Ho’okupu

When I visit certain places in Hawaii it is almost as if I can “feel” the place through the energy of the land, the power of the ocean, and the vastness of the sky. It is not something I can see and it is not awe when presented with the beauty of nature – it is something more – it feels sacred.

I believe that what I am feeling is mana, a sacred spiritual force that native Hawaiians believe is present in all people, places and even inanimate things.

This series started with a visit to Makapu’u on Oahu’s eastern shore where I became fascinated by the offerings of gratitude, aloha and respect, known in Hawaii as ho’okupu, that were left on a small grouping of rocks. This rough circle of lava rocks is a modern day heiau, or temple, and sits upon a mound overlooking the ocean. It has become a place of reverent contemplation for me.

Over time, as I photographed these ho’okupu I became more aware of the mana in other locations that I visited and it is in honor of that feeling of mana and the spirit of ho’okupu that I share these images…

To view as a slideshow please click any image below.