What Hawai'i Can Teach Us About Connection

Where most of the U.S. is a heavily emphasized individualistic society, the Hawaiian islands have always been much more collectivist in culture. In the Hawaiian islands, this means tight-knit families, aloha-spirit, reverence for their land, high respect for elders or kupuna, and referring to any adult as "auntie" or "uncle," whether or not you're actually related.

In Hawai'i, "it takes a village..." is a real principle. "No matter who a child “belongs” to, she or he will be safe and cared for, because Auntie and Uncle will be responsible. Auntie and Uncle are your loved ones even though you may never have met them," a local explains. From a young age, children in Hawai'i are taught to love and connect to both people and their island.

Aside from the adored, "aloha," meaning love, there's a lesser-known word that summarizes this phenomenon. "Pili." "Pee-lee" meaning "close-by, connected, together." This word summarizes the deep unity of the people of Hawai'i with simplicity and a sweet ring.

Maybe it's simply the culture. Maybe it's the isolation that gets people who share a small island together to support and hold each other accountable. Maybe it's something in the clear, aqua water. Whatever it is, it's there. It's aloha. And we can all learn a thing or two about sincere connection from the islands.

So with that, "E pili kaua."

"Let's be together."