Water Safety and Hawaiian Culture

Water Safety and Hawaiian Culture are Intertwined

In the Hawaiian Islands, water is not just a resource; it is a sacred and integral part of our lives, culture, and spirituality. From the vast ocean that surrounds our islands to the freshwater streams that carve through our lands, water is a source of life, sustenance, and deep cultural connection. Many locals see the ocean not only as a playground but also as a teacher. Our relationship with water is rooted in our ancestors' wisdom and traditions, and it’s through this lens that we view water safety today.

The Ocean as ‘Aloha’

In Hawaiian culture, the ocean is often personified and referred to as ka moana, a living entity with its own mana (spiritual power). The ocean gives life, but it also demands respect. Our ancestors understood this well — the ocean can be both nurturing and dangerous. This balance between respect and caution is what defines water safety in Hawaiian culture.

For thousands of years, Native Hawaiians have navigated the Pacific, using the stars, currents, and their deep understanding of the water to travel between islands. This knowledge was passed down through generations and continues to influence how we interact with the ocean today. But water safety, for our kūpuna (elders), was more than just practical knowledge — it was a way of life, rooted in the principles of respect (ho‘omana) and reciprocity (kuleana).

Kuleana: Responsibility to the Water

One of the core concepts that govern our relationship with the ocean is kuleana, or responsibility. To the Hawaiian people, kuleana means not only knowing how to swim or how to safely navigate the water but also understanding the natural rhythms of the ocean and the environment. It’s about knowing when to enter the water, how to recognize the warning signs of changing tides or dangerous waves, and how to respect the creatures and elements that call the water home.

The concept of kuleana extends beyond ourselves. It’s the responsibility to share our knowledge with the next generation, to pass on the values of respect, awareness, and responsibility. Water safety, in this context, is not just about teaching children how to float or swim; it’s about teaching them to listen to the ocean, to feel its changes, and to never take its power for granted.

In Hawaiian culture, water safety often begins before one ever enters the water. It starts with the pule (prayer) to ask for protection and guidance from the gods. When stepping into the ocean, our ancestors would make offerings or say a prayer, acknowledging the ocean’s power and requesting safe passage. This deep respect for the ocean is at the heart of how we approach water safety in Hawaii today.

Mo‘olelo (Stories) and Water Safety

Another way water safety has been passed down through the generations is through mo‘olelo, or storytelling. These stories often feature characters who face challenges in the ocean, and they serve as lessons for the younger generations on how to navigate the waters safely.

One such story that’s often shared is that of Kāne, the god of creation and water. Kāne is said to have given life to the first streams and to have shown our ancestors how to use the ocean’s resources while maintaining respect for it. Stories like these remind us that the water is a living force — it can give and take life, and it’s our duty to approach it with humility and care.

Through these stories, we also learn about the dangers of the ocean. We learn of powerful waves that can sweep people away, of hidden currents that can pull swimmers under, and of creatures that we must respect and avoid. These stories are practical lessons in water safety, as well as spiritual teachings about balance and harmony with the environment.

The Role of ‘Ohana (Family) in Water Safety

In Hawaiian culture, ‘ohana (family) plays a central role in everything we do. Water safety, like many other aspects of life, is a communal practice. It’s not just about individual skills; it’s about ensuring that everyone in the family understands the risks and the responsibilities when it comes to the water.

Many local people growing up in Hawaii, remember being taught how to swim and respect the ocean at a young age. But more than just learning the mechanics of swimming, many were taught how to read the waves, to understand the changes in the wind, and to listen to the warnings of elders. Water safety is not just a set of skills to master; it’s a way of life that involves the whole family, from the youngest keiki (children) to the oldest kūpuna.

Many children, learned water safety from parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties. They taught them to respect the ocean’s power and to always be cautious, especially when conditions were rough. When they grew older, many were also taught how to be a mentors and guides for younger keiki, sharing their knowledge of the water with the next generation. This passing down of knowledge is how we ensure that water safety remains a core part of our cultural identity.

Water Safety as a Cultural Duty

Today, organizations like Water Safety Hawaii (www.watersafetyhawaii.org), Na Kama Kai (https://nakamakai.org), The Duke Kahanamoku Foundation (www.dukefoundation.org), Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, and Hawaiian Lifeguard Association (www.hawaiianlifeguardassociation.org) are essential in continuing this legacy of water safety education. Through programs that teach survival swim lessons, safety protocols, and ocean awareness, these nonprofits carry forward the Hawaiian tradition of protecting our people and maintaining our connection to the water.

However, as we continue to teach water safety, we must never forget the deep cultural context that surrounds it. Water safety is not just about survival skills; it’s about understanding our relationship with the ocean, respecting its power, and honoring the cultural teachings that have been passed down through generations. We must always carry with us the ancient wisdom that tells us: the ocean is both a provider and a protector, and it is our kuleana to approach it with respect, mindfulness, and care.

Conclusion: Embracing the Ocean with Respect

Water safety is essential, not just for preserving lives, but for preserving a cultural connection to the ocean that has existed for thousands of years. As we continue to educate and raise awareness, let us always remember that our knowledge of the water is not just technical — it is spiritual, cultural, and communal. From the shores of Waikīkī to the remote beaches of Moloka‘i, let’s continue to teach our families and communities how to honor the ocean and respect the teachings that our ancestors passed down, so that the waters of Hawaii remain safe for generations to come.

Aloha and Malama i ka Moana — Protect and care for the ocean.