The historic two volumes of “Nana I Ke Kumu,” originally penned by the renown Mary Kawena Pukui with E.W. Haertig and Catherine Lee, are considered to be invaluable references in the understanding of Hawaiian cultural practices and beliefs.
To this day, even though these have gone in and out of print over the years since initial publication in 1972, the “Nana I Ke Kumu” series are sought after and used by many.
To our great surprise, we recently received an email from University of Hawaii Press, acting as the book distributor for Lili‘uokalani Trust, announcing the publication of “Nana I Ke Kumu: Volume Three.”
Some may ask why after so long would there be a new one? To quote the late Mary Kawena Pukui, “Because there might be a Volume Three.” Her foresight was right on the mark.
Authors Lynette and Richard Paglinawan, Valli Kalei Kanuha, and Kaua‘i’s own Dennis Kauahi, along with illustrator Imaikalani Kalahele, have respectfully continued on where Pukui, Haertig and Lee left off.
“Nana I Ke Kumu: Volume Three” dives even further into the ancient Hawaiian culture and traditions that intertwine with the realities of our modern times and the family dynamics that exist.
Covering intense (but highly-important) subjects such as family conflicts, incarceration, addictive behavior, abandonment and even divorce, “Volume Three” explores Hawaiian methods such as “ho‘oponopono,” “ho‘okupono,” “oki,” and even “uwe” (or “uweuwe”), explaining how these tools can be used to help heal and resolve deep-seated matters.
Throughout “Volume Three” are also an incredible array of illustrations and artwork by Kalahele, which blend beautiful through the pages, providing visual essences that convey the very meanings being described.
We cannot praise “Nana I Ke Kumu: Volume Three” highly enough, and find it to be a deserving entry into the series.
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Ed Justus is the owner of Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe. Yuriko and Ed Justus are Kalaheo residents. Talk Story Bookstore is open weekdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
