O
ʻOhana (oh-HAH-nah)
ʻOhana reminds us that family is not only who we are related to, but also those we grow, share, and care for together.
Literal meaning: family
Cultural meaning:
In Hawaiian culture, ʻohana extends beyond immediate relatives. It includes extended family, close friends, neighbors, and community members who support and care for one another.
The word comes from ʻohā, the offshoots of the kalo (taro) plant that grow from the same root. Just as these shoots remain connected to the parent plant, the concept of ʻohana reflects the belief that people are deeply connected and thrive through mutual care, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
Within an ʻohana, each person contributes to the well-being of the whole. These relationships of support, respect, and belonging form the foundation of strong families and communities.