Kuleana is the Hawaiian word meaning “responsibility.” Kuleana encourages to be accountable for all that we do. It is the “ability to respond” to whatever is happening. 

Those who live the value of kuleana know that their happiness is dependent on what happens inside of them, not outside. They choose how they react to circumstances, not let the circumstances determine how they feel. 

When we live with kuleana, we do our part to take care of ourselves, our communities, and the environment. 

Kuleana means we all have a responsibility 

I went to a high school summer program called Na Pua No’eau, and learned how to sail the wa’a, the Hawaiian canoe. The theme of this program was “He Kuleana Ko Kakou,” meaning that “We all have a responsibility.” 

They taught us how we have a responsibility to become our best selves—in order to better society—to develop our creative abilities, to preserve our heritage and culture, and to take care of the earth. 

Each day our group leaders reminded us of the theme, and it’s stuck with me ever since. Every person has something to contribute for the betterment of society, for taking care of the earth, and even for preserving heritage. 

When we look at our kuleana in the facets of our life, we might see that there’s a lot of work to be done. 

Kuleana is a strength

Some people think that self help/improvement is for the weak… when, truly, it is for everyone. We ALL can improve. It is our kuleana. Some people think that since somebody else is doing the business, creative project, volunteer work, or service they like, there’s not enough room for them. But there is an abundance of resources and audiences for everyone. We EACH have a contribution to make to this world. Kuleana is recognizing that it’s truly up to YOU whether you succeed or not. Kuleana is taking responsibility to improve ourselves so we can reach our goals and live up to our divine potential.

Here are some of the responsibilities we have:

We have a kuleana to God, through being pono and right. We take accountability and exercise faith by relying on his son, Jesus Christ.

We have a kuleana to others, through service, supporting important causes, and protecting the innocent.

We have a kuleana to ourselves, by becoming our best selves, improving, and giving ourselves credit.

We have a kuleana to take care of the earth. Malama ka ‘aina is one of Hawaii’s most used Hawaiian phrases. If we don’t take care of it, who will? 

Does kuleana feel overwhelming? It might, for some. For those who are seeking daily improvement, however, this may feel familiar. 

We ALL have the gift of agency, meaning that we can all create what we want from this life. But it’s our kuleana to use our agency for good.

What are some ways you can implement the value of kuleana in your life? Here are some suggestions.

Kuleana helps us control what we can

I’m writing this article from my home as COVID-19 sweeps through the nation. It’s scared so many people, and left us feeling uncertain and scared. It’s made me feel pretty out of control… I miss my freedom of doing what I want when I want. 

But this is where kuleana comes in. I have the ability to respond. And I choose to respond with optimism. 

I’ve used this time to create new content and write my book. 

Control what you can control, which is YOU, and let the rest go. That is the essence of kuleana. 

Be accountable 

Sometimes, in life, we just need someone to talk to and remind us of who we are and what we truly want. I find I take more responsibility for myself when I tell someone the things I’m doing. 

My husband listens when I share insights, or process things that happened. When we talk to people and share our thoughts and aspirations, we become accountable. 

We don’t go talking to just anyone though… find someone who you trust. If you struggle with trust, take it to God. In the end, we will all be accountable to him anyways. 

Be kind to yourself 

I used to get upset at myself when I couldn’t get everything done on my list. Kuleana is all about looking at the big picture, figuring out the most important things, and then taking responsibility to get the most important things done. 

Too many people spend their lives being “busy,” but not really completing the most important things they wanted to do: spending time with family, serving more, creating something, etc. 

Be kind to yourself when you fall short, but be willing to change and improve to do the things that matter most. 

He kuleana ko kakou. We all have a responsibility. I hope you’ll take advantage of knowing that you are a part of the bigger picture. You matter. And you have the ability to respond in order to make your life better and happier! 

With aloha and joy, 

Leialoha 

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What is your kuleana in life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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