HAWAIIAN VALUES

ALOHA.

Richard “Buffalo” Keaulana (co-founder Brian Keaulana’s father) is a legendary Hawaiian waterman who passed down not only ocean skills, but a deep respect for community, stewardship, and the interconnectedness of life to his ohana. These Hawaiian values shaped Brian’s approach to leadership, safety, and service—principles that continue to guide BWRAG’s mission today.

The values shared here are a reflection of those teachings and a reminder to live with respect, humility, and care for one another—both in the ocean and beyond.

Alaka‘i – Leadership
Aloha – Love
Ha‘aha‘a – Humility
Hau‘oli – Happy
Ho‘ämana – Empowerment
Hö‘ihi – Respect
Ho‘ohana – Work with intent and purpose
Ho‘ohänai – To nurture
Ho‘okipa – Hospitality
Ho‘olauna – Friendliness
Ho‘omana – Spirituality
Ho‘omanawanui – Patience
Ho‘omau – To continue; perpetuate
Ho‘onanea – Relax
Ho‘opa‘a – To support
Ho‘opïhoihoi – To cause excitement
Holuholu – Flexible
Huikala – Forgiveness
‘Imi ola – To seek life
‘Ike loa – To seek knowledge & wisdom
Ikaika – Strength
Ka‘analike – Share
Kü i ka nu‘u – Achievement
Küha‘o – Self-reliance, confidence
Kuleana – Responsibility
Huikala – Forgiveness
Küpono – Honesty, fairness

Kolohe – Rascal
Koa – Courage
Kuleana – One’s personal sense of responsibility; accountability
Launa ‘ölelo – Communication
Le‘ale‘a – Fun
Lökahi – Balance, collaboration, and cooperation
Lokomaika‘i – Generosity
Ma‘ema‘e – Cleanliness
Mahalo – Appreciation, thankfulness
Mäkaukau – Preparedness
Mälama – Caring
Mälama ‘ana – Preservation
Mana‘o‘i‘o – Faith
Mana‘olana – Hope
Na‘auao – Knowledge
Nani – Beauty
‘Ohana – Family
Ohohia – Enthusiasm
‘Oia‘i‘o – Truth
Ola – Health
‘Olu‘olu – Gracious, courteous
Pa‘ahana – Diligence
Palekana – Security, safety
PONO -The value of integrity, rightness, and balance.
Po‘okela – Excellence, to constantly seek improvement
Ulu Pono – To grow well; progressive, successful
Wiwo‘ole – Brave, courageous