Born: Puako, Big Island of Hawai‘i
Hawaiian Medicine - Master

"I was taught by my grandmother how the medicine heals. God put the herbs on earth for all mankind...with the understanding that the sharing of the medicine is for all people...all human beings, and that compassion is one of the most greatest things and love for each."

Hawaiian medicine uses the healing powers of natural herbs. The kahuna lä‘au lapa‘au is a folk healer who uses herbs and the spiritual power of love to make people well. There are many special plants that have healing powers in Hawai‘i and can be applied when there is an illness. Different parts of Hawaiian plants were used such as the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, bark, fruits and seeds. Plant materials were pounded and the juice was extracted. Many times, parts of the plant were just chewed. The kahuna lä‘au lapa‘au is a specialist whose knowledge and understanding of these plants was important for healing a patient.