these interpretations, especially the noa huna, should be unique to each individual. I encourage everyone to practice ʻike pāpākolu as you peruse my website and employ the makawalu process (stay tuned for new blog post). :)