As we wrap up celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, I find myself reflecting deeply on the values, traditions, and spirit that shaped my upbringing—especially those rooted in my Native Hawaiian heritage.
I was raised with the tradition and heritage of the aloha spirit—not just as a greeting or a feeling, but as a way of life. It reflects love, kindness, and mutual respect. For many Native Hawaiians, aloha is not just something you say, but something you live. In today’s world, where disconnection often overshadows unity, the aloha spirit calls us to care for each other as extended ‘ohana (family), regardless of where we come from.
My mother, who was born and raised in Hawai‘i, shared our culture with me in the most beautiful and tangible way: through the art of lei making.
The Lei: A Symbol of Love and Legacy
Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of my mother carefully crafting lei at our kitchen table. Each lei she made was more than just flowers strung together—it was a gesture of love, gratitude, and connection. She taught me the importance of putting good thoughts and intention into each flower and leaf that was added to the lei. In Hawaiian culture, giving a lei is a profound act. It symbolizes welcome, celebration, remembrance, and affection. Watching her work with intention and grace taught me not only the technique but also the deep values of patience, respect, and care for others.
Lei making in our family wasn’t just an occasional craft; it was a tradition passed from one generation to the next. It was something we did for birthdays, graduations, weddings, and even just to brighten someone’s day. Through each petal and thread, our family history and cultural pride were stitched together and shared. Recently I had the pleasure of making a lei for WESH 2 anchorwoman Meredith McDonough to promote our library programming for AANHPI month. The gratitude that she exuded in receiving the lei filled me with great joy of sharing the aloha spirit.
Dancing Hula: A Child’s Joy, An Adult’s Gratitude
Another cornerstone of my cultural journey is hula. My mom enrolled me in hula classes when I was very young. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the richness of what I was learning—I only knew that it was fun, expressive, and that I loved moving to the rhythm of our stories.
Now, as an adult, I look back with immense appreciation. My mother’s decision to take me to hula practice wasn’t just about giving me an activity to enjoy; it was about giving me a lifelong connection to my roots. Hula is more than a dance—it’s a way of storytelling, a sacred expression of our heritage, and a channel through which we honor our ancestors and the land.
Today, I see how deeply people value and respect hula. Audiences are moved not only by the beauty of the movement but by the history and heart behind every step. It makes me proud to be part of that living tradition and to know that I’ve had the honor of sharing it, especially through our library programs.
Connecting Through Culture
One of the most powerful things about cultural heritage is how it brings people together. Whether through lei, hula, food, or language, sharing our traditions opens doors to understanding and mutual respect.
The photos I’ve shared here (from recent cultural events and personal moments) capture more than just smiles—they reflect the warmth of community, the pride of identity, and the beauty of passing traditions from one generation to the next. They are snapshots of a living culture that continues to evolve while holding strong to its roots.
While we honor AANHPI Heritage Month and all year long, I encourage everyone to learn more, share more, and celebrate more. Whether you’re part of the community or a curious ally, your interest and respect help keep our stories alive.
From lei making to hula, from our ‘ohana (family) to yours—may we all continue to embrace the aloha spirit with open hearts.
Mahalo for reading, and aloha always.
Rhonda is a customer service associate at OCLS
