The Word of the Day is "Nēnē"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Denis Pepin

Aloha mai kākou,

The nēnē goose (nay nay, named for its soft cry or whimper) is the state bird of Hawai`i.  The endemic species was present before the arrivals of the Hawaiians.  They were almost extinct in the 1950’s, but with the help of expert conservationists, about 1000 exist today.  With the introduction of the mongoose and feral pig, the number of Nēnē struggles to keep them off of the endangered species list.  Through evolution, these geese have lost most of its webbing in its feet, allowing them to traverse rough terrain, such as over lava rock. They also spend most of their time on the ground, rarely taking to flight.  I’ve been lucky to see them at the Volcanoes National Park, on the Big Island, and also up at Haleakalā ( ha lay ah kah lah or house of the rising sun), National Park.  Like any endangered animal, its best not to feed them, or go near them.  They are one of the rarest in the world, so enjoy their beauty from afar…..

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Mokulele"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Yaruta

Aloha mai kākou,

Most of us travel interisland, or around the world on a plane, right? On that note, the word for airplane or plane is…..”mokulele” (mow koo lay lay). The word moku refers to a ship, and lele means to fly…..flying ship! Hawaiian Airlines is our major inter-island plane service, but there are several competitors such as, Go Airlines & Mokulele Airlines as well….Mokulele. I recommend the free POG juice ( a sweet mixture of passion fruit, orange and guava juice….its delishi!).

Growing up, my parents would take us to the outer islands, almost every year. Back then, there was Aloha Airlines, who sadly closed down, years ago. My dad preferred Aloha, for their timely service. We also got a kick out of the flight attendants greetings….”Aloha and mahalo for flying Aloha Airlines!” . Lol. I do remember Air Moloka’i’s small 10 passenger planes. That was always the best flight to take, when the whole plane was occupied with just family! Free soda pop was given back then……Mountain Dew was the favorite!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kalo"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Steven Heap

Aloha mai kākou,

The word for today is…… “kalo” (kah low).  Kalo, or taro, is a root vegetable that is a popular food source in Hawai`i.  It was brought with the earliest settlers of the Hawaiian islands.  Its root can be boiled or steamed, then pounded into a paste, called poi (poy).  It can also be grated, mixed with coconut milk, honey, brown sugar, then steamed or baked into a Hawaiian dessert, called “kulolo” (koo low low).  The leaves and stems are also used to make a pork dish called “laulau”  (lao lao), which chunks of salted pork, pork fat and butterfish, are wrapped in taro leaves, then steamed.  There are so many versions of laulau, that we’ll have to save this word, for its own blog!!! ;o)

Until then, check out the following link, to find out the significance of Kalo to our ancestors, our people and culture.

http://www.canoeplants.com/kalo.html

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Papa'i"

Aloha mai kākou,

A favorite seafood of many, the “papa`i” (pah pah’ee), or crab, can be found in many parts of the world.  Hawai`i also has various types, about 200 species, throughout the islands.  A few years ago, my family and I traveled to Kaua`i (cow wah`ee) .  After attending an important convention, we were invited to a picnic at Anahola beach (ah nah ho lah…..which means deadly winds).  When I got there, I was completely blown away by the severe change of scenery as compared to what I was remembered when my parents brought us there nearly 30 yrs ago.  In 1991, Hurricane ‘Iniki (ee nee kee…..meaning strong and piercing wind) caused about 5 million dollars in damages by flooding and destroying structures.  What didn’t change was the serene beauty, the inviting water, and the friendly spirit of the people there.

