This proverb praises hard work which leads to prosperity and refers to the bird of the day, the 'ua'u or Hawaiian petrel which flies daily out to sea for its food.
I was educated during the period when speaking the Hawaiian language was discouraged, hula focused on hapa-haole songs and whatever Hawaiian crafts I learned were from gracious Hawaiian women in the summer fun program. At this late stage in my life, I am trying to learn about my culture and how the various experiences create the Hawaiian in me.