September 24th: Kikowaena

By Leilani Poliʻahu

Published September 24, 2026 at 12:00 AM HST

Kikowaena means “center.” You can use it to describe such things as a shopping center. Ala Moana Center, for example, is kikowaena kūʻai ʻo Ala Moana.

Hawaiian Word of the Day

Leilani Poliʻahu

See stories by Leilani Poliʻahu

Fall Membership Campaign

We are here for you, on-air, online and in-person across all our channels. Your donation helps keep Hawai‘i’s local news and music strong.

Become a member today

Kanikapila Vintage

Dig into the Hawaiʻi Public Radio archives with Derrick Malama and listen to the very best of Hawaiian music. Revisit sessions with Eddie Kamae and Keola Beamer, Raiatea Helm and Amy Hanaialiʻi, and more.

Listen to the podcast

More Episodes

Hawaiian Word of The Day

September 23rd: Ulu

Leilani Poliʻahu

Ulu means “to grow, increase, spread.” It is often used in conjunction with such words as wehi. Ulu wehi, for example, means “lush and beautiful, festively adorned.”
Hawaiian Word of The Day

September 22nd: Waiū

Leilani Poliʻahu

Our Hawaiian Word of the Day is waiū, for “milk.” Literally, it means "breast liquid," and can also be used to mean "breast."