We had a potluck of different foods and goodies.  I always say, “a potluck isn’t a potluck, unless you’re in Hawai`i!”  There was steak, teriyaki chicken, veggie platters, fruit platters, RICE (we love rice!) and tons of desserts.  Just when I made my plate, uncle Kalani and his boys brought us an ice cooler loaded with….CRAB!  I couldn’t believe the size of each crab, and they cooked it right on the grill...steamed and ready for us to grind (yes, food is important to us).  After a swim and a feast to remember, I laid out my towel on the sand and crashed out for several hours….. Honest truth!  Enjoy the photos……

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pua 'Okika"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Natalia Klenova

Aloha mai kākou,

One of the most common lei we make here at 2Honu, is orchid.  “Pua 'okika” (poo wah oh kee kah) is the general name or genus of the orchid.  The first orchid that was brought to Hawai'i, was the Dendrobium anosmum, or what we fondly call, Honohono (ho no ho no).  These sweet fragrant orchids were introduced here, from the Phillipines in 1896.  About 40 yrs later, Hawai'i had its success in hybridization, becoming one of the most lucrative industries for Hawaiian orchids.  On the Big island, there are many orchid farms, due to the climate and natural habitat. Orchids are so abundant here, which is how our island’s nickname came to be…. The Orchid Isle…..

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kai"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Stephen Goodwin

Aloha mai kākou,

The Pacific ocean is a vast water highway, that surrounds our beautiful state, and some of the beaches are listed in the top ten almost every year!  On that note, I’d like to present the word “kai” (pronounced "kye"), meaning sea water, seaside, tide, brackish water, etc.  Kahakai (kah hah kye) is the Hawaiian word for beach, and of course, going to the beach is a must do event when you visit.  If you’re ever on the island of O`ahu, I’d recommend the east side to see Kailua (kye loo ah) and Lanikai (lah nee kye) beaches.  You won’t be disappointed, except for the crowds, during the weekends. Lol. You may even get to see a canoe race!!!

I have to share this story that relates to Kailua Beach.  When I started my journey of learning the Hawaiian language, my professor asked what Kailua meant.  Prior to this, I had known that the word “lua” (loo wah) was a toilet.  So with most of us, not educated enough in Hawaiian, blurted out that Kailua meant “toilet water”!!!  You should’ve seen the look on our teacher’s face.  It looked like he bit a lemon, with one eye closed!  Oops!  He went on, explaining that “lua” meant "two"; hence, the word, Kailua, meant “two seas” or “two currents” because of the 2 lagoons or 2 currents in the town. 

Another interesting story I was told, was that of Lanikai beach.  In Hawaiian, the nouns are placed first, and followed by the adjective.  Lani (lah nee) translates as “heaven”, and Kai (you should all know this word by now, since I repeated it over and over….lol) translates to “sea”.  This tiny area was hailed as the “heavenly sea” and was mistakenly written as Lanikai, when it should’ve been named Kailani….. That is what my professor shared with us, and he has written a book called “Nā Wahi Pana O Ko’olau Poko”.  Before I end this post, I do need to share with you the old name of Lanikai, which is Ka`ohao ( kah oh hah oh), meaning "joining together".

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "He'e Nalu"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Tomas Del amo

Aloha mai kākou,


Surrounded by blue oceans and sandy beaches, today’s word refers to an ancient Hawaiian art and sport.  He'e nalu (heh-eh-nah-loo) means to surf, surfing, or wave sliding.  The Ali'i (ah lee`ee or ruling chiefs) would prove their skills by making a board with the choicest woods (usually acacia koa, breadfruit, and wiliwili ‘wee lee wee lee’).  The plank was up to 24 ft long, and they would swim out into the ocean, laying down on the board and eventually standing on it, catching the waves. It is said that the Ali'i Kaumuali'i (the last independent king of Kaua'i) was quite famous for his surfing.  But it was not until 1769 that Joseph Banks was the first to record Hawaiian surfing, on his trip with Captain Cook.

Credit: Depositphotos/Jeff Whyte

With the arrival of missionaries from Scotland and Germany, surfing and other leisure activities were either discouraged or forbidden.  Surfing had almost disappeared in the 20^th century, along with many Hawaiian traditions and practices. In 1915, it was Duke Kahanamoku (kah hah nah mow koo), who introduced Hawaiian surfing to Australia.  His board is on display at the Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney, Australia.  He was an Olympic medalist (in swimming) and exposed the sport of surfing to the world.  When you visit Waikīkī, there is a statue of Duke next to the Moana (mow wah nah) hotel.  Whenever I pass by, there are flower lei strewn upon his arms.  Don’t forget to take a picture with the Duke, as he was one of the most renowned Hawaiian surfers!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "I'a"

