
21/07/2025
🌺 Word of the Week: Haʻaheo 🌺
This week, we honor the Hawaiian word Haʻaheo, which means to be proud, to take pride, or to feel honored. But in the Hawaiian way, Haʻaheo is not about ego but it’s about recognizing worth with humility and aloha.
Haʻaheo refers to a deep, grounded sense of pride like pride in one’s culture, family, achievements, and values. It’s the kind of pride that uplifts rather than separates, that celebrates connection rather than competition.
In Hawaiian tradition, Haʻaheo is closely tied to legacy and kuleana (responsibility). To be Haʻaheo is to know where you come from, to honor your ancestors, and to live in a way that brings pride to your ʻohana (family) and your community. It’s about walking with dignity, not arrogance.
The word itself even begins with “Haʻa,” a root that suggests humility, a reminder that true pride is rooted in gratitude and grace.
Haʻaheo encourages us to acknowledge how far we’ve come, even through hardship. It’s a healing act to say: I am proud of myself. I am proud of my story. Whether you're growing, overcoming, or simply surviving, there is beauty and strength in recognizing your own light.
At Pohala Clinic, we are Haʻaheo of the people we serve and the journeys we witness. Your growth, your healing, and your courage inspire us every day. 🌿💖
This week, let Haʻaheo remind you to celebrate your progress, honor your story, and take pride in the good you bring to the world.