Past and Presence in the Ceremony of Uhi: Hawaiian Traditional Tattooing and the Grounding of Cultural Identity

The traditional Hawaiian practice of kākau uhi has experienced a strong resurgence across Hawai‘i in recent decades. This practice reconnects individuals with their mo‘okū‘auhau, cultural identity, and ancestral responsibilities. Among those engaged in this work is Chase Keli‘ipa‘akaua, a practitioner and kumu with the traditional Hawaiian tattoo group, Pā Kālai ‘Ili. He described the group’s name as meaning “the carving of skin,” reflecting their role in continuing and sharing traditional Hawaiian tattooing practices.

In February, Pā Kālai ‘Ili brought kākau uhi to Lāna‘i for the first time since its cultural revival. Kumu Chase was joined by Troy Franco-Keli‘iwaiwai‘ole, Justin Delos Santos, Ashley Rendon-Castardo, and Kepa Revelle Aikalā. Their visit came through personal connections with Makani Tabura and his mother, Helen Tabura, who hosted the practitioners. A kahea — a ceremonial call or invitation — was shared through word of mouth, reaching those who felt ready to begin or continue their cultural reconnection. The group relies on this form of outreach rather than public announcements.

“We try to keep our approach organic,” said Kumu Chase. “We don’t advertise or put up fliers; we rely on personal connections and word-of-mouth. It allows the practice to remain grounded in intention and kuleana.”

Samson Aki, a Kanaka ‘Ōiwi whose story is rooted on Lāna‘i, was among those who responded. He is a descendant of the Aki and Eskaran ‘ohana and the grandson of Henry Aki.

“Makani was a bridge for me,” Samson said. “He said I was on his heart and encouraged me to take steps to reconnect with my culture.”

Samson’s genealogical research and conversations with family elders were shaped by a detailed questionnaire he received from Pā Kālai ‘Ili. The questions prompted reflection on his mo‘okū‘auhau, ‘aumākua, cultural ties and ancestral kuleana — an intentional process meant to ground the participant and inform the practitioner.

“Knowing about my kūpuna helped me understand my role today,” said Samson. “Kumu Chase shared that descendants often naturally follow the kuleana of their ancestors.”

Samson said this became clearer as he learned about the roles his ancestors played. Oral histories revealed that his kūpuna held responsibilities tied to ceremony, healing, and leadership — described as being kūpuna or olohe.

“That’s when I realized I’m doing a modern version of what they did,” Samson said. “I hold space, I guide visitors, I help people understand the meaning behind what they’re experiencing. That’s ceremony in its own way.”

As a cultural advisor for the Four Seasons Lāna‘i, he also spoke about the challenge of balancing traditional practices with corporate settings. “My job sometimes requires compromise,” Samson said. “It’s about finding ways to carry kuleana in spaces that weren’t necessarily built for it.”

During his preparation, Samson came across gaps in family knowledge, especially beyond his great-grandparents. The absence of written genealogy and the impact of colonization and language loss made the search difficult. But the effort to reclaim even fragments of mo‘okū‘auhau became part of the reconnection. He contacted branches of ‘ohana, reviewed oral histories, and pieced together ancestral relationships and roles.

Unlike modern tattoo practices where recipients often choose their designs, uhi patterns are selected by the practitioners. Kumu Chase and his team determine the designs through protocol, guided by the individual’s mo‘okū‘auhau, ‘aumākua, and ancestral kuleana. The motifs are chosen to reflect genealogy, roles passed down, and future responsibilities. “Patterns hold mana,” Kumu Chase said. “There are protocols around their use, and without proper ceremony, their meanings can become distorted.”

On the day of the kākau, Samson arrived with ho‘okupu he had prepared himself — despite not knowing exactly what was expected. He brought pa‘akai gathered from Palawai and rainwater from Kō‘ele. He made lā‘ī lei for each member of the Pā, including a lei po‘o for Kumu Chase, and gave him a handwoven ‘āpōlima and lei ‘ā‘ī made of shell.

“I wanted my protocol to reflect respect and gratitude,” Samson said. 

Following protocol, the group held an ‘awa ceremony and shared pule, setting the cultural and spiritual intention for what would follow.

“The ceremony felt powerful but comfortable,” said Samson. “I sensed the connection to my ancestors, yet we also laughed. It felt like ‘ohana.”

Samson’s uhi was applied to his left leg and ankle in a form known as the Ala Niho — a traditional genealogical tattoo that begins at the foundation of the body. The lower section, or papa honua, represents the grounding point of one’s lineage. The design included themes of navigation, genealogy, and strategic thinking, aligning with Samson’s kuleana in the community and future aspirations for voyaging with Hōkūle‘a.

Samson said he didn’t know what to expect when the tattooing began, but the final design struck a deep chord. The main pattern running down his leg was papamū — a motif that references the konane board and represents strategic thought. It also invokes genealogical depth, connecting to priestly lines and the ancient place known as Mu. Smaller papamū were placed at four points, symbolizing the four primary akua: Kāne, Kū, Lono, and Kanaloa.

Near his ankle, the motifs carried meanings tied to celestial navigation, ancestral origin, protection, and forward movement. References to Makali‘i, the island of Maui, and the hi‘u of the palani fish were present — each selected to reflect Samson’s genealogy, geographic ties, and the responsibilities he carries. “They chose something fitting to my story and future responsibilities,” Samson said. “The heaviness of receiving this tattoo overshadowed any physical discomfort. It was about walking the path my ancestors walked.”

Kumu Chase said Samson’s preparation stood out — not just in research, but in presence. “Samson took the protocols seriously,” he said. “His gestures reflected deep cultural respect.”

He spoke to the importance of bringing kākau uhi to Lāna‘i, where the practice had not been shared in this way for generations. “For many, this is a way to reconnect with something that was lost or taken. It’s a return to identity.” With additional sessions planned for the future, Kumu Chase made it clear this is an ongoing relationship. “The true power of this tradition is in personal connection. That’s why we will continue to return and build these relationships face-to-face.”

Samson views his experience as part of a larger movement. “My journey reflects a larger effort to reclaim our traditions,” he said. “I’m grateful for the chance to carry this forward.”