Credit: depositphotos.com/Beatrice Preve

Aloha mai kākou,

Today’s word of the day is…. “ i`a ” (pronounced ee`ah…remember the glottal stop that has an abrupt stop before the next sound).  I`a is the the general name for fish or any marine animal. In ancient times, Hawaiians depended on fish as an important protein in their diets. They were spiritually connected to the ocean, knowing every aspect of the tides and the seasons of certain fish. They were also conservative, ensuring fish supply for the future. Their fish, salt, and seaweed would be exchanged with other upland communities who had taro, breadfruit, bananas, etc. They made their own hooks, lines, and nets, and they also build fishponds. 

Many of my uncles and cousins are talented fishermen, divers, and awesome cooks!  One of my favorites that my uncles would cook for us is fried oama (pronounced "oh wah mah"…. or the juvenile goatfish).  They were fried in a wok, sprinkled with some Hawaiian salt, and eaten whole!  Sometimes he mixed up a dip for the tasty morsels….  red wine vinegar, soy sauce and onions.  Nowadays, overfishing, pollution, and other elements have severely drained the fish supply.  I sure miss the old days, when fish was abundant and many tummies were full and satisfied!

A hui hou,

Haunani 

The Word of the Day is "Kahelelani" - The Shells of Ni'ihau

Ni'ihau (pronounced nee-ee-how) is represented by its IVORY or white Kahelelani (ka-hay-lay-lah-nee) shells from the Forbidden Isle. These are very tiny, rare shells that are predominantly found on Ni'ihau. The Island is owned by the Robinson family, and guests are allowed by special invitation only. There are different shades of shells and they can run anywhere from $200 and up. Steve and I attended a Merrie Monarch Craft fair in Hilo where we had the opportunity to admire many examples of this Hawaiian art. When you see jewelry made from these shells in person, you can truly understand and appreciate why they are so expensive and rare.

WHEW…..what began several days ago as the word “pua” turned in to a whole tutorial of words!!!

I hope you continue to enjoy this series as I share with you my mother tongue and culture, of which I’m proud of…..My Hawaiian heritage.

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pua Hinahina" - The Flower of Kaho'olawe

Pua Hinahina; Photo courtesy of Bishop Museum

Kaho'olawe (bear with me, this is a tough one….kah-ho-ō-lah-vay) is represented by its GRAY or SILVER pua hinahina (poo-wah hee-na-hee-na), which has a fuzzy, velvety, sweet scented flower that looks like a full bloomed rose. It is considered a ground cover, and stands out against the rocks or sand. Because it is such a hard flower to get, the Spanish moss was introduced to Hawai'i and is a common substitute for Kaho'olawe. The Spanish moss is called 'umi'umi o Dole (oo-me oo-me oh Dole) as it resembles the beard of Sandford B. Dole, who was the President of the Provisional Government of Hawai'i.

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kauna'oa" - The Flower of Lāna'i

Photo Courtesy of Bishop Museum

Lana'i (pronounced lah-nah-ee) is represented by the ORANGE Kauna'oa (kao-nah-oh-wah), known as the native dodder. Long orange strands blanket the windward side of the island and are woven into strands of lei. I was fortunate to see this in New Zealand as well. Can you imagine a bunch of Hawaiians on the side of the road, picking it and weaving it into lei, while our Maori cousins chuckled? ...they consider it a pesty weed. Go figure! 

Stay tuned for our next island tomorrow...

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pua Kūku'i" - The Flower of Moloka'i

Moloka'i (pronounced Mow-low-ka-ee) is represented by its pua kūkui (pronounced poo-wa koo-koo-ee) or the flowers of the candlenut tree. The forests are thickly laden with GREEN candlenut. The fruit is considered poisonous, but when the meat of the nut is prepared properly, it can be eaten. The oil that’s extracted from the nut was burnt to produce light. That's where it got its name….Candlenut. Clever, huh?

