Ha’aha’a is the Hawaiian word for “humility or humble.” When we live the value of ha’aha’a, we learn to come from a place of love, understanding that things won’t always work out or be perfect. And that’s OK.
The attitude of ha’aha’a is being meek, unpretentious, and modest.
Those who live ha’aha’a sincerely rejoice in the goodness and success of others and themselves.
They don’t raise themselves above others on any basis, whether that be wealth, class, race, ethnicity, etc.
It’s difficult to live the value of ha’aha’a, as we live in a society that tells us we deserve everything we see in ads and marketing, or when we compare ourselves to the “perfect” lives we see on social media.
However, when we choose to live the value of ha’aha’a, we become a magnet of goodness. We emit the love and compassion of Christ. People are drawn to us because they feel and know the sincerity of our hearts.
People can trust us, because those who live ha’aha’a withhold judgment, and, instead, show forth love and understanding.
They come from a place of aloha, love, instead of fear.
The opposite of ha’aha’a
It might be easier to understand how to live the value of ha’aha’a by explaining its opposite.
Ever since I was a preteen, I felt the strain of want. I wanted nice clothes, not the hand-me-downs from my sister, I wanted to have beautiful hair, nice shoes, but mostly just new, stylish clothes. We were terribly poor by the time we moved to Hawaii, so I could never get what I wanted.
Every now and then my mom would take us to Old Navy for some new clothes, but we’d get the least-expensive, most basic shirts and a few pairs of shorts that could last me a couple of years. I always felt so out of style, envious of the girls who had nice clothes and dresses.
When I got to college and worked some jobs, I got a couple of new clothes. And I had a realization… something we all hear but never realize until it hits us in the face.
Money can’t buy happiness.
Ha’aha’a is being happy where you are, and happy for others… at the same time
I got new clothes, but I still wasn’t happy. I still wanted more. But I couldn’t afford more.
It was then I realized that being happy doesn’t come from owning more things. Happiness comes from a humble heart. It comes from just being happy for others.
No, I couldn’t afford all the nice things and I’ve certainly never been the most stylish person.
But I can just be happy where I’m at. Ha’aha’a. Humility.
We can envy things that other people have, focusing on their abundance and our lack… or we can focus on what we do have.
For me, I had a lot of skills, kindness, and the ability to work hard. And that was enough.
Ha’aha’a is being grateful for what we do have, instead of looking at the lack. It goes hand in hand with mahalo.
How else can we implement the value of ha’aha’a?
Ha’aha’a is being willing to learn
A person who is humble is also willing to learn from others. As with the value of ‘ike loa, a person who lives ha’aha’a is childlike. They’re full of wonder, willing to learn and gain knowledge.
They listen when others speak, and feel when it’s appropriate to speak themselves. They love to contribute, even if they don’t always know what to do. They’re just willing to help.
Ha’aha’ looks for the good
A person living ha’aha’a looks for the good in others. They don’t boast of their own accomplishments, but genuinely compliment and bring out the best in others.
Ha’aha’a thirsts after knowledge
The humble person studies diligently, knowing that there’s always something more they can learn. They ponder topics that interest them, and seek God’s help for inspiration and further learning.
Becoming humble isn’t an easy task. It requires so much concentration, and truly listening to our own thoughts. When we recognize that sometimes we judge or criticize others, or claim that we can “do it better,” we’re taking away the opportunity to serve and rejoice with others.
Let us become a more humble people. As we do so, more unity (lokahi), and joy will come into our lives and communities.
With aloha and joy,
Leialoha
Let’s hear from you!
In the comments below, I’d love to hear how you implement the value of ha’aha’a!
If you’d like to learn more about the Hawaiian values and how to apply them into your life, check out my 5 Hawaiian Days to Wellness mini course. It’s free and gets straight to your inbox! 🙂
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Thank you for putting that out there. That word has been resonant with me for the last couple of weeks it’s kept me going. I’m so grateful to have learned that word I haven’t written on my wall I intend on making a sign with an affirmation on it for all my guests to read and reaffirm.
Aloha Wings,
I am so happy that these words have resonated with you. The values of aloha, including ha’aha’a, are so important to apply in our lives. They truly bring us joy in a way nothing else can. Wishing you aloha on your journey! ✨
Sincerely,
🌺 Lei
Just wanted to say Mahalo for sharing your words of wisdom with the world. Can you imagine what this world would be like if everyone practiced Ha’a Ha’a ? It would be beautiful! May Akua bless us all! And Mahalo again!
Aloha Puna!
Mahalo for your kind words. I completely agree it’d be beautiful if everyone practiced ha’aha’a! Ke Akua pu!
-Leialoha
Mahalo for this manaʻo. I’ve been seeking more in-depth information about our culture as I’ve gotten older. This is such a great reminder of how we can live and be humble. It really spoke to my pu’uwai.
Aloha Kealohikehau!
Mahalo nui loa for your kind words. I am so grateful and humbled that this spoke to you. Please keep up the wonderful work of learning and spreading aloha! ☺️
Sincerely,
Leialoha
Leialoha, I am truly astounded by your amazing Wisdom. The words that you speak are of an old Elder, with the wisdom that can take an entire lifetime to acquire. I truly revere your messages about everything… that is needed so much in this time of trials and tribulations! I agree that we are all put into this glorious world for a purpose, and reason!! God has a plan for us all! And You my “friend”, if I should be so bold as to call you my friend. Have enlightened, & confirmed many of if not all of my believes, and heart’s desire. You are So Blessed to have this desire to help others. When it is so easy to just keep it to yourself! I’m 68 years old, and learn something every day! Coming across your website might be the single most important thing in my waining years. It has given me a new found Hope for the future of this planet and the people there in! I just can’t Praise You enough! So I’ll end by saying that You have given me a gift that is eternal, & I will continue to share!❤️ Mahalo!! ❤️
I wish & pray for Your Health & Happiness! 🙏😀🥹
You are so Righteous, & God love’s You representing his Light,🌞and Love! ❤️
P.S. I was fortunate enough to have lived in Hawaii for 9 years of my life! I started Kindergarten(Aiea 59’-60’)& graduated from Radford in72’! My Mother gave me a good book called “The Little Blonde Shark” 🦈🪸🏝
And at an early age was taught to respect all of the “Aina”, and the Life there in! The Hawaiian Folklore is real and Sacred!
I got to live in a time when Hawaii was slow paced living, (1957-1960)! And return in 1970-1974, when I graduated. Then moved back over to Kauai’s north shore and lived for another 2 years (1975-1977)
The last two years were the best in my life. It was a return to 50’s Hawaii, when living was slow, & more carefree. I was devastated in 70’(on Oahu) when in just 10 years much had been lost! Change!
But change is eternal & best stepped with caution! Tread lightly on Da “Aina”! Only One we have.
Take Good Care of Yourself & Your Ohana! Ok? I know you will! ❤️🫵
Aloha James!
Thank you for your kind words, I am so grateful. And thank you for sharing my work, that means a lot. I am so glad you got to live in Hawaii for a while and I’m grateful that my writing and work has inspired you. The Hawaiian culture and values truly are inspiring and it’s never too late to learn more about them! All praise goes to God!
Sending aloha,
Leialoha
I also removed your last name. Mahalo again for your comment and kind words!