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Living treasure
‘Papa’ Auwae healed
the whole person

Photographer Ray Mews
More obituaries

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By Rod Thompson
Big Island Correspondent

WAIMEA, Hawaii -- Hawaiian herbal healer "Papa" Henry Auwae healed the whole person, says Hawaiian culture practioner Angel Pilago.

Auwae helped people's physiological and spiritual sides, said Pilago, who served with Auwae on a committee advising Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.

Auwae died Sunday at North Hawaii Community Hospital. There were various accounts of his age, which he gave as 94.

Born on the Big Island, Auwae attended Kamehameha Schools (where he got demerits for speaking Hawaiian) and graduated from the University of Hawaii with studies in psychology and criminology. Before retirement, he was superintendent of heavy equipment at Kulani prison.

Auwae was best known as a kahuna la'au lapa'au, an herbalist, knowledge he learned from his 107-year-old great-great-grandmother from the Pai family associated with Honokohau.

He treated people for ailments ranging from broken bones to AIDS, but refused to take money for his services, and avoided interfering with Western doctors.

Among honors given to him was the title of "Living Treasure" bestowed by the Honolulu Honpa Hongwanji.

Much of his healing dealt with mental and spiritual aspects.

In that regard, he once advised that "Forbes Cave" Hawaiian artifacts removed from Bishop Museum should be returned to protect people from mana associated with them.

Auwae's assistant, Babette Galang, said Auwae often told people, "Love your family, love yourself, love God."

Services will be held Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Dodo Mortuary. He is survived by seven sons, 11 daughters a sister and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.