The Hawaiian word, paulele, teaches us a valuable lesson: have faith, confidence, trust, and believe completely. From personal experience, the Hawaiians and locals I’ve met throughout my life in the islands were very spiritual people. Even if we didn’t worship at the same churches, there was still an invisible string of faith and love that connected us, much like aloha. In Hawaii, we feel a deep connection to the ‘aina, one another, and to God.

This article is my take on the word paulele based off my experience growing up in Hawaii and faith in God. In my personal opinion, paulele focuses on our relationship with God. Even in the Hawaiian dictionary, the definition of paulele references a bible verse where the word is used. It’s easy to credit miracles, positive experiences, and even overcoming challenges to ourselves, others, or “the universe,” but when we do that, we completely ignore the person who loves, created, and gifts us with this life: God. 

Exercising paulele doesn’t come naturally, as we would rather believe in things we see before our eyes. But paulele helps us see the bigger picture, even if it’s not always the one we want or expect. It is faith and trust that God is there, he loves us, and things will work according to his plan, which is greater and better than our own. 

Paulele also means having faith in Jesus Christ, the son of God. Everything that Jesus did for us and the life he exemplified would take up this entire article (and more!), so I can simply say that paulele is having faith in Christ too, not just anyone or anything, but in a Savior who can lift, help, comfort, and guide us. 

The following are some ways we can live the value of paulele: 

Paulele is faith in any of its forms 

In the bible we read, Aʻole au i ʻike i ka paulele nui” Luka 7:9, which translates to, “I have not seen so great faith.” Faith has been described in many ways throughout scripture and its commentary: great faith, strong faith, beautiful faith, perfect faith, little faith, and so forth. 

When the disciples feared the raging sea and awoke Jesus to calm the waters, the Savior asked, “Why are ye so fearful?” Faith, in any of its forms, drives out fear. What kind of faith do we strive for? When we think more about the value of paulele, we can make a clear decision of what kind of faith we want.

Believe implicitly 

The Hawaiian dictionary (this is the one I always use) states that paulele is to “believe implicitly.” Implicit means something implied or assumed without stating it. I love that with paulele, you can believe something but not have to state it, because that belief is manifest in your actions. 

For example, when someone reads the scriptures, the word of God, they do it with the belief that they will gain something from it. I know that for me, sometimes I don’t get much out of my scripture studies. Maybe I was tired that morning or lacking focus, but I always feel better after I try. 

When we believe, we try. And when we put forth even the smallest effort, God recognizes that and blesses us more than we deserve.

We can also believe implicitly when we work towards our goals. As a writer and new indie author, I have to constantly be a cheerleader for myself. It’s not easy, but when I pray about this path for me, I feel that I’m right on track. And I go forward with faith knowing that the journey might not be perfect, but I believe that it will be worth it. God will make things work out the way they should.

It’s not always easy to believe in things we can’t see, but because of our trust in God, we believe and step forward into the unknown. Our faith drives away fear. Even if we don’t know all the answers, make mistakes, or even fail at our efforts, our faith continues to push us forward, ignoring the negative voices.

Having faith in every season of life

With paulele, we have faith through any season of life: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Often we find ourselves on our knees in prayer when things aren’t going well. But what about when things are good? Do we take the time to remember his hand in our lives? Our faith truly shines when we love and trust God through both the ups and downs of life.

Mahalo ke Akua helps us appreciate the moment, the miracles, and see the beauty and goodness in our lives.

Trust and believe, even when others don’t 

It makes me sad to see people downplaying the importance of Jesus Christ. Even Christianity in general is seeing a decline. Our Savior, the most important person to have ever lived, wasn’t only mocked while he lived on the earth. He is continually mocked in the media, being “cancelled” by cancel culture, and the list could go on. And let’s not even mention the way people use his name and titles in vain. 

However, those who live paulele trust and believe, even when others don’t. Even when society wants to get rid of Christianity and any of its references. We continue to believe and have faith in God and Jesus Christ. We continue to believe because we love God and Jesus, and we know that our personal conversion is more important than anything else. It can inspire us to do and be good, and when they have our back, how can we fail?

Paulele can be fun 

I know that it can be difficult to pray and read scriptures everyday, so why not make it fun? Choosing topics and asking questions that interest me help make my studies meaningful and fun for me. I also like to use notebooks, pens, and colored pencils to highlight and annotate my scriptures and take notes. Bible and scripture study need not be boring. It can be an amazing experience. 

Another thing is to join with other Christians in celebrating Christ. We don’t have to belong to the same religion. We all love Jesus, so let’s focus on that similarity between us. Talk with your friends about what they’ve been studying. Ask about their perspective on stories from Jesus’ life. Discover how Christ brings love and life to them. 

Also feel free to watch uplifting content about Jesus that’s out there. I’ve really enjoyed watching “the Jesus show,” as people call it haha. I’m not into shows or series but “The Chosen” really inspires me and shows a fresh perspective on Jesus that I appreciate. The Bible videos also stick to actual passages of scripture from the bible and this definitely helps visual learners as they study the life of Christ.

Questions to reflect on paulele 

Do I have faith? What is my form of faith? 

Do I believe implicitly? 

How do I feel about the world’s view on Christianity? Do I truly trust and believe in God and Jesus Christ? 

How can I make growing my faith fun for me? 

An article related to this one is the value of Mahalo. Feel free to check it out!

Let’s hear your take on this!

In the comments below, what is your take on paulele? What are some other ways you live the value of paulele?

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