Lani, the thoughtful honu, reminds everyone to slow down and take things one step at a time. With gentle wisdom and a calm presence, Lani helps keiki reflect, breathe, and find peace in every adventure.
Koko and Lani the Wise Turtle 🐢🐾
One sunny morning, Koko padded down to the edge of the ocean, his tail wagging but his heart feeling a little heavy. The waves were calm, the sky a bright blue — but Koko’s thoughts were stormy.
Earlier that day, Koko had tried to play with the cat from next door. He bounced over, tail wagging, ready for fun. But before he could even say hello, the cat hissed, arched her back, and swiped! — her sharp claws scratched his nose.
Koko jumped back, startled and confused.
“I just wanted to play,” he thought sadly. “Why was she so mean to me?”
The question followed him all the way to the beach. And whenever Koko felt hurt or confused, he knew exactly who to visit: Lani the Wise Turtle, guardian of the sea and sky.
Lani was no ordinary turtle. Her shell shimmered with the colors of sunrise, and her eyes held the calm of the deep ocean. She moved slowly and spoke softly, but her words always seemed to make sense of the world.
Koko trotted to the tide pools where Lani liked to rest. From a safe distance, he watched as Lani floated peacefully near the surface, soaking in the sunshine.
He remembered what Lani had taught him before:
“Always give turtles space and kindness, little one. The ocean is their home, and we are just guests.”
So Koko sat quietly on the sand, letting the waves brush his paws while he waited.
When Lani noticed him, she smiled — a slow, wise smile.
“Feeling the waves inside again, are we, Koko?” she asked.
Koko nodded. “Yes, Lani. I tried to play with the cat, but she scratched me. I didn’t do anything wrong… I just don’t understand why she didn’t want to be my friend.”
Lani closed her eyes for a moment, listening to the sea. Then she said gently,
“Not everyone speaks the same language of friendship, little one. The cat wasn’t being mean — she was afraid. Some hearts take longer to feel safe. You just have to give them space, the way you give me space here by the ocean.”
Koko’s ears perked up as he thought about that. Maybe the cat just needed time — and kindness from afar.
Lani smiled softly.
“Do as the sea does, Koko. Breathe in, breathe out, and let the tide carry away what hurts. You can’t control every wave… but you can choose which ones to ride.”
Koko took a deep breath, feeling the wind and sea around him. The world felt a little lighter already.
He wagged his tail and said softly, “Mahalo, Lani.”
As the sun dipped lower, Koko trotted home — calm, grateful, and ready to try again another day, with a heart full of aloha.
