Pa’a: Hawaiian Unshakeable Foundation - Lokahi: Unity

Pa’a: Unshakeable Foundation
Lokahi: Unity

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of Wadandi Boodja and all places, and elders past, present and emerging. I am deeply grateful for the permission given to conduct and teach these practices here.

Why Unshakeable Foundation?

• to be ready, no matter what this modern life brings

• to be clear when things are right and true, and when they are not

• to see and understand the signs and enact

• to feel supported by many

• to have our own connected practice

“This is not Religion, it is Spirituality. Too much has been done in the name of Religion” - Kumu Pa’a Nui Lawrence Kalainia Kamani Aki, 50th generation teacher of the lineage.


Why Unity?

The ancient stories tell of a collaborative society where everything was right and true (Pono). Then came the mischievous ones and those that had crossed the line of no return, bringing a separation into servants and ruling chiefs, human sacrifice, etc. Those who were Pono set sail to new islands.

Whilst we no longer have new islands to sail to, we can, and have, set up our communities.

Come to hear directly from Kumu Pa’a Kathryn Roberts about her experiences and ask her questions, as she recounts,

“I was fortunate to have spent extended periods of time living and learning the traditional way in Halawa Valley, surrounded by a culture that demonstrated how we can live a happy and fulfilling life - not only away from the distractions and pressures of modern life but how to take the teachings with us out into the world as it is today and sits behind all that we do.”

“Pupukahi i holomua” - ʻŌlelo Noʻeau. Let's paddle together to move forward!


What is Pa'a or Unshakeable Foundation?

Kumu Kathryn summarizes the essence thus,

“In Hawaiian ways of understanding, spirit comes first. Our connection to spirit is the foundation that supports everything we do.

Traditional Hawaiians lived a spiritual life. Through their cultural practices and ways of thinking they honoured and respected the spirit within all things – plants, animals, and all the elements of nature. It was a way of being - they call it living Aloha, being Pono.”

The Foundation is made up of interconnecting layers, like strata in the ground. The connections between the layers give the Foundation its strength.

Kumu Kathryn has already mentioned three of the many layers. Come to learn and understand deeper, and know how the layers inter-connect, for yourself and your foundation.

If this is of interest, please connect and we can talk more.

If you are interested in learning Lomi Lomi, traditional healing massage, knowing your foundation is required before entering the healing space with someone else. (Please see also the subsequent Lomi Lomi Course)

We look forward to seeing you on the weekend of 28-29 November, 2026!

Mahalo me ke Aloha la
Mahalo me ke Aloha la

Shan Siah with Kumu Kathryn Roberts
Tel: 0481833473


Kumu Pa’a Kathryn Roberts



“I am an Australian born woman who grew up in WA and now lives in Byron Bay, NSW Australia. I was raised in a western style culture with little understanding of spiritual teachings.

Like many people I meet, I have sought meaning in my life as a way to find happiness through various spiritual teachings and experiences.

In 2010 I met Kumu Paʻa Nui Lawrence Aki of Mana O Molokai when he first left his island of Molokai to share the teachings of his ancestors in Australia.

I have spent the last 16+ years studying with him learning and sharing the teachings of this traditional lineage from Halawa Valley.

It is a great honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to learn and now given the permission to share what has been so generously shared with me. In April 2021 I was given the title of Kumu Pa’a by Kumu Lawrence.”

(Kumu means teacher and source.)

Also, Kathryn is the founder of ‘Clear the Clutter with K’ supporting people to create physical, mental and emotional space through decluttering, organisation and compassionate practical support.

She is available on 0407877309.

Her work brings together the wisdom of clearing and the practice of building a strong foundation recognising that when we clear what no longer serves us, we create the space needed for inspiration, energy and purpose to flow.



Shan Siah

Pictured in middle with Kumu Lawrence Aki (left) and Kumu Kawika Foster (right)

“I was born in Malaysia and migrated to Australia in 1987 with my parents and three siblings.

In 2012, I had several major changes happen in my life in succession and my foundation of Buddhist philosophy and meditation had helped, but I was looking forward here.

Within a month, a supportive friend sent a flyer for a group who were visiting Perth. This was when I met Kumu Kathryn Roberts who was Haumana* of Kumu Lawrence Aki back then.

They were travelling with others from his school from Halawa Valley on Molokai to Australia. I later learnt that this was because his teacher, Uncle Pilipo Solatario, had said ‘the mango is ripe’ and it was time to take the knowledge outside of Halawa Valley. The school had a genealogy that stretched back 50 generations of teachers.

Was this what I had been looking for?

They opened on the Friday night with protocol - calling out for permission to enter, and receiving it, coming in humbly with offering, announcing who they were and where they had come from; and later when asked, used dance to demonstrate the meaning of Aloha. They also invited all of us to dinner at their apartment.

What stood out for me was how dynamic the teaching style was - it was ‘talk story’. They would also slow down and take the time needed to explore a topic or question someone raised. I slowed down too and things that I might have known, became even simpler and I would drop in to knowing.

I continued learning and in 2017, I was given permission to teach by Kumu Lawrence Aki.”


*In this lineage, Haumana is a lifelong student. The commitment is both ways between teacher and student.

Shan is clear that although given permission to teach, he is neither Haumana / student nor Kumu / teacher, in the traditional sense.

With permission, he also offers clearing sessions and healing massage - Ho’oponopono and Lomi Lomi - remaining true to tradition where a belief in a spirit being(s) is essential. Enquiries on 0481833473.

More details below and please ask any questions. 

Where?

Fair Harvest is a powerful and inspiring place after decades of Permaculture care. It is near Margaret River, Western Australia, close to beautiful beaches. www.FairHarvest.com.au

When?

Saturday 28th November 2026 to Sunday the 29th.

Sunrise to Sunset with ample time for rest, integration and recharge.

Exchange?

Finances should not be a barrier or be unhealthy.

2 Days Pa'a: Unshakeable Foundation = $560

Scholarships are available. Please talk to Shan about options or if you have attended before.

Accommodation?

Private beautiful camping on site (includes timed hot showers, compost and accessible toilets and camp kitchen, and bush walk access around the property)

Other options available (early enquiry with Shan is recommended for all).

Food?

Shared lunches with Aloha, all special requests considered.

Camp Kitchen (including fridge, BBQ with burner ring, filtered rain water, kettles, washing sinks and phone charging station).

Light refreshments for morning and afternoon tea provided.

Main picture credit: Polynesian Voyaging Society