Wai...
To the surface meaning wai is translation to fresh water. Although, from what our kūpuna translated it deeper to wai meant wealth. Since the beginning fresh water streams were one of the most important natural resources for the native Hawaiians. Wai was sacred and many would fight in battle and made sacrifices for it. Back then everyone would only take what they needed when necessary from the stream. Everyone within the community (ahupuaʻa) would share the stream equally. With the freshwater stream being so important and of value to everyone, the streams were found in the core of the ahupuaʻa so it could flow down from the top of the mountain and be of good use for everyone.
E inu i ka wai ola
Translating to "drink of the life giving water"
To me I see it as be eager and always look for lessons. You have to want to learn and have the motivation to do so. With that being said, it goes deeper than that. When you are "drinking" this refers to learning or seeking opportunity in a way. The "life giving water" is basically whatever life has to offer you at the time. So you must go out and seek this on your own. Your only limitations are yourself and your drive to how much you want. You will never "thirst" in a sense if you are doing what needs to be done. When you get "thirsty" for more knowledge and lessons you go out and do it on your own. The saying is that life is giving you these lessons to learn and everyone will interpret this differently but thats up to you to figure out what you are "thirsty" for.
To me I see it as be eager and always look for lessons. You have to want to learn and have the motivation to do so. With that being said, it goes deeper than that. When you are "drinking" this refers to learning or seeking opportunity in a way. The "life giving water" is basically whatever life has to offer you at the time. So you must go out and seek this on your own. Your only limitations are yourself and your drive to how much you want. You will never "thirst" in a sense if you are doing what needs to be done. When you get "thirsty" for more knowledge and lessons you go out and do it on your own. The saying is that life is giving you these lessons to learn and everyone will interpret this differently but thats up to you to figure out what you are "thirsty" for.
My Wai...
My wai is located in the moku of ʻEwa at Oneula beach. For people who are more familiar with Ewa Beach, Oneula beach is known as Hau Bush. The place got the nickname because of all the Hau trees that used to grow on the shores there.
All of my experiences and memories here are in fact very emotional. I have a different type of connection to this place. I chose to select this place as my wai because when I was young this is where my family chose to spread my papas ashes. I was only three years old when this happen and few of them went out on a boat to do it. I wasn't allowed to go out on the boat and be a part of this because everyone thought I was too young. Ever since then my mom and I come here and it just makes us feel closer to him and more connected. I know that may not make any sense to some people but thats just how we feel. My mom and I, if I can't make it then just my mom since my papa passed away has religiously been there for every birthday and anniversary of his death. I use this place to connect and just be free. I can cry here and not care if strangers are judging me. I feel safe as if I have my guardian angel watching over me. Overall my memories in Ewa Beach itself are from a good place. Before my papa passed away he went with use to all the open houses and helped us choose our home that we currently reside in now. For these reasons I have selected Oneula as my wai.
To my community Hau Bush is "stomping grounds" of Ewa Beach. If you were truly from Ewa Beach and you grew up around here then you know what I mean. This is where all my brother and his friends would come to hang out when he was younger. Our Sandy Beach Park was Hau Bush for them and they loved it. There is a huge baseball field here as well as a lot of parking and space for big families to come here. Hau Bush went through hell over the years as the state hid things from the community involving the grounds here and destruction of our reef life. You can see how much the community cares by all the beach clean ups and community events that were held here in hopes of saving it.
This place is so important to be because of the sentimental value the place itself has for my family and I. This place is important to me because I feel like I don't have to pretend to be anyone there. It truly changes a person when they are around their grandparents and that is the vibe that I get coming here. I feel as if he is with me and I am a whole different person. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore is what would soothe me when I would just cry my eyes out when I was younger. Being able to find something else to focus and calm you on when you're sad can be so important as well.
This place is so important to be because of the sentimental value the place itself has for my family and I. This place is important to me because I feel like I don't have to pretend to be anyone there. It truly changes a person when they are around their grandparents and that is the vibe that I get coming here. I feel as if he is with me and I am a whole different person. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore is what would soothe me when I would just cry my eyes out when I was younger. Being able to find something else to focus and calm you on when you're sad can be so important as well.