Maui is no ka ‘oi

Maui no ka ‘oi, Maui is the best. We’ve all heard it many times, but what does it mean? And has that meaning changed in these trying days of COVID-19? Was it just a catchy saying to be placed on a shelf until this novel coronavirus is kicked and the planes start flying again?

Maui no ka ‘oi dates back to bragging songs written in the 1800s by the Rev. S. Pa‘aluhi and the Rev. Samuel Kapu Sr. of Wailuku’s Ka‘ahumanu Church. Here are a few verses from “Ku‘u Home ‘o Maui,” which, according to research by late Maui historian Gail Ainsworth, was written by Kapu:

Aue, ke aloha e,

U‘i roselani e,

Nani Haleakala,

Ku‘u home ‘o Maui no ka ‘oi,

Ku‘u home ‘o Maui no ka ‘oi.

Oh, the love (I feel)!

For the roselani beauty So lovely is Haleakala My home, Maui, is the best! My home, Maui, is the best!

The Rev. Kapu and the Rev. Pa‘aluhi probably never imagined there would be flying machines delivering millions of people a year to this island, but it’s a good bet they knew that whoever did visit would also revel in Maui’s blazing sunsets and natural beauty. As for grasping the deadly potential of a virus like COVID-19, it’s likely they were far more prepared to understand the gravity of a pandemic than we are today. During the 1800s, it is estimated that introduced diseases like measles and small pox reduced the Native Hawaiian population from more than 650,000 to fewer than 40,000.

With those kinds of numbers, they must have helped bury many stricken family and friends. Did they let it dampen their spirits and love of the land? Kapu’s “Ku‘u Home ‘o Maui” says otherwise.

Maui is no ka ‘oi because of its people. Other islands may have prettier beaches, taller mountains or more abundant rain, but Maui matches them all in the resilience, creativity and aloha spirit of its residents. This island has a way of attracting positive forward thinkers, and somehow rejecting those who are negative and grasping. Maui people are known for their willingness to share, for the protective kindness they show to elders and children.

Only time will tell what the island’s business and community landscape looks like when the pandemic ends. How many folks who resided here when it started will have moved away? If we’re not careful, if we do not follow social distancing rules and pay heed to the needs of our elderly and sick, we too may bury family and friends.

This crisis will run its course, and while changes are sure to emerge, what will live on is Maui’s no ka ‘oi spirit, the ability of its people to face hardship head on with ingenuity and teamwork.

We will get through this.