title: The Seven Dawns of the Aumakua: The Ancestral Spirit Tradition of Hawaii
author: Moke Kupihea
description: "This is one of the best reference books on Hawaiian culture and traditions that I have ever seen. In my opinion, it very accurately reflects the spirituality of this most beautiful culture." (<i>Bonnie Cehovet, Angelfire, Sept 2005</i>)<br /><br />&ldquo;Kupihea writes eloquently about the destruction of Hawaiian spiritual values by the invasion of a new culture . . . and the key to returning to a spiritual balance with humankind and nature.&rdquo; (<i>Library Journal</i>)<br /><br />"Moke Kupihea has the strength of conviction necessary to impart to the world a more sensitive account of Hawaiian kahuna heritage, which comes down to him from the priesthood line from which he descends." (<i>Rubellite Kawena Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Hawaiian Language and Literature, University of Hawa</i>)<br /><br />"A unique insight into Hawaiian philosophy. Kupihea's spiritual journey is both exciting and rewarding. Throughout this odyssey he makes clear not only a deep understanding of Hawaiian spiritual beliefs but also his aloha for the traditions of his ancestors and his determination that these traditions shall not die. He has provided us a distinctive voice that speaks not only to Hawaiians but to all peoples whose traditional beliefs are threatened." (<i>Andrew Bushnell, Professor of History, Kauai Community College</i>)<br /><br />"Highly recommended for all libraries." (<i>Glenn Masuchika, Library Journal, May 15,2001</i>)
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  This book is offered with my deep gratitude and great affection to my
  beautiful lady, Jill Kuykendall, who has shared her life with me as my wife,
  my best friend, and the mother of our children, and who has been my most
  endearing, loving, and wise teacher for more than forty years. Her kindness,
  her great good humor, and her generosity have served as the foundation for our
  family, our relationship, and for all that followed.
  
  The mysteries have been securely preserved by each cultural tradition of each
  land, and each will now be closely associated to their restoration. This
  cultural revitalization movement will form the home for these ancient
  mysteries as well as provide each culture (and each individual) with their
  seat of initiation.
  
  HALE KEALOHALANI MAKUA, Hawaiian kahuna elder
  
  Our practice is not to clear up the mystery. It is to make the mystery clear.
  
  ROBERT AITKEN RŌSHI, Zen master, from a talk given in Hawai‘i, October 1987
  
  It is high time we re