Hawaiian Word of the Day: September 7th

By Leilani Poliʻahu

Published September 7, 2023 at 8:00 AM HST

Alakaʻi means to lead, guide, direct, a leader, a guide, or a conductor. We usually hear it in relationship to hula, as those dancers who assist a kumu hula in leading and teaching hula dancers.

Hawaiian Word of the Day

Leilani Poliʻahu

See stories by Leilani Poliʻahu

More Episodes

Hawaiian Word of The Day

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.