In Hawaiian culture, a “Kahuna” is the keeper of ancient knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

These “Kahuna’s” are more than just wise people, medicine men or shamans. They are the “Master Professional” in their chosen field – be it Healing, Teaching, Counselling, Astrology, Science or anything they choose to be focused on. A Kahuna carpenter for example would be more than just an expert in building – he would be able to know the strength of the timber, the story of the tree it has come from and the limits of the wood – just by feeling the timber.

The word Ka Huna (two words) means “the light” (Ka) and “secrets” (Huna). This doesn’t mean secrets as in keeping secrets; it means the knowledge and wisdom that is beyond what we can see in our everyday lives.

When talking about people it is spelt Kahuna and when talking about philosophy the word is separated and spelt as Ka Huna.

Ka Huna massage was created by the master massage practitioners – known as the Kahuna Lomi. The massage was designed to be the pinnacle of loving, healing touch and was used as a method of personal development, healing and spiritual discipline. Ka Huna massage is often referred to as “temple style massage” – which is all about honouring your body as a temple. It has been passed down through generations of families and is now taught widely across the world.

As the massage has been handed down through families for generations, what you will find is that each area of the Hawaiian Islands has developed its own particular style of the massage – much the same as there are many different accents to the English language.

Everywhere you go it will be slightly different in its application, although the understanding behind it is very similar.

The philosophy of Ka Huna as we share it is based around seven principles of Huna – Ike, Kala, Makia, Manawa, Aloha, Mana and Pono (see our seven principles page for more info).

Although these are Hawaiian words, the meaning behind them transcends culture. Those who learn Ka Huna massage may not be learning so much about Hawaiian traditions, but more how to apply Huna principles to live from a place of wisdom and grace.

A Ka Huna Bodyworker has gone through many months (or years) of personal and physical development training, and Ka Huna or “the way of Aloha” often becomes a way of life for those who come into contact with it.