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Mokihana" - The Flower of Kaua'i

Credit: Splash of Kauai

Kaua'i (pronounced kao-wa-ee) is represented by its green Mokihana berry that bears an anise like scent.  **Note, the Mokihana may be green, but PURPLE is the designated color for Kaua'i….I don’t know exactly why. These green tiny pea-sized berries don’t last very long, and are very hard to find.  A strand is usually combined with a lei maile (pronounced lay my-lay) to signify the lush green forests, which accent this favorite island of many.  Please be careful in handling this lei, for the sap can easily burn your skin when worn for long periods.

Stay tuned as we go to our next island tomorrow: Moloka'i.

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pua Lokelani" - The Flower of Maui

Credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Third on our list of island flowers is the fetching PINK rose or pua lokelani (pronounced  poo-wah low-kay-lah-nee), which represents the island of Maui (pronounced  mao-wee).  Its delicious scent and petals are heavenly…..hence, the word “lokelani” is exactly what it is…..the pink heavenly rose. What more can I say…..

Stay tuned for more island flowers tomorrow...

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pua 'Ilima" - the Flower of 'O'ahu

Photo courtesy of Bishop Museum

Today's word of the day is the name for the flower that represents the island of 'O'ahu (pronounced oh-wah-hoo).  'O'ahu is home of the GOLD or YELLOW pua 'ilima (pronounced poo-wah ee-lee-mah…..notice how the word pua comes before the name) and was worn by the upper class in the ancient times.  The flowers are so thin and delicate, that it takes about 1000 flowers for a standard lei.  Hawaiians also used parts of this indigenous flower as a mild laxative for babies.  (I may have shared this, but we don’t want anyone picking it and consuming it…..many of the plants may have pesticide now.)

Come back again tomorrow for a continuation of our island flower series...

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pua"

Aloha mai kākou,

After last week’s word “lei”, why not follow up with the word “pua”, meaning blossom or flower.  Pua (pronounced  poo-wah) is a general name for flower, of which Hawai’i is noted for many different kinds.  When you think of Hawaiian flowers, I’m sure that “tropical flowers” such as bird of paradise, hibiscus, ginger, orchids and anthuriums may come to mind. Right?  Actually, most of the flowers were not from Hawai'i, but were introduced here and have taken to our tropical climate, making Hawai'i an important agricultural haven for tropical flowers.

Credit: Forest & Kim Starr

The Hawai'i state flower is the lovely yellow hibiscus or pua aloalo (pronounced poo-wah-ah-low-ah-low), with its vibrant gold petals, it is truly a magnificent blossom.  Every island also has its own flower that represents the color and flower for their native isle:

Hawai'i (Big Island)

Hawai'i (pronounced ha-wy-ee or ha-vy-ee…. Yes, the island I live on is actually called Hawai'i, fondly known as the Big Island) has the 'ōhi'a lehua, which was designated in 1923 by the Territorial Legislature.  It is bright RED with very fragile, little petals.  This flower is believed to be sacred to the fire goddess, Pele.  During the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, which is held annually, it is a favorite flower that is used in lei by the dancers.  There is a saying here that if you pick this flower, it starts to rain.  For us Hiloans, we hold that saying to heart, even if it seems to be raining most of the year!  Lol.  Come back tomorrow, for a continuation of island flowers…..

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Hala Kahiki"

Aloha mai kākou,

I’m sure most of you are familiar with the sweet and tasty pineapple and its relation to Hawai`i.  As an avid cook, I noticed if the recipe was Hawaiian then pineapple was one of the ingredients.  The pineapple was brought to Hawai`I by the Spanish.  The Hawaiians called the pineapple “hala kahiki” (pronounced  hah-lah  kah-hee-kee) since it resembles the Hawaiian hala tree.  James Dole began his pineapple plantation back in 1900 and opened his cannery in 1901.  The islands produced the most pineapple in the world, but have since found other countries who could produce pineapple cheaper.  Therefore, the plantations were closed.  

If you love salsa and would like to try something tropical  and different, try the following recipe…..Its yummy!

