
The PONO INSTITUTE Research

WHAT IS PONO?
The ancient Hawaiian concept of PONO is the principle of integrity and balance, kuleana - self-responsibility, honor and respect.
Being pono means “doing what’s right”. The state of pono is present at the core of each person. It is a choice. A way of being. Living a life of pono means to honor our self, our fellow humans, mālama the land, the plants, the animals and to respect every living thing.
It is the reverence for life itself. And the appreciation for the journey that is before us. Pono allows for peace.
A spirit of cooperation, sharing and support for each other based on the fundamental truth that we are one Ohana.
Pono invites us to focus on what unites us and to release any form of separation. In solidarity we are powerful agents for change.
Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘aina i ka pono
The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.