In Hawaii, where American capitalism meets traditional Hawaiian values, the duality can be both enriching and challenging. For Nue, a local Hawaiian culture teacher and surf instructor, navigating this intersection has been a lifelong journey that ultimately inspired him to share his knowledge and passion with others. In his classes, Nue explores what it means to be Hawaiian, emphasizing values of aloha, mindfulness, and environmental respect — principles that have shaped Hawaii’s history and still hold immense relevance today.
What Inspired Nue to Teach Hawaiian Culture and Surfing
Nue’s path to teaching Hawaiian culture stemmed from his desire to clarify the sometimes confusing blend of cultures and industries in Hawaii. “The duality of Hawaiian culture alongside American capitalism can be difficult to understand,” he shares. “We have both an Americanized Hawaii and a traditional Hawaiian culture. Tourism and hospitality are major industries here, but they don’t always respect local traditions, which leaves many residents disillusioned.”
Growing up as a naturally inquisitive child, Nue was intrigued by the complex blend of traditional Hawaiian values and modern influences in his community. This curiosity, combined with a deep sense of duty, eventually led him to enlist in the Army, where he traveled extensively and gained a broader understanding of cultural diversity and complexities worldwide. Today, Nue is a respected figure, known both within Hawaiian and other communities as a proud Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) with a commitment to cultural preservation.
Realizing the importance of bridging cultural divides, Nue felt a personal responsibility to help visitors appreciate and understand Hawaii authentically. “I wanted to be there for tourists, to help them understand what is right when they come to Hawaii,” he explains. This commitment inspired him to become both a Hawaiian culture professor and a surf instructor, roles that allow him to share his insights directly with visitors. For Nue, teaching Hawaiian culture and surfing is about fostering respect for Hawaii’s land and people and helping others connect with its true spirit.
Core Values: The Spirit of Aloha and Respect for the Land
In his classes, Nue teaches that aloha is far more than a greeting; it’s a life philosophy. “Aloha isn’t just a hello or goodbye. It’s the presence of life and a greeting of well-being,” Nue explains. He describes aloha as an expression of respect, appreciation, and mindfulness, values that are deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. This concept extends to aloha ʻāina, or love for the land, which emphasizes caring for natural resources and living in harmony with the environment.
Nue also underscores that paradise already exists in Hawaii’s natural beauty, without the need for extensive development. “Our ancestors cared for the land and ocean, passing down a legacy of preservation that contrasts with modern efforts to build artificial ‘paradises’ for tourists,” he says. For Nue, instilling these values in his students is essential, as it fosters a respect that goes beyond tourism and contributes to a sustainable future for Hawaii.
How Hawaiian Culture Impacts Students’ Lives
Nue’s classes offer more than cultural knowledge; they provide students with life skills, confidence, and a sense of global community. “Teaching Hawaiian culture builds mindfulness and respect, not only for the land but for each other,” Nue says. He observes that many students who come from busy urban environments find peace in the simplicity of Hawaiian culture, which contrasts with the fast-paced, digital lives they often lead.
His vision is to build an “Aloha Army,” a global family that embodies the spirit of aloha and stands together as an ʻohana (family). “In a world often divided by politics and conflict, reconnecting with Hawaiian values reminds us of our shared humanity and our connection to the Earth,” Nue explains. He believes his classes can help students reconnect spiritually and escape the distractions of modern life, grounding them in a reality where mindfulness and community take precedence over virtual interactions.
Surfing: A Cultural Practice Rooted in Tradition
One of the unique activities Nue offers is surfing, which he sees as a gateway to understanding Hawaiian culture. “Surfing wasn’t just recreation for our ancestors. It was part of a lifestyle made possible by sustainable agricultural practices,” he says. Hawaiians historically managed their resources so effectively that they had ample time for recreational activities, a fact that astonished early visitors.
Surfing, according to Nue, serves as a way to teach students about aloha and the importance of the ocean as a teacher. “Our connection to the ocean has been cultivated over hundreds of generations. Through surfing, students learn confidence, self-empowerment, and respect for the elements,” Nue says. He emphasizes that in a world largely covered by water, understanding and respecting the ocean is crucial. Surfing thus becomes a practical way for his students to embody Hawaiian values, building a relationship with the ocean that goes beyond sport.
How the Wider Community Benefits from Learning Hawaiian Culture
Nue believes that embracing Hawaiian culture can have a ripple effect, benefiting both individuals and communities by fostering mindfulness and resourcefulness. “Hawaiian culture is simple but innovative, as shown by how our ancestors adapted to challenges without sacrificing respect for the land,” he says. Nue points to Hawaiian advancements, such as early adoption of electricity and colored photography, as examples of innovation that complemented traditional values rather than replaced them.
In a time of global climate change, Nue sees Hawaiian culture as a model of adaptability and respect for the natural world. “Our ancestors found ways to live in harmony with nature, rather than constantly seeking comfort and convenience,” he reflects. By learning from Hawaiian culture, Nue believes that communities worldwide can adopt a more sustainable approach to life, moving away from a culture of excess toward one of balance.
Final Thoughts
For Nue, teaching Hawaiian culture and surfing is about more than imparting knowledge; it’s about instilling values that can lead to a more mindful, connected world. His students walk away with more than just surf skills; they carry a piece of Hawaii with them — an understanding of aloha, a respect for the land, and a commitment to living in harmony with the world around them. As Nue continues to teach, his hope is to see an ever-growing “Aloha Army” spreading the message of unity, compassion, and preservation far beyond the shores of Hawaii.
Nue’s classes serve as a bridge between the old and the new, the local and the global, helping students of all backgrounds find their place in the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture. For those seeking a true connection to the land and its people, Nue’s teachings offer an authentic, powerful journey into the heart of Hawaii.
Connect with Nue and EF Honolulu
Connect with Nue and EF HonoluluFor those inspired by Nue’s teachings and interested in learning more about Hawaiian culture, you can connect with both EF Honolulu and Nue online!
- Follow EF Honolulu on Instagram for updates on cultural events, classes, and student experiences.
- Connect with Nue on Instagram to see more of his work and passion for Hawaiian culture.
- Visit the EF Honolulu School Website to learn about courses and other offerings.
Dive deeper into Hawaiian culture and start your journey today!