Ikaika Dombrigues: By Mālielani Larish
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earing a black hat brimmed by a brilliant red feather hakupapa (hat band), Kahuna Nui O Pali Tu Po Paki O Lono Ikaika Dombrigues is as calm as Hiloʻs Mokuola (Coconut Island) on which he sits. Ikaika is a high priest of the order of Lono and also a descendant of Lono (the Hawaiian god of peace, agriculture, rain, and healing). The inner strength that Kahuna Ikaika embodies comes from his deep connection to the spiritual teachings of his ancestors, who have guided him to master the healing arts of Ho‘omana (pre-contact Hawaiian religion and beliefs). As the priests of ancient Hawai‘i, kahuna were revered for their intimate knowledge of the spirit world and nature. Although the word kahuna in Hawaiian can be used to denote an expert in any profession, according to Kahuna Ikaika, the title means “keepers of the huna mana [secret energy]” when applied to Hawaiian priests. Ikaika’s mission is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the sacredness of the teachings of the kahuna, helping guide individuals of all backgrounds, and native Hawaiians in particular, towards healing and wholeness.
KeOlaMagazine.com | May – June 2021
The True Source of Healing Even though he has reached the highest kahuna ranking, Ikaika remains humble because he is aware that the Creator is the true source of all power and ability. “I don’t use the word ‘healer’ because the source is the healer. I’m just a vessel,” he says. Ikaika knows that spirituality can be a complex topic, filled not only with landmines of crosscultural misunderstanding and historical layers of suppression and abuse, but also with personal experiences of doubt and diminished faith. When someone comes to him, he tries to look at what caused the person to forget their true identity. He asks, “What separated them—what separated their spiritual side from their physical side?” Fearless and direct, he helps people confront the big questions: “Who are you? Why are you here? I’m helping you to become who you are,” he says. Pule (prayer) is at the heart of his work. “I don’t know all the answers, but I’m going to ask to get 10 the
