Honoring the Cultural Roots of Ho’oponopono: A Guide to Understanding Its Hawaiian Origins and Ethical Practice

Introduction: An Ancient Hawaiian Practice

Ho'oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. The word translates to "to make right" or "to correct" in English . This beautiful tradition has gained worldwide attention, but it is important to understand its deep cultural roots and significance to the Hawaiian people.

For Hawaiians, Ho'oponopono was not just a simple meditation technique. It was a sacred process that helped families and communities restore harmony and balance. Today, as this practice spreads globally, we must learn about its origins and how to engage with it respectfully and ethically.

This article will explore the true cultural roots of Ho'oponopono and provide guidance on how to honor its Hawaiian origins while learning from its wisdom.

The Cultural Roots & Ethical Use of Ho'oponopono

When we understand where Ho'oponopono comes from and how to approach it properly, we show respect for the Hawaiian culture that created and preserved this valuable practice.

The Deep Hawaiian Roots of Ho'oponopono

What Ho'oponopono Really Means

The word "Ho'oponopono" comes from two Hawaiian words: "ho'o" meaning "to make" and "pono" meaning "right" . The repetition of "pono" emphasizes the idea of making something completely right or properly corrected.

In Hawaiian culture, pono is a rich concept that means much more than just "right." It encompasses goodness, morality, well-being, prosperity, and balance . To live with pono means to be in a state of harmony with yourself, your community, and the world around you.

Traditional Practice in Ancient Hawaii

Ho'oponopono has been practiced in Hawaii for centuries. Hawaiian scholar Nana Veary wrote in her book that Ho'oponopono was definitely practiced in ancient Hawaii, and this is supported by oral histories from Hawaiian elders .

Traditional Ho'oponopono was a family practice, not an individual one. When problems arose within a family, or when someone became sick, the family would gather together. They believed that illness could be caused by the stress of anger, guilt, and lack of forgiveness .

The practice was typically led by the most senior family member or sometimes by a respected elder from the community. If a family couldn't resolve their issues themselves, they might ask for help from a knowledgeable outsider .

The Traditional Ho'oponopono Process

The traditional Ho'oponopono ceremony followed a specific process :

1. Prayer: The session would begin with prayer to create a sacred space.

2. Statement of the problem: The issue causing conflict would be clearly stated.

3. Discussion: Family members would discuss the problem thoroughly.

4. Confession and repentance: People would confess their wrongdoings.

5. Forgiveness and release: Everyone would forgive each other and release the negative emotions.

6. Closing ceremony: The process would end with a ceremonial feast, often including eating limu kala (a type of seaweed), which was symbolic of the release.

This process shows how Ho'oponopono was about restoring relationships within the entire family or community, not just about personal healing.

How Ho'oponopono Has Changed in Modern Times

Adaptations by Morrnah Simeona

In the 1970s, a Hawaiian healing priest named Morrnah Simeona adapted the traditional Ho'oponopono practice for modern times . She changed it from a group family practice to more of an individual psycho-spiritual process .

Simeona was influenced by her Christian education and her studies of philosophies from India, China, and Edgar Cayce . In her version, she described problems as the effects of negative karma, saying that "you have to experience by yourself what you have done to others" .

Her version included a 14-step process designed to dissolve karmic bondages and release unhappy experiences from past reincarnations . This was different from the traditional family-focused practice.

The Famous Four Phrases

The modern version of Ho'oponopono that most people know today uses four simple phrases :

1. "I'm sorry" - acknowledging your connection to a problem

2. "Please forgive me" - asking for forgiveness

3. "Thank you" - expressing gratitude

4. "I love you" - sending love to heal the situation

These phrases form a mantra-like practice that people repeat to themselves. While these phrases capture the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation found in traditional Ho'oponopono, they represent a simplified version of the original extensive process.

The Story of Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len

You may have heard the story about Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, a Hawaiian therapist who reportedly helped heal an entire ward of mentally ill criminals at Hawaii State Hospital without directly treating them . Instead, he would review their files and practice Ho'oponopono on himself.

This story has become popular in books and online articles about Ho'oponopono . While it has helped spread awareness of the practice, it's important to remember that this represents a modern application quite different from the traditional family practice.

