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Ho`okupu is often recognized as an offering or a gift, do not confuse ho`okupu as a gift [makana]. It is a physical contribution of an individual or group request for acknowledgement from a specific deity or source. Ho`okupu is used to ensure growth, increase mana or cause to sprout; your ho`okupu could be your voice [oli], a kinolau [physical manifestation of deity i.e. awa, kalo, i`a] or something that is made by or precious to the individual or group making the request.

A ho`okupu is an offering of symbolic significance for the occasion. It may be a certain type of food or plant, a song or chant, perhaps even a rock or water from your homeland. Sometimes the item is dictated by the particular ceremony, other times, by what the individual feels is appropriate. In offering the ho`okupu, as the word indicates, one asks for growth; that one’s request be granted; that there be a reciprocation; that there be an exchange of mana or life force.

Ho`okupu is a traditional protocol among the Kanaka Maoli `O Hawai`i [indigenous people of Hawai`i] that is dictated by hö`ihi [respect] for the host, land, ancestors or gods. It establishes a connection between the giver and the receiver that is culturally appropriate.

Some examples of ho`okupu being offered are as follows:

A group of students went to visit a wahi pana, a place of historical or cultural significance, in this instance, an old Hawaiian village site. They were asked to bring a ho`okupu to offer to the ancestors of the village that they, the students, may receive the gift of knowledge of that wahi pana.

When visiting the volcano region, many people offer a ho`okupu at the crater of Halema`uma`u. This is seen as a way of showing respect for the spirits of the region, particularly Pele, the goddess of the volcano.

Prior to setting out to sea, fishermen would offer a ho`okupu to their god, as an offering for an abundant catch.