Happy Halloween! - The Word of the Day is "Hau`oli lā Helewī"

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Aloha mai kākou,

The day has arrived, where ghosts, goblins, witches, draculas and ZOMBIES, come alive…. Lol. We’ll keep this short and sweet…. Like the candy that you’ll pass out and/or receive. Enjoy and be careful out there….

Hau`oli lā Helewī (how oh lee lahh hay lay wee),

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pōpoki `Ele`Ele"

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Aloha mai kākou,

This week, I’m featuring Halloween words for the holiday. Keep in mind, this is a playful series with some common symbols or words associated with Halloween. The black cat or “pōpoki `ele`ele” ( pow po kee eh lay eh lay ) symbolizes good luck in some countries and bad luck when paired to Halloween. Of course, they are superstitions, and it is not different in Hawai`i. Personally, I’ve never truly believed in it, but I do know many people who consider them an omen. Take into consideration that Hawai`i has a massive amount of strays, but every now and then there is a reference that a black cat is paired with a witch….. stay tuned for tomorrow’s word.

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kanakē"

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Aloha mai kākou,

We’re entering into an important holiday that we in Hawai`i celebrate with a passion. Yes, its that time of year to put on your best costume, take the kids for some trick-or-treating, and try your best to keep your hands off of the candy! Ok, I’m speaking for myself about the candy…. Lol. Candy in Hawaiian is “ kanakē “ (ka na kay…. Yup, exactly how it sounds). I think it was the goal for us kids growing up to see who could get the most! In my older age, and with my own children, I’m more concerned on just how long it’ll take for the candy to disappear from the fridge…. Hehe. I can admit that it actually stays in our fridge for quite a while, and it is then used for gingerbread house decorations...for Christmas…. SERIOUS….LOL. Well, I hope you all keep safe and enjoy the upcoming festivity.

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kumu Niu"

Aloha mai kākou,

As we head into the end of another week, I thought it was a great idea to treat myself to some authentic Hawaiian food today. After I ate a lau lau, some kālua pork, and a little lomi salmon, I felt my body just relax, wishing I had a cot and could take a nap under one of the many coconut trees. The coconut tree or “kumu niu” (koo moo nee oo) is today’s word. Brought to the islands by the first Polynesian settlers, the habitat is a perfect place for these sturdy palm trees. They are tall and balmy, but be careful of falling coconuts….. you could be injured. *yawns*…. Satisfied tummy, heavy eyelids, light breeze, beautiful sunny day, under the coconut tree….. Heaven!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pukana Lā"

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Aloha mai kākou,

As night comes to an end and dawn breaks, the sun peeps through the horizon and starts a new day in the east. We are fortunate to see the sunrise (pukana lā…. Poo ka na lahh) on the east side of the Big Island. Every morning (unless its raining) the sun’s warmth greets my window. That’s when I know that another day is here and another opportunity to live in paradise. If you’ve never experienced a sunrise, come to the east side of the islands and you’ll experience a beautiful thing…..

A hui hou,

Haunani

P.S. Stay tuned next week, for words associated with Halloween….

The Word of the Day is "Mānana"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Jennifer Via

Aloha mai kākou,

Along the drive towards Makapu’u (ma ka poo oo…. or bulging eye), on the Windward side of O`ahu island, lies an islet, nicknamed “Rabbit Island”. The Hawaiian name is Mānana (mahh na na), meaning buoyant. The name refers to its shape, like the head of a rabbit. It is made of 2 tuff cones, and it is currently a state seabird sanctuary that is home to thousands of different birds and Hawaiian monk seals. In 1880, John Adams Cummins introduced rabbits, which later populated the islet. They were eradicated about 1980, due to the destruction of the ecosystem. You need special permission from the Hawai`i Dept of Land and Natural Resources to go there.

