Sculptural Ola Bangle – Wai

Wai (water)

Ola has many meanings in Hawaiian, among them are life, health, well-being; alive, living; heal, survive, thrive. Each design in the Ola Collection is inspired by something that sustained and helped the Hawaiians thrive.

Water symbolises the source, the bosom, life. In many cultures it reflects fertility, purity and wisdom. While fresh water is essential to plants, animals and people, to Hawaiians wai was more than just sustenance. As an island kingdom, water was life. Concerns over protecting and accessing water shaped social structures, created land divisions, and shaped religious beliefs. Kānāwai was followed – a rule of law that dictated the “equal sharing of water.”