Huna: Hawaiian Shamanism

By Karyn Chambers

Images from Harry Uhane Jim and Pinterest

Huna: Hawaiian Shamanism

“We actually come into this world as gods. It’s just that we have forgotten

who we really are as well as what this means.” –Hale Kealohalani Makua

As a college level world religions teacher and lifelong learner, I’ve been fascinated with our earliest forms of spirituality. While teaching world traditions at the Kea’au Senior Center, we traveled the globe investigating indigenous traditions, discovering similar threads in them all.  It’s intriguing that the term ‘shaman’ itself comes from Siberian indigenous people, meaning– “one who knows.”  They are considered specialists; intermediaries within the spirit world and healers.  In short, a shaman is a medicine man/woman with great wisdom and knowledge of herbs and healing rituals including drumming, chanting, dancing, and breathwork. One who can go into altered states of consciousness to assist in soul retrieval and curing of serious diseases. 

Across the world, our indigenous traditions are animists, which means they see everything in nature as alive; everything is holy and sacred, possessing a spirit, a soul. Thus, nature is revered and respected. According to Dicitonary.com, Anima means “breath, spirit, life, which includes animals, rocks, plants, mountains, lakes, and rivers.” All of creation is our kin and contains consciousness. Some shamans have the ability to communicate with animals, fish, birds, trees, and plants.  They see it as an opportunity for mutual benefit between humans and the natural world. These shamans sometimes have supernatural power over the weather, harvest, children, and health. Their focus is maintaining personal, communal, and cosmic harmony, protecting the sanctity of life. 

Here in Hawaii, our shamans are called kahuna, meaning ‘secret keepers’. The root word huna means ‘secret’; ka huna means ‘the secret.’ According to the Hawaiian Dictionary, a kahuna is defined as a “priest, sorcerer, magician, wizard, minister, expert.”  In ancient Hawaiian history, kahuna were also masters of geology, psychic perception, and navigation, as well as craftsmen making canoes, surfboards, bowls, and other items.  Serge Kahili King says in his book Huna: Ancient Hawaiian Secrets for Modern Living that Kahuna was a title like a doctor or PhD, specifically a priest or healer. Kahuna go through extensive training before being recognized as a teacher or expert in various fields. They can be male or female, always tuned into the spiritual side of their training. The word kahuna itself has some emotional baggage associated with sorcery or black magic in which the term has been misused or mistranslated.

What is Huna?

Serge Kahili King in his Huna: Ancient Secrets for Modern Living states, “Huna is an ancient, pragmatic philosophy that grew out of an exceptionally keen observation of life by Polynesian kahuna of esoteric knowledge.” It’s important to acknowledge that the word Huna means “to conceal, as knowledge or wisdom.” Martha Beckwith in Hawaiian Mythology states, according to her sources, that twelve Hawaiian islands resided close together in ancient times and were inhabited by spirit beings said to travel under the ocean or over the horizon, flying in the air as a cloud.  Humans interacted with them. However, after the social/religious changes which occurred during the thirteenth century, they remained hidden. One of the most famous spirits was Kane, a creator spirit.     

King emphasizes seven ethical principles known by practitioners of Huna that are deeply profound and worthy of adopting. The first is “The world is what you think it is.” This dream we call reality is based on beliefs, expectations, intentions, fears, emotions, and desires. To transform the dream, we have to change our mindset, which will produce different results. He says, “Life will be good to the degree your thinking is good.” Our beliefs are revealed by the life we live.

The second is “There are no limits.” Knowing there are no limits or separations between beings offers enormous freedom and places total responsibility on us for our actions and reactions. That principle alone removes our expectations of reality.  

The third is “Energy Flows where attention goes.” Focused attention has a creative effect based on the thoughts coinciding with the attention, influencing its direction for the good of the community. Thinking about sickness will increase it; focusing on happiness enhances it.  

The fourth is “Now is the moment of power.” Meaning that the present moment is where our power resides. Releasing thoughts about the past or future makes it possible for change to occur spontaneously. The Now is where peace and happiness exist; it produces a state of “calm confidence.” The Now is where our natural healing processes are intensified and activated. 

The fifth is “To love is to be happy.” Love is the greatest tool for successful action. Love is the heart of Aloha which means to share happiness, and can be both an attitude or an action. Love expands when judgment and criticism decrease. It’s the most potent force we can know and express as “blessing, praise, appreciation, and gratitude.” Division diminishes power whereas love enhances it.