Pineapple Salsa

1 -   20 oz. can of pineapple (I use either Dole or Del Monte brand, but any brand should work)

1 -   16 oz. bottle of salsa verde (or can, whatever is available)

2 cloves of minced garlic

½ chopped onion

Small bunch of cilantro finely chopped (according to your taste)

Pineapple Salsa

I normally put all the ingredients into my food processor, give it a few whirls and voila…. Enjoy!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Ānuene"

Aloha mai kākou,

Today makes one week since this blog started, and I appreciate your interest, time, and kind words of encouragement.  Our mission is to simply share words, facts, myths, and photos of this beautiful place I call home.  The islands are canvassed by green mountains, valleys, and forests due to the large amount of rainfall we get throughout the year.  Subsequently, many rainbows are formed in many different places after a misty rain and sunshine.  The word for rainbow is ānuenue (pronounced ahh-noo-way-noo-way), and it is the mascot for several athletic teams at the University of Hawai`i.  It also appears on the Hawai`i license plate. 

Laka, is recognized as the Goddess of hula and the forest.  It is said, that Lono, God of fertility, had slid down a Rainbow, to marry her.  How romantic is that?!?!   

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the day is "Wailele"

Aloha mai kākou,

Nature is the idea, behind our Hawaiian word of the day, which is “Wailele”.  Wailele (pronounced why-leh-leh) literally means ‘leaping waters’ or waterfall.  During the rainy season (it probably rains in Hilo, about 75% of the year….SERIOUSLY….but who’s complaining? He he he) its guaranteed you can find a waterfall flowing at maximum capacity.  Hawai’i island has its share of the most stunning waterfalls such as Akaka Falls, Hi’ilawe and one that I happen to drive by called Rainbow Falls.  Rainbows tend to appear, across the bottom during the misty mornings. I haven’t been lucky enough to see the rainbows, personally.  However, I did manage to photograph it after a huge rain!  Enjoy the photos and don’t forget to visit these natural phenomena when you come to the islands.

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Malihini"

Aloha mai kākou,

Happy aloha Friday and hope you’re enjoying 2Honu.com’s Hawaiian word of the day series!!!  I’ve selected the word "malihini" (pronounced mah-lee-hee-nee) that pertains to a visitor, tourist, or a newcomer.  Doesn’t malihini sound exotic, rather than "tourist"? I’d like to elaborate that even us locals are referred to as "malihini".  For example, let’s say that I went to a new church, a dance class, or a farm, just to check it out…. I’d be called a "malihini".  Throughout my life, my family has hosted an array of visitors.

One of my favorite things about Hawai'i, and that I encourage our malihini to try,  is the delicious FOOD, of course!  With our mixture of cultures in Hawai'i, we have a wide variety of favorites that everyone in Hawai'i knows of, such as: Shaved ice (forget about the snow cone, shaved ice is the real deal!), spam musubi (We consume the most amount of spam!), plate lunch (my favorite is the teriyaki chicken, that comes with 2 HUGE scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad), loco moco (rice, hamburger patty topped with a fried egg, and some gravy), li hing mui (Chinese preserved plums), and chocolate covered macadamia nuts etc. Whoa, I’m getting hungry all of a sudden!!! *giggles*

Loco Moco

Keiki (children) and Shaved Ice (not real)

Before you leave us, I do encourage you to try out some authentic Hawaiian food.  There is laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves and steamed), Kālua pork (shredded pork that is usually cooked in an underground imu), lomi salmon (a mix of diced onions, salmon and tomatoes), haupia (how pee yah….coconut pudding), and poi (ground up steamed taro…..it maybe a little bland to you, but it’s a prized staple for us!!!).  

Kālua Pork

Poi

If you happen to hop on over to Hilo on the Big Island….. the best Hawaiian food is found at Bayfront, a lunch wagon called "The Hawaiian Delights Wagon"….. Trust me, you may need to pull out a blanket and crash out after you have a feast. Save some for me o.k.!!!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Lei"

Aloha mai kākou,

I took the easy route today and chose the word ‘lei’, since it is a product that we sell at 2Honu.com.  Lei (pronounced as  lay) is a garland of flowers, beads, ornaments, or anything strung together, to wear around the neck, or head.  It is given to show affection, celebration, gratitude, accomplishment or to welcome you.  The lei was brought to Hawai’i by the early Polynesian settlers, who traveled thousands of miles by way of canoe.  Our ancestors wore lei of flowers, foliage, plants, nuts, seeds, vines, feathers, hair, whale bone and teeth.  They made lei to adorn and beautify themselves, distinguish their status amongst the people, to show their respect to a specific deity, offer a symbol of peace, and also show their aloha for another. 

