ʻAumakua

ʻAumakua are spiritual ancestors or familial guardians in Hawaiian belief, acting as protective and guiding figures. They can appear as family members, animals, or natural elements, serving as links between the living and the spiritual realm. Respecting ʻAumakua through rituals and offerings fosters guidance, protection, and ongoing connection with one’s heritage. They embody the deep cultural relationship Hawaiians have with their ancestors and the natural world, emphasizing reverence, remembrance, and spiritual continuity.