 The sixth is “All power comes from within.”  True power comes from one’s ability to empower others.  According to Huna practitioners, their power didn’t come from their personalities or individuality but from their divinity, infinite, and connected to the Ultimate Source. We only have to look within to find it. 

Lastly, the seventh, “Effectiveness is the measure of truth.”  We determine our successes by pono, meaning ‘goodness, rightness, or appropriateness.’  This means ‘the greatest good for the greatest number. . .’ Thus, truth is revealed not by random rules but by our successes. These principles capture general ethical standards including the height of human potential and the greatest good for humanity.

Huna and Psychology

Serge Kahili King, in Mastering Your Hidden Self: A Guide to the Huna Way, reveals the fascinating Huna philosophy of the three selves: the subconscious, conscious, and superconscious. Each function separately and also interacts as a counsel or team necessary for a productive happy life. In psychology, the subconscious and conscious mind are recognized as components of our human makeup, but the superconscious is often unacknowledged.  In Huna, the superconscious is seen as a Supreme Being likened to Christ Consciousness or the Buddha Nature within our human psyche. It’s also looked at as a guardian angel.  King mentions seven elements of the human individual:

1. The Subconscious (the ku; the lower self): Unihipili.
2. The Conscious (the middle self) lono or uhane.
3. The Superconscious (the high self) the aumakua.
4. The Soul (the essence of our being) iho. 
5. The Body (aka)
6. The Life Force (mana). 
7. The Physical Body (kino).

What’s significant to understand here is the inter-relationship of our three selves. The ku (subconscious or low self) from the Huna perspective forms habits and likes to feel in control; may have positive/negative complexes, but ultimately wants peace, comfort, and relaxation. The unihipili can act in a secret or hidden way, carrying beliefs accepted by one’s parents or societal constructs. Memory, a key component of the subconscious, constantly communicates with the conscious mind, speaking in dreams, imagination, feelings, and even so-called Freudian slips of the tongue. 

Our Conscious Self contains our awareness, communication, thoughts, desires, and achievements. Uhane refers to spirit, our direction, and purpose, offering guidance to the subconscious, originally intended to be our master; however, often it’s not. It expresses itself through writing, drawing, physical activity, and thought. Its brilliance is it can imagine what hasn’t yet come into being.

Our High Self, superconscious, is male and female–our parental spirit: Aumakua, our guardian, the god within. The Kahuna sees it as our inner divine that guides, inspires, and reveals our purpose. This superconscious doesn’t step in unless invited but possesses a wealth of ideas, wisdom, and energy. It communicates through the other two selves, often abruptly, and unexpectedly with a sense of peace and clarity. 

Modern Psychology recognizes these three components as the id, ego, and superego, sharing similarities with the kahuna perspective. Freud and the kahunas agree that if we have negative complexes, it causes neurotic behavior or physical illnesses. These patterns may remain hidden from us until confronted, understood, and healed. 

Max Freedom Long in The Huna Code in Religions, offers an insightful, profound deep dive into the connections and symbolism in our world traditions, also sharing the kahuna teaching of the three selves, adding further understanding of the power of these selves.  He asserts the low self and middle self exist in the physical body and the high self (superconscious) is likened to a halo, invisible, outside of the human body connected by an invisible cord. Huna teaches the three selves use mana, life energy, that increases when blockages are removed. This high self possesses divine healing energy capable of breaking down old patterns, and replacing them with new, more productive ones.  The kahuna refers to the higher self as Aumakua, “utterly Trustworthy Parental Pair,” possibly from one’s own family or ancestors. Our evolutionary process is enhanced by the lessons learned, impacting future reincarnations.  According to Long, the kahuna believed that the low self lives in our intestines, unihipili, the animal self, and the heart “puu wai,” activates mana, distributing it to the other two selves. 

Long tells us that the ku, unihipili, the low self is the holder of our memories, physical functions, emotions, habits, and behavior. It receives and transmits psychic phenomena, carrying the main directive–to grow. It reasons logically and obeys orders. Our primary emotions include energy responses such as fear, anger, and joy. Fear and anger can become locked in our muscles and cells, creating depression. Habits stored in our memory may or may not include emotions. The Huna wisely say the only way to release an old habit is to replace it with a more productive one. 

