The word Kama’aina is taken from the Hawaiian language. Literally, the word Kama means “child or person” and the word Aina means “of the land.” Taken together, kama’aina means child or person of the land. Early definitions of the word distinguished native-born Hawaiians from others but, after the arrival of Captain John Cook in 1778 the Hawaiian Islands evolved into a melting pot of cultures, each bringing its own tradition and culture.

Kama’aina in a modern, multi-cultural context takes on a broader meaning. It can still define bloodlines and birthplaces for native-born Hawaiians but, generally it’s more about a fully intentional way of living – a way of life that embraces your island neighbor as an “uncle,” “auntie,” or “cousin” and lending a helping hand when needed, even before being asked.

It’s quite typical for the island people of Hawaii, even as complete strangers, to address each other in familial tone, even though they may share no family ties. My sense has come to be that it’s more about being respectful of people and the land in which they live, and less about self.

To better understand kama’aina for you – the reader, I may relate it somewhat to “Southern Hospitality” in the Southern States of the U.S. where people show kindness, warmth and are generally welcoming of visitors as friends and overcoming the tendency to treat people as strangers. I know it’s stereotypical, but, when you experience kama’aina on this level and as a lifestyle, it affects character and changes ones view of the world. We truly believe all people are connected…

My wife, Cathy and I lived in Hawaii for nearly 15 years. In that time we immersed ourselves in the kama’aina culture and even though we now live far away in Maryland, we still maintain life-long friendships with our kama’aina there in Hawaii.