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Hawaiian Word of The Day

Hawaiian Word of the Day

Hawaiian Word of the Day: February 3rd

By Leilani Poliʻahu

Published February 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM HST

Kaila hou is how we say modern in Hawaiian. Literally it means new style. Kaila means style and hou for new.

Kaila hou is how we say modern in Hawaiian. Literally it means new style. Kaila means style and hou for new.

Hawaiian Word of the Day

Leilani Poliʻahu

See stories by Leilani Poliʻahu

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Hawaiian Word of the Day: May 9th

Leilani Poliʻahu

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

Leilani Poliʻahu

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.