white kukui blossom
(WEYET koo-KOO-ee BLAH-sum)
The official flower of Molokai, representing Molokai in traditional lei making and cultural symbolism.
wakea
(vah-KEH-ah)
The Hawaiian sky father deity; god of light and the heavens, who with Papa (earth mother) created the Hawaiian islands.
waʻa
(VAH-ah)
A traditional Hawaiian canoe or outrigger canoe, often used for racing, fishing, or voyaging.
uku pau
(OO-koo POW)
A flat-rate payment system where workers are paid for completing a specific job regardless of how long it takes.
ukulele
(oo-koo-LEH-leh)
A small, four-stringed Hawaiian musical instrument developed in the 1880s, based on Portuguese instruments like the machete and cavaquinho introduced by immigrants.
uku
(OO-koo)
The blue-green snapper (Aprion virescens), a popular and delicious bottom fish caught in Hawaiian waters.
shaka
(SHAH-kah)
A hand gesture made by extending the thumb and pinky finger while curling the three middle fingers, used to convey the aloha spirit, greeting, or gratitude.
puaa
(poo-AH-ah)
A pig, swine, or pork meat, often referring to wild boars hunted in the mountains or the centerpiece of a traditional luau.
pipikaula
(pee-pee-KOW-lah)
Hawaiian-style dried beef, similar to beef jerky but typically thicker, semi-dried, and often broiled or pan-fried before eating.
piko
(PEE-koh)
Belly button, navel, or umbilical cord; culturally, the center or connection point.
pakalōlō
(pah-kah-LOH-LOH)
Marijuana, cannabis; literally translated from Hawaiian as 'crazy tobacco'.
obake
(oh-BAH-keh)
A ghost, spirit, or supernatural apparition, originally from Japanese folklore but widely used in Hawaii to describe any spooky entity.
moi
(MOH-ee)
Pacific threadfin fish, historically known as the royal fish reserved for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty).
menehune
(meh-neh-HOO-neh)
An ancient and mythical race of small people in Hawaiian tradition known for their craftsmanship and ability to build structures overnight; also used playfully to describe unseen forces that move or fix things.
make
(MAH-keh)
Dead, deceased, or broken and non-functional (such as a machine, engine, or battery).
maka piapia
(MAH-kah PEE-ah-PEE-ah)
Sleepy dust, eye crust, or eye gunk that accumulates in the corners of the eyes after sleeping.
māhū
(mah-HOO)
In traditional Hawaiian culture, a respected person embodying both male and female spirits; a healer or keeper of cultural knowledge.
lomi-lomi salmon
(LOH-mee-LOH-mee SAH-mun)
A traditional Hawaiian side dish made of salted, massaged salmon mixed with diced tomatoes and sweet onions.
lōkahi
(LOH-kah-hee)
Togetherness, unity, harmony, or a collective agreement and mutual support within a group or community.
lei
(LAY)
A garland or necklace made from flowers, leaves, nuts, shells, or other materials, traditionally given as a symbol of affection, greeting, or celebration.
lai see
(LIE-SEE)
A red envelope containing money, traditionally given during Chinese New Year or special occasions for good luck.