During the Boat days of the early 1900’s, lei were given to visitors arriving and departing and also to welcome back the locals.  The piers were lined with lei vendors who sold their colorful, fragrant, and beautiful garlands. Those who departed on the ships often tossed their lei into the sea, in hopes of returning to the islands. Hawai’i and its lei tradition was popular worldwide and continues to live on into the current times. You can still find lei at the airports, florists, online (like 2Honu.com … ;o) ), and the famous ‘Chinatown’, in downtown Honolulu! 

Growing up in Hawai’i, lei was a part of life. I received them as birthday gifts, appreciation, May Day and who can forget…..GRADUATION!!!! Woo hoo! Ask any local graduate about their graduation and they’ll show you just how high their lei pile was!!! And who can forget singing, “May day, is lei day in Hawai’i…”.  I’m not sure about all schools, but the schools I attended had a royal court with a king, a queen, ladies in waiting, and a prince and princess who represented every major Hawaiian island.  The kids would perform a dance or sing a song, and we had a special lunch in school…. Ok, well it was spinach and pork, not to be confused with the tasty laulau (a future word of the day, for those who are unfamiliar with this…lol).

I’m lucky to have come from a line of lei makers.  My grandparents were well known for their yellow ginger, puakenikeni, and crown flower lei. Several of my aunties and cousins are also talented florists and lei makers!  It was also destiny, upon meeting my husband, that my mother-in-law was truly blessed in the art of lei and exquisite handmade crafts. 

Hope you enjoyed today’s word.

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Wahine"

Aloha mai kākou,

To follow in the footsteps of yesterday’s word, which was Kāne, I couldn’t help but choose today’s word as wahine.  Wahine (pronounced Wah-hee-nay) of course, stands for female, woman, or wife.  The Maori of New Zealand have the same word, wahine, for woman as well.  While you're in Hawai’i, it is common to see some wahine, with a flower behind their ear.  Of course, we are appreciative of our tropical flowers, but there is a reason for adorning such lovely blooms.  If you encounter a wahine with a flower behind her left ear, she is most likely married, taken, or playing “hard to get”. Lol.  If it is behind her right ear, she is single.  Now, that doesn’t mean you should approach her for a date…. Times have changed, and that could lead a fella to some trouble!  (Ha ha ha.  I’m kidding.)  It’s similar to the tradition of wedding ring…. Left is taken, and right means single. 

Since I mentioned the Hawaiian god Kāne yesterday, I should also mention that Na Wahine was his wife, the female divinity of life.  Together, they had three sons: Kū, Kanaloa, and Lono, who are three of the four major Gods. (The other major god is Kāne).  They also had daughters: The Godesses Laka, Hina and Kapo.  I will share those stories in the future.  ‘Til then, I hope you enjoyed today’s short lesson. 

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kāne"

Aloha mai kākou,

The Hawaiian word of the day is based on gender….the male kind that is.  Kāne (pronounced kahhh-nay….*take notice of the macron over the a, that lengthens the a or ahhh) refers to a male, man or also a husband.  Do not mistake this word for Kane (pronounced as kah-nay), or you’d be calling him a skin fungus! :0)  So after that long plane ride to our beautiful islands, and you males need to find the restroom…. The signage should have men and/or Kāne on the door.

