water water water
Wai, a simple but commonly used word within the Hawaiian language, culture, and history. Wai means "water", but in further specificity, "fresh water".
Wai is a huge base to almost everything in the world. Water is the root for growth, survival, and for things to thrive and flourish. Without water, many creatures, as well as humans, will not have even the slightest chance at surviving. Wai is extremely important because it completes the cycle of many things to make the world go round, as well as allowing it and all of its inhabitants to thrive and survive day by day. Wai gives life to all.
Wai is a huge base to almost everything in the world. Water is the root for growth, survival, and for things to thrive and flourish. Without water, many creatures, as well as humans, will not have even the slightest chance at surviving. Wai is extremely important because it completes the cycle of many things to make the world go round, as well as allowing it and all of its inhabitants to thrive and survive day by day. Wai gives life to all.
THE WATER CYCLE
The water cycle is the cycle of processes by which water circulates between the earth's oceans, atmosphere, and land. This involves precipitation as rain and snow, drainage in streams and rivers, and the return to the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration. It is all basically a huge circle that constantly circulates, going round and round on a never ending track.
The water cycle works in many ways, consisting of a continuous 7 steps. Firstly, the water molecules are heated by the sun and turn into water vapor that rises into the air through a process called evaporation. Next, the water vapor cools and forms clouds, through condensation. Over time, the clouds become heavy because those cooled water particles have turned into water droplets. When the clouds become extremely heavy with water droplets, the water falls back to earth through precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc). The process continues in a cyclical manner.
The water cycle is important because water is perhaps the most important component of any ecosystem. All living organisms need water to grow and survive. The process in which one receives and puts the given water to use is all due to the wonderful water cycle. The cycle is of great importance, because if ever altered in any way, the cycle would no longer work, and the needed water supply will be extremely scarce or even disappear.
The water cycle works in many ways, consisting of a continuous 7 steps. Firstly, the water molecules are heated by the sun and turn into water vapor that rises into the air through a process called evaporation. Next, the water vapor cools and forms clouds, through condensation. Over time, the clouds become heavy because those cooled water particles have turned into water droplets. When the clouds become extremely heavy with water droplets, the water falls back to earth through precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc). The process continues in a cyclical manner.
The water cycle is important because water is perhaps the most important component of any ecosystem. All living organisms need water to grow and survive. The process in which one receives and puts the given water to use is all due to the wonderful water cycle. The cycle is of great importance, because if ever altered in any way, the cycle would no longer work, and the needed water supply will be extremely scarce or even disappear.
HOW WE GET OUR WAI HERE IN HAWAII
In Hawaiʻi, we receive our water source from many places. For example, many of us receive water within plastic bottles shipped over from the mainland. Others of us use water established and gathered right here in the islands in which we call "home." For the many of us here on the island, our water comes from the Board of Water Supply. But before it can even reach the Board of Water Supply systems, it all stems from the beautiful mountains scattered across the islands. Our water here in Hawaiʻi, like any other place on Earth, follows the water cycle. But unlike many other place across the world, our water descends from the clouds onto the mountain tops, followed by some of it trickling down waterfalls, and others being absorbed by the mountains themselves.
The water from the waterfalls typically end up in streams, rivers, the ocean, or even reservoirs. These elements of water are typically used for farm lands, loʻi patches, shrimp farms, a spot to simply cool off and explore, etc., but not so much for common daily use, such as showering and drinking.
However, the water in which is absorbed by the mountains goes through a time where it does not see the light of day for roughly 9 months, to even 10-15 years. Because of this, the water tends to be completely pure, or so it is to be believed. This form of traveling water eventually reaches a point where there is man-made tunnels, vaults, and pipes, all in which are hooked up to dikes, waiting for its arrival.
"What are dikes?", one may ask. Dikes are a form of a water stream, similar to a waterfall, but instead it is within the insides of the mountains. To retrieve this form of pure water however, many build tunnels to reach a dike, allowing them to capture the falling water within the mountains. Basically, this is where the water is gathered by the Board of Water Supply for further distribution to the people.
