Pili Pacific Apparel

11/06/2020

Mālama Kai

One of the positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic has been strong revitalization of our beaches and ocean life.  The shutdown of tourism, while a serious concern for the Hawaiiʻs delicate economy, has permitted time for the ocean, beaches, reefs and fish to regenerate to levels not seen for decades.  These days, on mornings at Kaimana beach, I regularly swim through deep schools of nehu and follow after turtles and baby sharkscruising the reefs.  It is my sincere hope that the ‘new normal’ for life in post-COVID Hawaii will see a heightended appreciation for and desire to protect the health of our oceans.

11/05/2020

He po’i na kai uli, kai ko’o, ‘a’ohe hina pūko’a.

Though the sea be deep and rough, the coral block remains standing.

This ʻolelo noʻeau or traditional Hawaiian proverb describes the charachter of individuals who remain calm in the face of challenging periods of difficulty and upheaval. 

It seems most appropriate that in the turmoil caused by COVID-19 and uncertainty of the 2020 election, that our team at Pili Pacific draw upon the wisdom within this ʻolelo to remind you of the strong foundation – the Pili – that you already have by way of your relationships with family, friends and homeland. Stay strong – stay Pili.

11/03/2020

Aloha and good morning! I just finished my morning swim at Waikiki and I thought that I'd record for you a song that I grew up singing. Our family sang Ulili e during gatherings. Here are the lyrics:

Hone ana ko leo e 'ulili ë
O kahi manu noho 'ae kai
Kia'i ma ka lae a'o kekaha
'O ia kai ua lana mälie

The sandpiper
The sandpiper returns
Sandpiper runs along the beach
Where the sea is peaceful and calm

Hone ana ko leo kölea ë
Pehea 'o Kahiki? Maika'i nö
'O ia 'äina 'uluwehiwehi
I hui pü 'ia me ke onaona\

The voice of the 'ulili is soft and sweet
How are you, stranger? Very well
You grace our land
Where the sea is always calm

Ulili ë
(Ahahana 'ulili ehehene 'ulili ahahana)
'Ulili ho'i
(Ehehene 'ulili ahahana 'ulili ehehene)
'Ulili holoholo kahakai ë
O ia kai ua lana mälie

The sandpiper
The sandpiper returns
Sandpiper runs along the beach
Where the sea is peaceful and calm

10/27/2020

10/27/2020