Pahu...

This pahu, or drum, is named Kulukuluwaimaka. The free flowing tears. Named by a Beautiful Friend for the free flowing tears that often cascade down my face when I am often moved by the incredible Beauty of Life in humble gratitude. I have two other pahu which remain nameless to date. Kulukuluwaimaka has been all around the island. Sounded for hula, ceremony, protocol and even kū'ē, or resistance protests. 

Children love to sound the pahu but rarely have the opportunity as those displayed in stores, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars are usually hands-off. Those used in hula are often sacred and kapu as well. Kulukuluwaimaka loves the children, as hundreds of children around the island have elicited his deep sound with happiness, excitement and joy. To ho'okani pahu. Sound the drum. He is noa. Free. 

I have been told by those who work around him that he sometimes makes a sound seemingly of his own accord. I have heard this before too when he stayed in my office. Sure...temperature changes, tightening and loosening, changing moisture. Just an explainable phenomenon. A loud distinct pa'i, or slap, on his deep drum head. All by himself. To kāhea, or call the children back. For Everlasting Life...