Aloha
Welcome to the website of Heiau o Māmalahoa, moku o Hāmākua, Hilo, and Ka‘u. Here you will find information and gain insight on the Royal Order of Kamehameha I (Order) in general and Māmalahoa in particular. While the Order is Hawai‘i’s oldest Hawaiian organization and the last remaining viable institution of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, the Order remains an enigma to many in Hawai‘i and most of the World. Accordingly, it is our hope that this website will provide enlightenment regarding this unique and honorable organization.
Authorized by the 35th Article of the 1864 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, King Kamehameha V established the Order of Kamehameha I by Royal Decree on April 11, 1865 at the ‘Iolani Palace. The Royal Decree was made with the endorsement of the King’s Privy Council of State, established the Order’s mission, and authorized the Order to carry out its kuleana, in perpetuity, as an institution of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i.
As a chapter member of this Most Noble Order, Māmalahoa honors its origins and namesake by supporting the Hawaiian Kingdom, and uplifting Kānaka ‘Ōiwi (Native People) physically, mentally, and spiritually. In addition, Māmalahoa acts to protect, preserve, and perpetuate, Kānaka ‘Ōiwi culture, customs, and traditions. Its core values include the recognition of ke Akua, living Aloha, and promoting the ‘Ohana as the fundamental building block to build strong families, communities, and a strong Lāhui (Hawaiian Nation). Māmalahoa promotes sovereignty of self, i.e., living a life free of addiction, dependence, substance abuse, poor health, and ignorance. Māmalahoa honors the memory of Kamehameha with the presentation of the annual KamehamehaFestival on Mokuola in Hilo, encourages and develops kāne leadership in the home and community, protects wahi pana (sacred places), and advocates for the preservation and advancement of Hawaiian rights and benefits.
E Ho‘okanaka
(Live and act as a Native Person)
E hume i ka malo, e hoʻokala i ka ihe
Gird the loincloth, sharpen the spear
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Note on Diacriticals
Māmalahoa recognizes the use of diacritical markings of the (modern) Hawaiian language including the ‘okina [‘] (which represents a glottal stop – a consonant) and the kahakō [-] (a macron used to indicate long vowels). Māmalahoa recognizes the importance of using these markings to preserve the language and culture of Hawai‘i and respectfully uses them in all communications including this website.