On a recent visit to Maui, Hawaii, I was reminded of this island’s healing and nurturing atmosphere. Some would call the experience as magical, but I prefer the word mystical. It is a direct encounter with God through the beauty of His creation and people.
The Hawaiians refer to this state of being as Pono. It is defined as living with “righteousness” or “balance” within yourself, others, and the environment. It is a way of life that encourages peace and harmony, and one cannot escape the beneficial aspects of this lifestyle. Pono is not so much something that happens to you. Appreciating and participating in the exchange between others and the world around you is more of a choice. If you let it, Pono will bring an indescribable peace, and I am convinced that is precisely what visitors experience when they visit the islands and what keeps them going back, year after year.
I was first introduced to Pono by a friend who moved from California to Maui after the COVID-19 pandemic. I was intrigued and thankful that what I could not explain had a name and that I was not the only one. What was different about this last trip (January 2025) was how easily I fell into Pono after arriving after our flight. Even after the hassle of air travel, I felt myself begin to decompress as soon as we landed. The transition comes easier and smoother every time we visit.
This experience made me pause and think about applying the Pono to my everyday life while at home on the mainland. Is it possible to practice Pono when you’re not in paradise? If we consider it a choice or a practice, yes. And, just like anything we practice we can get better and better as time passes.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that practicing Pono doesn’t require being in Hawaii—it’s a mindset we can cultivate anywhere. By embracing balance, gratitude, and connection in our daily lives, we can bring peace and harmony, no matter where we are.
Whether through mindfulness, prayer or simply appreciating the beauty around us, we can attune ourselves to the divine presence in every moment. As I embark on my journey with “Attune” as my guiding word for 2025, I invite you to consider how you can bring more Pono into your life.
Have you ever experienced this sense of deep connection and balance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!