There are two traditional classes of kahuna recognized in Ho'ala Huna. The full-time professionals are known as Kahuna Kupua. However, Ho'ala Huna recognizes that any person must first be a kahuna to themselves, as well as to his/her own family and friends. This formal recognition comes in the form of ordinations on the path of the personal priesthood called Kahuna Pili (personal priesthood)

It is an 8-step path that takes place over the lifetime of the individual. Traditionally, these ordinations take place:

1. at the start of schooling;


2. at the onset of puberty;


3. at the start of advanced schooling;


4. at the time of the first full-time employment;


5. at the time of the first calling for the Ohana;


6. at the time of a wedding;


7. at the time of the first parenthood;


8. and culminates with the Kapuna (a formal recognition that the person is a holder of wisdom) ceremony.

Once ordained, these men and women are known as the Pili Kahuna (committed to the path of personal priesthood leadership.) They form the heart of the priesthood and backbone of the Eagle's Nest ?Ohana.

Ho'ala Huna recognizes the need to provide a path for those who feel they are called to become the Kahuna Kupua (master teachers.)

These are the professional priests whose job it is to support the members of the personal priesthood. Those who are interested in such a path may interview at Eagle's Nest Sanctuary to apply for a Novitiate Program that typically lasts a minimum of 4 years.

Those who successfully complete the program are ordained as Kahuna of the Order of Ku or Kahuna of the Order of Lono and are authorized to provide priesthood services for members of the ?Ohana under supervision of the Counsel of Elders in their home community.

Kahuna of the Order of Ku or Kahuna of the Order of Lono may wish to complete advanced training. Completion of the Master's program leads to ordination as Kahuna of the Order of Kane. These are the full-time Master Kahuna Kupua, whose extended history of service to the Ohana demonstrates their capacity for elder status.

Those individuals who are ordained as Kahuna of the Order of Kane may take their place on the Counsel of Elders, which is the governing body of the Ho'ala Huna Foundation.