Pilina

Pilina is a Hawaiian word that translates to "relationship," "connection," "bond," or "association." It encompasses a wide range of relationships, including those between people, people and places, and people and things. It emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things.

Pilina is a fundamental concept in Hawaiian culture, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong and harmonious relationships within the family (ʻohana), community, and with the natural world. It implies a responsibility to nurture and care for these connections.

Beyond simple social interactions, pilina suggests a deeper, more meaningful bond characterized by mutual respect, trust, and reciprocity. It embodies a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. The strength of pilina is considered essential for individual and collective well-being in Hawaiian society. Maintaining pilina often involves practices like sharing, cooperation, and showing aloha (love, compassion). The disruption of pilina can be a source of significant distress and requires effort to repair and restore balance.