June 26th: Hōkū

By Leilani Poliʻahu

Published June 26, 2026 at 12:00 AM HST

Hōkū means "star," and is often used in names such as Hōkūleʻa, the star of gladness, or Nā Hōkū, the local recording industry awards program. Be sure to include the stresses, for it takes on a different meaning if you do not.

Hawaiian Word of the Day

Leilani Poliʻahu

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Hawaiian Word of The Day

September 15th: Kapu

Leilani Poliʻahu

We used to see so many signs that read “kapu” that people joked about Kapu being a Hawaiian who owned all that land. Actually, kapu, means taboo, prohibition, or even sacredness, or forbidden. And yes, on those signs it has come to mean “keep out.”
Hawaiian Word of The Day

September 14th: Hawaiʻi.

Leilani Poliʻahu

Our Hawaiian Word of the Day is the name of our state, Hawaiʻi. It is pronounced either as “Hawaiʻi” or “Havaiʻi.” Yes, either is okay. Language experts say you can pronounce it with a “w” or a “v” if that sound follows an “a.”