P

Pono (POH-noh)

Pono reminds us to treat all living beings with care and respect.

Literal meaning: rightness; balance; goodness; proper order

Cultural meaning:
In Hawaiian culture, pono refers to living in a way that is morally right, balanced, and in harmony with others and the natural world. It describes actions guided by integrity, fairness, and responsibility.

To live pono means making choices that maintain balance — between people, community, animals, and the land. It reflects the belief that well-being comes when relationships are healthy and actions are thoughtful.

The word also appears in the Hawaiian state motto:
“Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono” — The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.

Living with pono encourages people to act with humility, care, and respect for the world around them.