A hui hou,

Haunani

Today's Word of the Day is "Nalu"

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Aloha mai kākou,

The surf is starting to pick up during the fall season in Hawai`i.... Surf, or nalu, is today's word of the day! Nalu (naw loo) is a wave, the surf, to form waves, or full of waves. Famous surf spots, such as the north shore or Waimea bay (why may yah…. Meaning ‘Red water’), are very active during this season, producing huge surf (some at 50 feet or more), attracting brave surfers from all over. The Quiksilver surf tournament, in memory of a beloved surfer named Eddie Aikau, has been held there several times. The only way the tourney can be held is if waves are at least 20 feet or more. That’s like 2 stories of a powerful, crushing wall of water! Even the most experienced surfers can get hurt. So, please heed the warnings posted. I included a photo of waves, but your more than welcome to view the following link to read about the surf report there….

http://www.surfline.com/surf-report/waimea-bay-oahu_4755/

A hui hou,

Haunani

Today's Word of the Day is "Leahi"

Credit: Deposit Photos/Cloudia Newland

Aloha mai kākou,

As the plane makes its final descent into Honolulu International Airport, the most noticeable feature you will see is the dormant volcanic tuff called “Diamond Head Crater”. The Hawaiian name is “Mt. Leahi” (lay ah hee). Leahi refers to the shape of the ridge, which resembles the dorsal fin of the tuna fish. Formed about 300,000 years ago, it sits at the east side of Waikīkī. British sailors in the 19^th century thought the calcite crystals that sparkled in the rocks were diamonds, hence its nickname, “Diamond Head”. The park covers about 475 acres and is full of trails. There is a $5 per car fee, or a $1 per pedestrian fee, to enter the park. A beloved musician by the name of Gabby Pahinui (pa hee new wee) made famous a song called, Leahi (Kaimana Hila …kye mah na hee la). Behold this majestic landmark, as it is an iconic symbol and welcomes you to our islands.

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pua Kiele"

Aloha mai kākou,

I had come across a blooming bush of gardenia, and have selected it as our word of the day….. “pua kiele” (poo wah kee yeh lay….. ‘to emit fragrance’). Pua kiele, or the Hawaiian gardenia, shares the same genus as the coffee family, Rubiaceae. It was named after a naturalist named Alexander Garden and brought with the early Chinese immigrants. Its sweet perfume is unforgettable, and it was made quite famous by jazz singer Billie Holiday.

My grandma had tons of gardenia bushes in the backyard of our Kahalu`u house. There had to be at least 20 bushes or more that were laden in blooms, and you could smell them from the road above. Whenever I see or get a waft of them, the smell always reminds me of her and grandpa. They can be full with tiny black bugs called thrips, so be advised to inspect it, before you inhale…. I’m not kidding! Lol. It's wise to spray the buds, leaves, and stems with an insecticidal soap, or do what we did…. Collect your laundry rinse cycle water as a spray. It's economical and good for the environment!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kope"

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Aloha mai kākou,

Its hump day, and that means its “Starbuck’s day” for me, which I will use my trusty coupon, and buy one, get another one free, for someone! Lol. In celebration of my special treat, to re-energize myself, today’s word is….. “kope” (ko pay) and yep, you guessed the definition…… coffee!!! The coffee plant was brought to the Kona side of the Big Island in 1828 by Rev. Samuel Ruggles. Henry Greenwell established coffee in the later years of the 19th century, but after the coffee crash of 1899, the plantation owners sold off its land to their workers. At the time, the Japanese and Filipino immigrants scooped up coffee parcels, in which most are still running as family farms.

Kona coffee is one of the most expensive coffee in the world. It blooms its white flowers in February and March, and then it produces green berries by April. Few months later, they turn a bright red, called “cherries”, and are roasted and processed for consumers. I’m very lucky to have Kona coffee available to me on a regular basis, but today…… it’s a Mocha coconut frappucino from Starbucks to give me a little boost ….. Bottoms up!!! =]

A hui hou,

Haunani

Two Words for Today: Pāhoehoe and `A`ā

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Aloha mai kākou,

I’m starting this blog a little different than my norm, with a few facts about our active volcano, and types of lava flows that occur here. The islands of Hawai`i, were formed by hot spots and shield volcanoes millions of years ago. Each island was formed by one or several volcanoes. Eventually through time, erosion led to the islands that stretch about 1500 miles across. The tectonic plate moved east to west, causing the hot spot to form each island, one by one. As you can imagine, because of the movements, the oldest islands are north west, continuing on to the youngest, which is the Big Island of Hawai`i.