Kāne was also one of four major Gods, worshipped by Hawaiians.  He was the procreator of life, and is associated with the sun, the sky and dawn.  I attended a Hawaiian play called, "Aia I hea ka wai a Kāne?" ("Where is the water of Kāne?"). It is based on a chant, describing where the water is found.  Many hula dance schools also pay tribute in chants and hula.  Follow the link to this chant, and find the where this water is.

http://blogs.ksbe.edu/kaaarona/files/2008/09/m4_hemelenokane.pdf

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Honu"

Aloha mai kākou ,

I was inspired by our website ‘2honu.com’ to pick today’s Hawaiian Word of the day…..Honu.  Honu (pronounced ho-noo) or Hawaiian green sea turtle, is highly regarded as a symbol of good luck, wisdom and longevity, to the Hawaiian people.  With such prestige, they were only eaten by royalty in ancient times, because of the aforementioned traits.  They are also held sacred as ‘aumakua (pronounced ow-mah-coo-wah), or special life guardians to some families. 

The honu is exclusively, the lone indigenous reptile of Hawai’i. Ancient Hawaiians were not wasteful people, and used every part of the honu for food, tools and hooks etc.  Today, they are listed as an endangered species, and are protected by laws, to ensure its survival.  There are many sightings of the green sea turtle, throughout Hawai’i.  On the Big Island, they are a common sight to see, at many of the beaches along the coast.  It is a criminal misdemeanor offense to harm, posess, capture or kill any turtle. 

I have encountered many, while swimming, or just seeing them pop up, at different spots.  They are serene animals, and will often bump into you, by accident, but swim away.  Keep in mind, that they are also a prime food source for larger sea animals such as sharks.  Lol.  Lets respect these special animals, give them space, and adore these beloved creatures, from afar.  You should try to stay about 50 yards away from them, according to a friend of mine who works for NOAA.

A little story to share about the President of 2Honu, Steve Lee.  While making wedding plans in Texas, he and his wife (my niece), called me in search of an origami artist, who could design the japanese tradition of 1001 gold cranes, into the shape of 2 turtles.  I was lucky to find a woman, who made them, in Hilo.  When I saw it, I was totally mesmerized by the beauty and essence of what it meant.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  When he came up with the name, 2Honu…… It was just perfect.  I hope you enjoyed today’s word, and don’t forget to come back tomorrow for another edition of 2Honu Hawaiian Word of the Day.

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Honolulu"

Credit: DepositPhotos.com/chrishowey

Aloha mai kākou,

Welcome to our new series, named “2honu Hawaiian Word of the Day”.  Each day, a new word will be shared with you, to help you learn a bit of the Hawaiian language or ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i.  The series will begin with the Hawaiian alphabet, and some rules to help you with proper pronunciation in case you visit the islands, or meet someone with a lengthy Hawaiian name or word. One wrong pronunciation, can change the meaning.  For example: Kālā means money $$$.  Kala could mean a Surgeon or Unicorn fish, and also a screwdriver.  Ka lā means The sun. 

The Hawaiian language consists of 5 vowels, pronounced as the following:

a, like the a in car

e, like the e in men

i, like the y in pretty

o, like the o in hole

u, like the oo in soon

There are 8 consonants:

h   Same as in English

k   Same as in English      

l    Same as in English      

m  Same as in English

n   Same as in English

p   Same as in English

w  After i and e pronounced v

     After u and o pronounced like w

     At the start of a word or after a pronounced like w or v

‘   ‘okina (or a glottal stop or a very fast break). It is usually found before a vowel (such as o’o, 
    like oh oh, or u’u, like oo oo).

There is also a kahakō or a macron, a stress marker used to lengthen a vowel such as ō like ohh, meaning to answer, agree or talk etc.

Now, that we got the important bits explained, our first 2honu word of the day is HONOLULU ( ho-no-lu-lu)  lit. meaning sheltered bay.  Found on the island of ‘O’ahu, Honolulu is the capital of Hawai’i and the most populated of the islands.  The famous Waikīkī beach, Diamond Head Crater, and Pearl Harbor, are just a few famous places, located there. A famous song, I grew up with, was called ‘Honolulu City Lights’ by the Beamer Brothers.  I have fond memories of the place I was born, grew up, and visit once in a while, to share with my children the stories of my childhood.  If you ever visit Honolulu, make sure you go to the Swap Meet at the Stadium, Arizona Memorial, ‘Iolani Palace, Ala Moana, and Waikīkī……

Credit: DepositPhotos.com/sgoodwin4813

A hui hou,

Haunani