ha'aha'a - Hawaiian word for humility

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 - be humble and stay kind

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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ha'aha'a - Hawaiian word for humility

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