The Way of Aloha: Lana'I

Paradise is not a location. It is a way of life. Learn the principles to create your own island paradise where ever you are. Bestselling author Cameron C. Taylor masterfully weaved ancient Hawaiian history and culture into an inspiring and engaging story set on the beautiful island of Lanai. You will be transported to a tropical paradise for an adventure of a lifetime. As you visit sacred locations throughout the island, you will be taught by a Hawaiian kahuna the principles for joyful living. You will see why Hawaii is consistently ranked as the least stressed and happiest place in the world. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, the Hawaiian kahuna unfolds powerful insights into the gospel of Jesus Christ as he illuminates a more excellent way—the way of Aloha—the way of Zion.



Preface
I served as a full-time missionary in the Hawai‘i Honolulu Mission from 1994 to 1996. The majority of this book is set on the island of Lāna‘i where I served for three months at the beginning of 1996.

Chapter 1: The Mission Call
There is not a university in this world that can teach you what you learn on a full-time mission. My call as a full-time missionary and the start of my service in Hawaii.

Chapter 2: Banished to Lāna‘i
My transfer from Honolulu (a town of nearly 1 million people) to the island of Lāna‘i (population 3,000). Lāna‘i is the smallest inhabited island in Hawai‘i, measuring seventeen miles long and thirteen miles wide.

Chapter 3: Our First “Lesson”
My companion and I meet Manu Nāpela. Manu is a Hawaiian kahuna and member of the Lanai Branch. Manu takes us to the beautiful Polihua Beach and teaches us about hoʻo kaʻao (storytelling), aloha ʻāina (love of the land), and the pattern for Divine learning. Manu shares a vision President David O. McKay received while in Samoa.

Chapter 4: The Naha Fishponds
Manu takes us to an ancient loko iʻa (fish pond) and teaches us the principles of lōkāhi (unity), ‘ohana (family), mana (power), and Aloha mai ke akua ipo (golden rule). When these principles are lived, they create a place of paradise, a place of peace, a place of love, a place of friendship, and a place of Zion.”

Chapter 5: Halulu Heiau
Manu takes us to an ancient heiau (temple) to teach us the principles of Hoʻoponopono—an ancient Hawaiian practice of forgiveness and reconciliation practiced by kahuna lapaʻau (healing priest). Manu shares an oral tradition about Jesus Christ that has been passed down from generation to generation for two thousand years.

Chapter 6: Garden of the Gods
Manu takes us to Keahiakawelo, the Garden of the Gods, to teach us insights of effective pule (prayer). Manu shares a dream of his guided tour of Heaven by the apostle Peter.

Chapter 7: Hulopo‘e Beach
Manu takes us to Hulopo‘e Beach to teach us about what the Hawaiians call the crab mentality and how envy is one of the drivers of Satan’s destructive behavior. Manu shares an inspired dream regarding the forces of Satan and the battle for souls prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 8: Keōmoku Church
Manu takes us to a church built in 1903 to teach us about Ka Lanakila o Ka Malamalama (The Triumph of Knowledge) and why living in the present is one of the keys to joyful living.

Chapter 9: Lāna‘i Community Cemetery
Manu takes us to Mikela’s grave to share experiences surrounding the death of his oldest son at age eleven.

Chapter 10: Final Week in Lāna‘i
Manu takes us to a lava tube that is surprisingly similar in size and appearance to the Garden Tomb to teach us about the resurrection and one last lesson in the Hawaiian language.