"When you’re itching for the waves, the only lotion is the ocean."

Jessica St. Martin:

Personally, I wanted to look at the specific words used in the “mele”, or chant, of Hono-kau-pu on page 28 of Pacific Passages in order to understand the Hawaiians’ mood associated with the ocean. Some of these words (translated into English) include mist, dear, friend, good, love, smooth, fine, games, lover, and belong. The calm and comforting adoration that the Hawaiian natives showed towards the sea is evident in the adjectives found in many ancient legends. There is a strong parallel between their connection to the ocean and the bond between lovers. I also took a look at page 44 and the chant written to commemorate the annual surfing festivals and competitions that took place between royalty. It states that, “Beloved is the wave of Kamoana, as it waves and beckons as if a loved one.” The feeling of freedom associated with surfing is written down as if recalling an exhilarating and youthful romance. The chant continues to say, “It is inviting your desires,” “Thrilled by the splendor that you see,” and “my longing for cannot be quenched.” Without a noun to specify the object of such endless desire, Hawaiian chants would take on an air of such romance and connection that one might question if it is directed towards a lover or the beauty of nature. However, I found it interesting to find another side to such fascination  balancing the native Hawaiians deep love and unquestionable respect held for the ocean. The chant on page 44 also states lines such as, “You constantly struggle for breath,” “The furious curl is what is loved,” and “the power and majesty of the sea.” There is no hint of fear or hesitation when the power of the ocean is spoken of, only an acknowledgement and deep appreciation of such terrible beauty.

I also found some of Tito’s Ancient Hawaiian Quotes from Rocket Power:

Ancient Hawaiians Say:

•  Never drink milk from a coconut you have found in the dark
•  Blood is thicker than water... but not as refreshing.
•  Sometimes a bird sings. Sometimes, it coughs up a worm.
• He who carves himself in stone, has rocks in his head.
• Seagull who flies a crooked path has a tough time flying home.
•       The coconut is always greener on a palm tree you can't reach.
•  Lie about the size. I can see it in your eyes.
• Sometimes a little bit of nothing means a whole lot of something.
•       Fly the kite. It must not fly you.
• When you’re itching for the waves, the only lotion is the ocean.
• When the sea turtle retreats into its hardened shell, just give it time. It'll show up... especially with       some teriyaki barbecue chicken.
• When surfers don't ride, potatoes ain't fried.
• The best surfer is the one having the most fun.