Table: Traditional vs. Modern Ho'oponopono

Understanding Cultural Appropriation

What is Cultural Appropriation?

Cultural appropriation happens when people from one culture adopt elements of another culture without proper understanding, respect, or acknowledgment of their significance . This is especially concerning when the culture being borrowed from has experienced oppression or marginalization.

Regarding Hawaiian culture, cultural appropriation can include :

• Wearing traditional Hawaiian clothing as fashion without understanding its cultural significance

• Using Hawaiian symbols or imagery in disrespectful ways

• Using Hawaiian words or phrases without understanding their proper meaning or pronunciation

• Commercializing Hawaiian spiritual practices without involving or compensating the Hawaiian community

Why Cultural Appropriation is Harmful

Cultural appropriation can diminish the authenticity of Hawaiian traditions and undermine their cultural significance . When sacred practices are taken out of context or used in superficial ways, it can disrespect the people who have preserved these traditions for generations.

For Indigenous Hawaiians who have faced historical trauma and cultural suppression, seeing their sacred practices commercialized or misrepresented can cause further harm .

How to Engage with Ho'oponopono Respectfully

Guidelines for Ethical Practice

If you feel drawn to Ho'oponopono, here are ways to engage with it respectfully:

1. Learn about the cultural context: Take time to understand Ho'oponopono's roots in Hawaiian culture and history. Don't just learn the technique; learn about the worldview it comes from.

2. Acknowledge the origins: When you practice or share about Ho'oponopono, always acknowledge its Hawaiian origins. Don't present it as a generic technique without cultural roots.

3. Use Hawaiian language properly: Make an effort to pronounce Hawaiian words correctly, including Ho'oponopono itself (ho-oh-pono-pono).

4. Respect the spiritual significance: Recognize that Ho'oponopono is not just a wellness trend but a spiritual practice with deep meaning for Hawaiian people.

5. Support Hawaiian voices and communities: When possible, learn from Native Hawaiian practitioners. If you profit from teaching Ho'oponopono, consider how you can give back to Hawaiian communities.

6. Understand the differences: Recognize that the modern four-phrase practice is an adaptation, not the traditional form of Ho'oponopono.

What to Avoid

To engage with Ho'oponopono ethically, try to avoid:

• Commercializing the practice excessively or presenting it as a "quick fix"

• Claiming expertise without proper training or cultural understanding

• Separating the practice completely from its cultural and spiritual roots

• Using Hawaiian spiritual terms without understanding their significance

The Deeper Meaning of Ho'oponopono

The Concept of Pono

At the heart of Ho'oponopono is the concept of pono - a rich Hawaiian value that means rightness, balance, morality, and well-being . Living with pono means being in harmony with all relationships - with people, nature, and the spiritual world.

Understanding this core concept helps us appreciate that Ho'oponopono is about more than just reciting phrases; it's about cultivating a way of life based on responsibility, forgiveness, and harmony.

The Spirit of Aloha

Ho'oponopono is deeply connected to the spirit of aloha . Aloha is another profound Hawaiian concept that means love, compassion, and mutual regard. It recognizes the interconnectedness of all people and things.

Dr. Manu Aluli Meyer has noted that "We are healing our collective with aloha languaging" . This reminds us that Ho'oponopono is ultimately about healing relationships and communities through love and understanding.

Conclusion: Honoring the Roots While Learning the Wisdom

Ho'oponopono offers valuable wisdom about forgiveness, responsibility, and healing. As we learn from this practice, we must remember to honor its cultural origins and engage with it respectfully.

By understanding its deep roots in Hawaiian culture, acknowledging the differences between traditional and modern practices, and avoiding cultural appropriation, we can appreciate Ho'oponopono in a way that respects the Hawaiian people who have preserved this wisdom for generations.

The true spirit of Ho'oponopono is about making things right - not only in our personal lives but also in our relationship with the cultures that share their gifts with the world.

 

🌸 About Neeti Keswani

Neeti Keswani is the founder of Plush Ink and host of the Luxury Unplugged Podcast, where luxury meets spirituality. As an author, storyteller, and self-improvement coach, she helps conscious creators and professionals align with purpose, identity, and abundance through mindset transformation and emotional healing.
Her mission is to empower people to live with intention, authenticity, and joy — blending inner work with outer success.
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