From waters used for showering, drinking, washing, toilets, cleaning, farming and more, they all come from the same place; our beloved mountains.
The water from the waterfalls typically end up in streams, rivers, the ocean, or even reservoirs. These elements of water are typically used for farm lands, loʻi patches, shrimp farms, a spot to simply cool off and explore, etc., but not so much for common daily use, such as showering and drinking.
However, the water in which is absorbed by the mountains goes through a time where it does not see the light of day for roughly 9 months, to even 10-15 years. Because of this, the water tends to be completely pure, or so it is to be believed. This form of traveling water eventually reaches a point where there is man-made tunnels, vaults, and pipes, all in which are hooked up to dikes, waiting for its arrival.
"What are dikes?", one may ask. Dikes are a form of a water stream, similar to a waterfall, but instead it is within the insides of the mountains. To retrieve this form of pure water however, many build tunnels to reach a dike, allowing them to capture the falling water within the mountains. Basically, this is where the water is gathered by the Board of Water Supply for further distribution to the people.
From waters used for showering, drinking, washing, toilets, cleaning, farming and more, they all come from the same place; our beloved mountains.
Waihe’e huaka’i
Prior to our huakaʻi, I had many positive feelings but also a few of the opposite. Since I’ve been there before, I knew what to expect. I felt excitement overpower all other feelings, but I was also impatient because I couldn’t wait to go. In addition, I felt blessed because I knew that I would be able to receive water in which was said to be sacred, lucky, and pure. I knew that I would be in tact with the land, leaving me to be in tact with my roots, giving me the feeling of being culturally intact eternally. However, being that I went on the hike to Hāmama Falls before, I was dreading the incline-filled hike there. I also knew how to prepare, as I knew in the tunnel it is extremely wet. With that in mind, I prepared for a cold experience. Overall, I was excited but also dreadful for the journey there and back.
As we started our journey, it was sunny with a cool breeze; it felt quite nice. It wasn’t as long of a walk to the tunnel as I remembered, but it was probably because I was accompanied by great and fun-filled people. Once we got to the tunnel, I knew exactly what I wanted to do first; the cold and dark tunnel.
Walking through the tunnel, it was a quick and short walk. It was pitch black and I was the first to go straight for the falling water by the vault. Right before departing, we chanted in the dark and it gave me chicken skin. I felt very culturally rooted and could feel the blessings running through my body.
My favorite part was walking to the waterfall. Walking up was not very fun, but I was determined to make it there. As I seen the waterfall in sight, I was very happy and excited. The water not only felt amazing, but it was refreshing. When beginning my descend down the hill, I was hungry so I had to make it down as soon as I could. As soon as I reached the bottom, we said our “thank you”s and it was then the end of our beautiful journey.
Overall, this huaka’i was my favorite so far. I am thankful we had this opportunity, and not only was it fun and adventurous, but it was also very informational. I learned a lot and in a fun way too. I’m glad I chose to participate in this huaka’i.
As we started our journey, it was sunny with a cool breeze; it felt quite nice. It wasn’t as long of a walk to the tunnel as I remembered, but it was probably because I was accompanied by great and fun-filled people. Once we got to the tunnel, I knew exactly what I wanted to do first; the cold and dark tunnel.
Walking through the tunnel, it was a quick and short walk. It was pitch black and I was the first to go straight for the falling water by the vault. Right before departing, we chanted in the dark and it gave me chicken skin. I felt very culturally rooted and could feel the blessings running through my body.
My favorite part was walking to the waterfall. Walking up was not very fun, but I was determined to make it there. As I seen the waterfall in sight, I was very happy and excited. The water not only felt amazing, but it was refreshing. When beginning my descend down the hill, I was hungry so I had to make it down as soon as I could. As soon as I reached the bottom, we said our “thank you”s and it was then the end of our beautiful journey.
Overall, this huaka’i was my favorite so far. I am thankful we had this opportunity, and not only was it fun and adventurous, but it was also very informational. I learned a lot and in a fun way too. I’m glad I chose to participate in this huaka’i.