huna

Huna is a modern spiritual and personal development tradition that presents itself as a form of Hawaiian wisdom. The term huna is often said to mean secret or hidden in Hawaiian, and in this context it refers to a body of knowledge about energy, mind, and healing. In mainstream scholarship, however, huna is viewed as a 20th-century synthesis rather than a direct revival of ancient Hawaiian religion or practice.

Historically, huna was popularized in the United States by Max Freedom Long in the mid-20th century. He claimed to have learned “secret” Hawaiian techniques from kahuna and to have distilled them into a system of mental and energetic practices. In subsequent decades, Serge Kahili King and other teachers expanded and adapted the material, creating curricula and organizations that helped spread huna as a contemporary New Age or self-help tradition. The resulting framework often emphasizes practical methods for improving health, wealth, relationships, and personal effectiveness through mental focus, ritual, and energy work.

Core ideas associated with huna include the view that reality is shaped by energy and thought, and that inner and outer worlds should be harmonized. Practitioners commonly discuss concepts such as the mind’s multiple aspects, visualization, and rituals designed to influence outcomes. Terms borrowed from Hawaiian language and culture — including concepts like pono (ethical alignment) and malama (care for others) — are used to frame behavior and practice. Critics note that the lineage and authenticity of huna as an ancient Hawaiian tradition are contested, and they point to concerns about cultural appropriation and misrepresentation.

Huna continues to be taught in various schools and workshops, where it is framed as a modern path for personal growth and healing rather than a traditional religious practice. See also Hawaiian spirituality, kahuna, and cultural appropriation debates.