Hawaiian Word of the Day: September 3rd

By Leilani Poliʻahu

Published September 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM HST

Aupuni means “government,” and can be modified to tell what kind of government we are talking about. For example, aupuni peke lala is the federal government, and aupuni koloniala is the colonial government.

Hawaiian Word of the Day

Leilani Poliʻahu

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Hawaiian Word of The Day

May 8th: Kahu

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.
Hawaiian Word of The Day

May 7th: ʻElemakula

Leilani Poliʻahu

ʻElemakule means old man or to become an old man. Although ʻelemakula also means “old,” use it only for males – there's another word, luahine, for old women. And don't use ʻelemakule as a general term for old or things that are old – there are other words for that too, such as kahiko. Use ʻelemakule only for old men.