The Secrets of Aloha and Lomilomi

Kahuna Harry Uhane Jim asserts that for native Hawaiians “spirituality and healing are one.” For them, healing the physical, mental, and emotional equals spiritual healing. Harry Jim practices and teaches the sacred healing art of lomilomi, doing hands on energy and healing work for thirty years.  In his book Wise Secrets of Aloha: Learn and Live the Sacred Art of Lomilomi, Harry Jim says, “. . . it is best to learn Hawaiian shamanism and its ways from, of course, a born Hawaiian.” When asked what is a kahuna, he stated that it’s someone born of the lineage, with the teachings so deeply interwoven, that it leads to an exemplary life. The word kahu means ‘high servant or caretaker’ and na ‘calmness and quiet evolution of the emotions’; thus, a kahuna is a ‘calm high servant’ who serves the community. He also, like others, said that a kahuna is “a keeper of wise and hidden secrets,” aligned to the God of Light within.   

According to Harry, Lomilomi is “touch therapy bodywork,” which creates an energy shift that can permanently change our mind, body, and emotions.  Lomi, in Hawaiian, means ‘to take and turn, to shift,’ and saying a word twice emphasizes its significance.  Lomilomi entails healing by the kahuna to raise the receiver’s vibration, and everything around them, ultimately coming from the aina (land) that holds the wise secrets for safekeeping.  Harry says Lomilomi begins with the spirit of Aloha, found in all creation, calling forth the spirit of generosity and hospitality, elevating the vibration of travelers and newcomers. The next step is to create sacred space, transforming the person into an actual temple (a heiau) where time and space become one. Lomilomi is a commitment to one’s self as a manifestation, showering recipients with gratitude, growth, and bliss. This includes healing of ‘cherished wounds’ and ‘tantrums’ located in the mind, body, and feelings of the receiver. ‘Cherished wounds’ are often subconscious negative projections from parents, buried deep in the psyche, creating a loss of power. Through awareness, the problem is solved.  Through the kahuna, the forgiveness process dismantles the belief system which stops the flow of abundance and prosperity.  

Through the heart, the initiate becomes his/her own light (Uhane).  A Lomilomi treatment is likened to a vacation at a spa where deadlines or schedules disappear and the recipient experiences freedom and pleasure, while at the same time, traveling outside of his/her comfort zone for healing. It ‘gives the body potency, vitality, and rejuvenation. . . emotional evolution.’

Kahuna Harry Uhane Jim will be offering a LomiLomi Intensive, February 6-9, 2025 in Pahoa at his school Halau Uhane Lomilomi Lapa’au. Check out his website http://www.harryjimlomilomi.com, and book Wise Secrets of Aloha  for more information. Here’s what a Lomilomi Giver can expect: 

• Your belief system will change.
• Your power as a witness of grace receiving gratitude will come through the shift in your belief system.
• You will acquire the skill of shape-shifting energy in the body, moving it out of the body.
• Your comfort zone will expand.
• You will be able to shape the space connecting the body to the healing window.
• Your emotional body will evolve so as to communicate with you.
• You will radiate healing.
• You will grasp your capacity to reverse the polarity paradigm of your self-trust.
• You will manage energy through the three states of consciousness: asleep, awake, and aware. 

The Bowl of Light: Ancestral Wisdom from a Hawaiian Shaman:

Hale Makua

We’d be remiss not to mention the revered kahuna Hale Kealohalani Makua highlighted in The Bowl of Light by American anthropologist Hank Wesselman, befriended by this beloved Hawaiian elder. If you truly want to understand the ancient wisdom of Hawaiian shamanism, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to read The Bowl of Light to savor its many precious gems. Hale Makua granted his friend, fellow elder, permission to share his wisdom as a shaman and mystic as well as a warrior. In The Bowl of Light, the term kahuna is mentioned as “mastery; self-mastery” referring to the ancient Polynesian ancestry, thousands of years old, their metaphysical teachings still mostly unknown in the West.  A kahuna is taught mystical truths as a child as an apprentice, undergoing strenuous years of training. The teachings were offered orally by family elders, seeing the transmission of these secrets as their kuleana (their responsibility). With the various types of kahunas, ‘the mystical kahuna’ receives teachings directly from the spirit realm and serves as a priest, shaman, and ceremonialist.  Hale Makua was a direct descendent of King Kamehameha, seventh generation through his mother’s lineage. This means he was born a chief, became a revered spiritual teacher, traveled to speak to Native American nations, and even went to Africa. His teachings emanated from his ancestors and deep connection with the spirit world.

