Our beginnings
Nā Pua ‘Olohe was founded by Kahu Abraham Kawai‘i in 1989 to share his knowledge of traditional Hawaiian beliefs and to present its basic principles to the cultures of the world. A master of many kahuna arts, he traveled throughout the world teaching before settling in Kauaʻi.
Kahu Abraham felt that the wealth inherent in Hawaiian culture could be taught outside of its cultural framework. He formulated strategies to teach underlying cultural principles, rather than teaching practices that were socially-specific to Hawaiʻi.
He often stated that none of the trainings he offered were ever about healing; rather, they focused on the manifestation of the self. Early on in his own personal training, he developed a style of bodywork known as romi kaparere, known throughout the world as Kahuna bodywork and temple-style lomi. He was also singlehandedly responsible for the resurgence in interest in Hawaiian geomancy, which focuses on the interaction between natural structures and energies. He practiced and taught both the huli honua and kuhikuhipuʻeoneone aspects of this work for many decades.
A book about Kahu Abraham’s life, training as a kahuna, and travels taking kahuna principles out into the greater world was published in 2012. See our book page for more details.
Nā Pua Olohe today
Kahu Abraham stepped out of this existence into the next in 2004, but his work continues. Today, his student, spouse, and partner, Ho‘okahi Tamara, continues to present his work throughout the world.
Our workshops, seminars, lectures, and consultations are offered in a variety of physical, psychological, and spiritual formats, and are all based upon ancient Hawaiian kahuna principles. Our teachings provide the perspective necessary to build character and dignity through the principles of nature and our own natural intelligence.
Nā Pua ‘Olohe holds within its teachings the dignity, knowledge, and commitment that Kahu Abraham passed on. People from all over the world have visited our workshops to gain a better understanding of themselves and their surroundings, with stunning results.
The breath of existence is timeless, as is the wind of time. Nothing is permanent, thus providing the opportunity for change and adjustment.
–Kahu Abraham Kawai‘i
The foundation of our work is transformation and compassion. To learn more, watch this short video of Tamara Ho‘okahi.