Haa Koa (Dance of the Warrior)

Haa is the Hawaiian word referring to the ancient (pre-hula) bent-knee dance that was
performed by kne (men) while koa is the Hawaiian word for warrior. The term Haa Koa
translates to Warrior Dance or Dance of the Warrior. The Haa Koa is a kne (masculine) protocol
that is clearly and uniquely Hawaiian; Hawaiian in language, movement, ike (thinking), and mana
(spiritual power). The Haa Koa is not a particular dance, but refers to a type or category of dance
that falls within an established criteria. As such, a particular Haa Koa may be a modern
composition or consist of an ancient haa that may be hundreds of years old.
The Haa Koa is rooted in traditional Hawaiian practices including the lua (martial art), hula
(dance), and oli (chant), and may include the use of musical instruments such as the ipu and pahu
(percussion instruments) as well as mea kaua (war implements). In essence, the Haa Koa
celebrates the spirit of the ancient Koa and the virtues of Aloha (love & compassion), Koa (valiant
& courage), Lkahi (unity & peace), Kupaa (firm & loyal), and Mana (power & authority).
Haa Koa lelo Paa (Declaration)
E kui na kne, e naue na moku, e hoi na kne
The men kui, the islands shake, the men return
The kaona (deeper meaning) here is that the practice of the Haa Koa will inspire todays kne
(men) to be true warriors of the 21st Century. That kne be haahaa (humble), recognize Ke
Akuas (Gods) hand in all things, honor and respect women, provide for and protect the ohana
(family), be pono (balanced and upright) role models, become leaders of the kauhale (home) and
community, stand for Hawaiian rights and justice, and be true examples of sovereignty, living free
of poor health, ignorance, and substance addiction. That it is only after the kne become pono,
will the kauhale be pono, resulting in pono Hawaiian communities, and ultimately a pono Lhui
(Hawaiian Nation).
Benefits of the Haa Koa
Unify and Empower:
The Haa Koa may be used to unify and empower a hui (group) for a challenge at hand. Whether it
is overcoming addiction or preparing for a difficult journey.
Political Activism:
The Haa Koa may be used as a cultural rallying cry. Kanaka iwi (aboriginal peoples of Hawaii)
rights and benefits are consistently challenged and continue to be at risk. The Haa Koa can be
used to focus attention on issues affecting Hawaiians today. For example, doing a Haa Koa at the
Hawaii State Capitol.
Conduit to Mana:
Mana (spiritual power) is the driving force of the Kanaka Maoli. The Haa Koa is one way to fill

ones body with mana drawn from the honua (earth). Spectators of this process may also
experience mana.
Means to Reconnect:
The Haa Koa is both a remembrance of who Kanaka iwi were and an awakening of what they
may become. It takes them back, if only for a moment, and reconnects them to their warrior
ancestors and inspires them to press forward as warriors in todays world.
New Hawaiian Icon:
The Haa Koa celebrates a dimension of the Hawaiian culture that has been absent for too long,
the strong Hawaiian male. Hawaii and Kanaka iwi are often associated with and recognized for
Hula Dancers, Aloha Shirts, Pineapples, and Flower Leis, but Hawaii was also the home of a proud
warrior society. The Haa Koa can be that symbol and icon of Hawaiis warrior heritage.
Sign of Respect and Honor:
The Haa Koa is a symbol of Kanaka iwi warrior heritage as well as the warrior spirit Kanaka iwi
strive to emulate today. To share this aspect of the Hawaiian culture with a loved one, individual,
or guest is a sign of great respect and honor.
Pre-Competition Protocol:
A shared Haa Koa that celebrates a teams skills and strengths does not disrespect the opposition
nor is it designed to do so. However, when delivered with power, purpose, and unity, the Haa Koa
may very well challenge, dishearten, and intimidate a foe.
Oli Defined
The Oli (Hawaiian Chant) falls into two broad categories, mele oli and mele hula. Mele oli are
chants delivered with no musical instruments and are generally performed by one individual.
However, mele hula are chants accompanied by dance and or musical instruments and are often
performed by a group. Within these categories are dozens of kinds of chants, formal and informal,
for specific occasions and purposes. Each type of chant was performed in a specific way and style.
For example, kepakepa style (rapid rhythmic recitation) for prayer chants, hoeae style (soft and
short drawn-out vowels) for love chants, hoouweuwe style (heavier voice with protracted vowels)
for wailing or lamenting chants, and koihonua style (distinctly pronounced words) for genealogical
chants.
The mana (spiritual power) of an oli lies in its themes and kaona (hidden or double meanings).
Hidden meanings, such as rain as a metaphor for love, or the lehua blossom as a metaphor for
warrior could make a chant both a recounting of an actual event, or speak of love and war
depending on who heard and understood the chant. As such, the oli may be understood on
different levels by different people. Whether speaking of actual events or filled with metaphors,
the oli reflects a people and culture that are quick-witted, poetic, and finely attuned to nature in
their imagery, themes, and kaona.

With no written language, the ancient Hawaiians depended on the oli as their primary art form to
preserve oral histories and traditions such as genealogy, special places, important events, and
prayers. As such, the oli was the very life blood that preserved and perpetuated the Hawaiian
culture. Individuals were chosen in their youth and received special training to oli and become
living historians and genealogist. The oli was accurately committed to memory sometimes
covering over a hundred generations and several thousands of years. Today, the oli is referred to
as the soul of the Kanaka iwi (aboriginal peoples of Hawaii) and is recognized at the highest
form of the Hawaiian language.