Makua stated that as spiritual warriors, they walk a narrow path built on three kapus (sacred codes of conduct): “Love all that you see–with humility; Live all that you feel–with reverence; Know all that you possess–with discipline.” He asserted that humility plays an essential role in the energy of compassion, which opens us to the power of Aloha (love). Living what we feel with reverence increases respect for everyone we meet, and knowing what we possess aligns us with discipline and the discovery of who we are. Without discipline, we won’t move forward.  Makua deepens the kahuna teaching of the three selves (souls) offering further understanding. Notice how Makua amplifies the definitions;  our Aumakua is the higher spiritual soul, the “immortal spark of light” activated by the Divine breath–our Ha, the middle self is the mental-intellect, and the lower unihipili soul is connected to the body and its functions. The three create a unity in our personal soul cluster. The uhane is likened to the ego that thinks and analyzes, creating meaning from what we experience. According to Makua, creating the ego-uhane soul is why we’re here on earth; it’s the inner guide and decision-maker built on our beliefs. When the uhane is balanced and awakened, the Aumakua attains greater abilities serving as our creator.  Aumakua, with a capital A, equals our ancestral spiritual lineage and our Oversoul. He stated, “We actually come into this world as a god. It’s just that we have forgotten who we really are as well as what our spiritual objectives for this life really are.” Our physical bodies contain all three with our breath as the connecting force.  Our creative life force (mana) is acquired through focused attention and discipline, a knowing founded on direct experience. Our Aumakua, our parent, connects with us through intuition and inspiration as well as through dreams and visions. This teaching provides a significant foundation for self knowledge.

The Bowl of Light contains vast wisdom for those seeking a deeper understanding of Hawaiian shamanism, generously shared by the beloved Kahuna Hale Makua, one of the last ancestral secret keepers who lived in Kapoho. He shared that as a child he was taught to memorize ancient historical chants that go back tens of thousands of years, knowledge of humanity’s origins from the Pleiades, and the story of human migrations, information normally not shared with the public. He epitomizes the role of the Shaman as recordkeeper, visionary, and priest.  He presents a wealth of knowledge necessary to understand our human journey on the earthly plane. 

Conclusion

For those spiritual seekers who desire in-depth truths regarding our human make-up, tools for transformation/spiritual evolution, and understanding of revered Indigenous teachings, this article is but a brief overview pointing to a body of literature available to those who see the value in a deep study. We, here in Puna, are so blessed to have these teachers/healers living nearby. Serge Kalhili King lives in HPP, and Harry Uhane Jim and his wife Sila (also a kahuna) have their school Halau Uhane Lomilomi in Pahoa. Harry Jim offers lomilomi workshops and treatment. Definitely check out his website. 

As someone who has studied world religions, I feel enriched by this investigation of the vast literature available and recognize fully grasping these teachings as a lifelong endeavor. I was deeply moved by spending this brief time with these revered wisdom keepers. There’s certainly a calling to continue this study. As the Oracle at Delphi reminds us, “Know thyself.”  The great kahunas have given us a great gift of insight into our human makeup, how to heal through knowing our three selves, and the ingredients to live an extraordinary life.  Socrates, the great philosopher, admonished his disciples, “The unexamined life isn’t worth living.” The Huna, in their wisdom, provide the rich impetus to travel within to explore the rich landscape of our inner world with the spirit of Aloha and thus, impact those we meet and share this beautiful earthly plane.  As the wise kahunas say, “To love is to be happy.” (‘o ke aloha ka hau’oli)

“Live your life while the sun is still shining.” ( Oi kai ka lau e hana I ola honua )

References

–. Hawaiian Mythology. Beckwith, Martha. University of Hawaii Press, 1970.

–. Wise Secrets of Aloha: Learn and Live the Sacred Art of Lomilomi. Jim, Harry Uhane. Weiser Books, 2007.

–. Huna: Ancient Hawaiian Secrets for Modern Living.King, Serge Kahili, PhD. Beyond Words, 2008.

—. Mastering Your Hidden Self: A Guide to the Huna Way.Long, Max Freedom. Quest books, 1985.

–. The Huna Code in Religions. Long, Max Freedom.DeVorss & Co., 1965.

—. The Secret Science at Work: The Huna Method as a Way of Life. Long, Max Freedom.Devorss, 1953.

–. The Bowl of Light: Ancestral Wisdom from a Hawaiian Shaman.Wesselman, Hank, PhD.  Sounds True, 2011.