Hawaiian Word of the Day: December 18th

By Leilani Poliʻahu

Published December 18, 2024 at 12:00 AM HST

Our Hawaiian Word of the Day is the passive form of hānau, meaning to give birth. We often hear it used incorrectly, and should say hānau ʻia if we are talking about the person born, rather than the one giving birth.

Hawaiian Word of the Day

Leilani Poliʻahu

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Hawaiian Word of the Day: May 9th

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Most of us are familiar with many Hawaiian terms for family members, but don't often use hoahānau, a good Hawaiian word for those born of the same generation. It combines hoa for “companion, friend, partner, or mate,” with hānau for “birth.” Hoahānau can be used for cousin, and comes in pretty handy in Hawaiʻi where we have large families—a nui na hoahānau.
Hawaiian Word of The Day

Hawaiian Word of the Day: May 8th

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Most of us use the Hawaiian word kahu when we refer to the pastor of our church, a preacher or minister. Kahu in its first meanings is an honored attendant, guardian, nurse, keeper of bones, regent, keeper, administrator. It is also a warden, caretaker, master, mistress — even one who has a dog, cat, pig, or other pet.