Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura are joined by Lanai’s brother Makani Tabura. The conversation centers around native Hawaiian wellness practices and how you can make Hawaiian healing part of your Hawaii vacation. Makani plays a big role at the Ha Ola Healing Center, which provides an immersive experience with ancient Hawaiian healing arts.

Known as “la’au lapa’au”, Hawaiian healing arts involve a holistic approach to health and wellness, and to disease and risk prevention. Makani places Hawaiian healing arts in the context of the current Hawaii COVID-19 shutdown during the global pandemic.

Makani offers his insights into the differences between traditional Hawaiian and Western medicine. He notes the similarities between natural remedies in Hawaiian culture and those used around the world for time immemorial. The noni fruit as a healing and preventive agent is discussed, and our hosts joke that in traditional Hawaiian medicine, “if it tastes bad, it’s good for you.”

Lanai and Makani note that ancient Hawaiians preferred “sour poi” as opposed to fresh because of its perceived benefits. Lanai and Makani talk about some other traditional Hawaiian remedies for common maladies. Makani shares details about the health services and products that Ha Ola provides, and how visitors can benefit by learning about traditional Hawaiian health practices. Makani discusses the use of rose petals, lavender, and other natural extracts that are in common use around the world.

The use of coffee beans and coffee fruit (there’s a difference!) is also discussed by our hosts and their guest. Makani talks about the use of kukui nut oil as a natural sunscreen and skin conditioner, and discusses the use of other extracts common in Hawaii for positive health and nutrition outcomes.

Our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast is a deep dive into native Hawaiian healing and wellness arts, and into Makani and Ha Ola Village’s efforts to share them with Hawaii visitors.