By Evan Mokuahi Hayes
NaHHA would like to share a feature from one of our Lamakū Hoʻokipa, our Beacons of Hospitality, who are making a positive impact through the value of mālama and as a contributing member of the Native Hawaiian community.
I am a descendant of warriors. My Native Hawaiian lineage includes nā koa (warriors) who fought under Kamehameha I as members of the chief’s guard. In later generations my ancestors served as royal guards under Queen Liliʻuokalani.
And in modern times I am a direct descendant of legendary Waikīkī Beachboys: Steamboat Mokuahi, Sr. (my Great-Grandfather), Steamboat Mokuahi, Jr. (my Grand-Uncle), and Bernie Mokuahi Ching (my beloved Grandfather) – all have lived out their physical lifetimes but continue to have a profound influence and play significant roles in my life. I continue to be mindful daily of their lessons as an ambassador of aloha.
As a child, I spent so much time in the water. Nestled in the safety of the beach at Waikīkī, I grew a confidence in me that allowed me to speak freely with people and share my own stories all the time. Never in my wildest dreams did I never envision myself in the tourism industry.
Fast forward to 2022. I had just returned home after a few years away and amidst great irony – found myself as a Kanaka in tourism working for a tour company.
I felt so much internal conflict. The scripted narratives I was expected to share felt hollow. I was starting to see Waikīkī being transformed into visitor-hosting-visitor interactions. Our stories were being told by others who weren’t Hawaiian, weren’t from here, who were blatantly lying at times, and who were not in the slightest bothered by creating the craziest fabricated stories about our history.
I saw our culture become a punchline. I was over it and I knew I had to do something different.
When Hoʻomau Oʻahu Tours was founded in 2023, it wasn’t just about starting a business. It was about creating an authentic cultural experience that delves deep into what makes Hawaiʻi unique – our people, our history, and our traditions.
Our tours are crafted with intention, inviting visitors to explore with a deeper sense of purpose and educated intention. We take them to places of cultural and historical significance, share the meanings behind our practices, and tell the stories of the Native Hawaiian people.
Hawaiʻi’s history is complex, and not always comfortable to confront, but it is our responsibility to do our due diligence in crafting the message to ensure that what we educate others in, is based in strong research and shared with integrity.
“He ‘aʻaliʻi kū makani mai au; ʻaʻohe makani nana e kulaʻi.”
I am a wind resistant ‘aʻaliʻi; no gale can blow me over. – ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #507
We understand the importance of the value of mālama (to take care of, to care for). We mālama ʻāina (the land), our people, our history, and our moʻolelo (stories). This guiding value is at the heart of everything we do. By embracing mālama, we create experiences that educate visitors about preserving our ecosystems and cultural practices while encouraging them to give back to the land, the people, and the places they visit.
Evan Mokuahi Hayes is the founder of Hoʻomau Oʻahu Tours, a Native Hawaiian-owned, operated, and led tour company on Oʻahu. A highlighted offering is their “Mālama Experience,” a family-friendly tour that includes engaging in the loʻi kalo (taro terrace). A portion of their proceeds are reinvested into stewardship efforts at the places they visit. For more information visit www.hoomauoahu.com or email info@hoomauoahu.com
