Pola Hanau (Birth Bowl)
808-966-8108 polahanau@gmail.com
Born on September 25, 1946, in Wailuku, Maui, Malulani "Malu"Konanui grew up on the Big Island of Hawai`i in `Opihikao and Kaueleau, Puna, Hawai`i.
He graduated from Pahoa High School, Class of 1964. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy for two years from 1965-1967. After leaving the Navy, he joined the Honolulu Police Department in 1968 and transferred to the Hawaii County Police Department in 1970 until his retirement in 1994.
In 1995, a unique reunion with an old friend and self-taught woodturner, Bert Osamu Tagawa of Ola`a, Puna, Hawai`i led to an interest in woodturning. This collaborative interest led to woodturning projects, which included family collections and wood show pieces.
Then in 1997, "Malu" created a new Hawaiian Tradition called "Na Pola Hanau" or birth bowl, which is the birthing of a wood bowl on the day of childbirth and the creation of a family heirloom for the baby and the generations to follow. Each bowl is then blessed with a simple prayer "Born the day of my "hanai", I hope to bring Harmony, Love, Respect, Understanding, and Humility in the tradition of the Hawaiian Way."
Today, bowl making has become a passion for him, especially in perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through his woodwork.
According to "Uncle Malu", creating a Pola Hanau (Birth Bowl) with the spiritual understanding of the kukui ola (light of life) and the understanding in the Hawaiian Way of lokahi is one the most satisfying things he has done in his life.
Me Kealoha Pumehana
Malulani "Malu" Konanui
Contact Malu Konanui / Spiritual Creator of the original and only authentic Pola Hanau, at (808) 966-8108 polahanau@gmail.com.
