Mahalo Ke Akua Blog
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month May 2, 2024 00:51
Mahalo Ke Akua, a brand that embodies the spirit of gratitude, love, and the universal presence of the divine, brings you an exploration into the rich tapestry that is the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.
AANHPI is a collective term that represents a wide array of cultures, languages, and histories that enrich the fabric of society, mirroring our own values of unity, respect, and universal love. This vibrant and diverse group is a rich tapestry includes individuals and communities with roots in the many countries of Asia, the native peoples of Hawaii, and the myriad of islander cultures spread across the vast Pacific Ocean.
At the heart of the AANHPI community are stories of migration, resilience, and triumph. From the bustling streets of Chinatowns across the nation to the serene landscapes of the Pacific islands, each narrative contributes to the colorful mosaic of the American experience. These stories, woven with threads of perseverance and cultural pride, reflect the very principles we hold dear: gratitude for the journey, humility in the face of challenges, and unwavering love for one's roots and fellow beings.
Mahalo Ke Akua's philosophy is rooted in the recognition and celebration of diversity, understanding that our connections to each other and the world around us are strengthened by acknowledging and respecting our differences as well as our commonalities. The AANHPI community, with its deep traditions of faith, family, and respect for nature, mirrors many of the values we hold dear. From the serene beauty of a Hawaiian sunset that inspires our designs, to the harmonious blend of reggae and surf cultures that shapes our aesthetic, the influence of AANHPI cultures is a testament to the universal language of love and respect.
In celebrating the AANHPI heritage, we recognize the importance of understanding and honoring the myriad contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the social, economic, and cultural vitality of our communities. We also acknowledge the challenges and adversities faced by these communities, both historically and in our current times. It serves as a reminder that the principles of gratitude, humility, love, and charity should indeed be the pillars upon which humanity stands.
As we continue to draw inspiration from the diverse cultures of the AANHPI community, Mahalo Ke Akua is committed to being a beacon of positivity, promoting unity and understanding across all walks of life. In doing so, we not only honor the essence of our brand, but also contribute to a world where everyone can feel seen, heard, and valued. Just as our brand seeks to inspire and uplift through the ideals of faith, aloha, reggae, surf, and skate, we acknowledge and appreciate the rich cultural heritage and the spirit of 'ohana that the AANHPI community brings to the global family. In unity, love, and respect, we continue to learn from each other's experiences, fostering a world where gratitude, humility, and charity are the guiding principles of humanity.
Mahalo for Your Sympathy... Weeping May Endure for a Night... No Tears Past Heaven's Gate July 13, 2014 14:00
Mahalo nui loa to all of you for your kindness and support throughout the past few days. We are truly touched by the fact that although we may have never met, some followers have even reached out to us off our social media channels to offer words of comfort and sympathy. We cannot begin to describe what all this aloha has meant to us.Mahalo Ke Akua for blessing us with the grace to see the rainbow after the storm – for it is Aloha Sunday, and we are reminded that weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Although our ohana has been saddened by the loss of my Makuakane, we must remember that there are no tears past Heaven’s gate.
Sad News - REMINDER to Embrace Your Ohana July 10, 2014 19:30
My father passed away suddenly at the age of 63 due to health complications. During this emotional time, we will be absent from social media for a while, and the Aug 16th Event in Toronto is CANCELLED, as that will be the eve of his 40th Day Death Anniversary, and we will be spending it in solemn remembrance with our ohana.We will be going forward with our tour dates in Vancouver, WA (Jul 25/26), San Francisco, CA (Aug 9) and Toronto, Canada (Aug 24) as that is what my father would’ve been proud to see. Just minutes after our social media launch on May 3rd, he was one of first to ‘Like’ the Mahalo Ke Akua Facebook Page, and we know he continues to smile down on this project.
We just have one ask of our followers out of this sad event… please EMBRACE YOUR OHANA always. Parents & Children, go right now, HUG EACH OTHER. If you are separated by distance, call them and SAY I LOVE YOU, it can never be said often enough. No matter what your family situation – broken, estranged, if there’s been a falling out, PUT IT BACK TOGETHER. Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful signs that your heart is filled with aloha, and it’s never too late to reach out to family or friends that may have drifted. We hope that everyone finds it in their hearts to heal broken relationships, to LOVE MORE, and to LOVE DEEPLY. This world desperately needs more love, and ALOHA STARTS WITH OHANA.
I feel blessed that I was able to visit my father this past Christmas, and 8 months ago, spend one on one time with him on my birthday. I just wish I could’ve been by his side yesterday so that I LOVE YOU would’ve been the last words he heard before he left this world. My deepest prayer is that he’s hearing these words now.
MAHALO KE AKUA for blessing me with a father through whom, by our life story, has taught me a great lessons on forgiveness, humility and love. Mahalo Ke Akua for blessing me with a mother who continues to be an example of grace, perseverance and unconditional love despite all circumstances. Mahalo Ke Akua for blessing me with a brother whose admirable strength and courage has always held, and continues to hold our ohana together through it all.