The Big island is still growing, and visitors flock to the island to see actual lava flowing from Kīlauea (kee lao way ya) Crater at the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The lava that emits from the volcano is of basaltic rock, which brings us to the two types of lava that I want to share with you. Pāhoehoe ( pahh hoy hoy…. or smooth, unbroken rock) and the much rougher of the two called, `a`ā (ah’ ahh). You can visually see the stark differences between both all over the Big Island. I suggest to include a visit to the National Park, and you might be lucky enough to witness the actual flow, which is one of the most amazing things to see……

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Hanalei"

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Aloha mai kākou,

On the north side of Kaua`i, is a quaint and beautiful area called “Hanalei” (ha na lay).  Hanalei interprets into several definitions such as crescent bay (for the shape of its bay) and lei making (pertains to the fertile land).  The lush green landscape, white sandy beaches, and waterfall cliffs makes Hanalei one of the most beautiful places in Hawai`i.  From the 1800’s, many travelers came to Hanalei and took advantage of its agricultural prime land to farm everything from fruits and sugar cane to rice.  Today, Hanalei valley is home of the largest taro community in the islands.  I encourage you to visit Hanalei valley lookout.  Its simple living, gorgeous scenery, and uncluttered lifestyle symbolize what kind of town Hanalei is…..a timeless beauty. 

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Hanauma"

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Aloha mai kākou,

Happy aloha Friday everyone!  Ending this week, we have the word “Hanauma” (ha now ma…. Curved bay).  On the southeast coast of O`ahu (oh`ah hoo), is one of the most popular attractions, called Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.  The beach was a favorite recreational area for the ancient monarchs or as a rest place for those who traveled between the very rough Moloka’i channel and O`ahu.  In 1941, after the Pearl Harbor attack, the entire place was barricaded with barbed wire, where security was posted.  Post war, the place became a haven for tourists and locals alike, and in the 70’s, a group began teaching about the marine life and conservation. 

It attracted thousands of visitors per day, impacting the ecosystem, marine life, and eventually destroying the reef and area.  There is an entrance fee that was implemented to help decrease visitors. Also, visitors have been educated about the sanctuary and its conservation.  I can honestly tell you that I never had the chance to actually set foot down into the area.  It was always a tourist mecca, and the furthest I got was the parking lot.  I do encourage to read up about the fragile area of Hanauma Bay prior to your visit, and please obey the rules and respect it.  Mahalo!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is Humuhumunukunukuapua'a

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Aloha mai kākou,

We talked about the state bird and flower, now lets learn about the state fish…… Humuhumunukunukuapua`a ( take a deep breath for this one…. Hoo moo hoo moo noo koo noo koo ah poo wa’ah….BREATHE…lol) or the wedge tail trigger fish, is the Hawaiian state fish.  If you snare it, it makes a grunting sound like a pig, which is how it got its name….the fish that grunts like a pig.  It was officially called the state fish in 1985, lost its title in 1990 (due to a state law), then reinstated in 2006.  Weird huh!

I’ve seen this fish in an aquarium, but its distribution is common throughout Hawaiian waters.  I’m almost ashamed to share this with you, but Disney’s movie, “High School Musical 2”, had a song called “Humuhumunukunukuapua’a” by Ashley Tisdale.  I was a little offended by the rendition, but at least it is known to all who sat through this movie! 

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is Pua Melia

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Aloha mai kākou,

Yet another flower that grows well in our tropical climate, the “pua melia” (poo wah may lee yah), frangipani or plumeria, is probably the most common scented flower, associated with Hawai`i.  Native to Central, South America and Mexico, the plumeria was named after a French Botanist, Charles Plumier.  The sap of the flower, can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, but the color variations and lovely scent are amazing! 

In Hawai'i, if a woman wears a flower (a plumeria or any other flower) on the right side of her hair/ear, that means she is single or available.  Also, just as a married woman wears her wedding ring on the left side, same goes for a flower on the left, unless she doesn't want to be bothered!  Lol.  Now for the women who have their heads completely covered in blooms???? I don’t know the answer! Ha ha. 

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Mo'o"

Hawaiian Mo'o. Credit: Depositphotos/Pieter De Pauw

Aloha mai kākou,

Welcome back to 2Honu.com’s Hawaiian word of the day.  Today’s word of the day pays tribute to what should be one of Hawai`i’s mascot…….The “mo'o” (mow oh), the Hawaiian word for lizard, gecko, serpent or reptile of any kind.  Growing up, our house would have lots of brown lizards and skinks.  However, upon moving to the Big Island, the presence of the green mo`o, or Gold Dust day gecko, is commonly seen in most places.  Be careful when you handle them; they are known to carry some nasty salmonella. So, I do suggest you wash your hands, post handling.

The mo'o  is mentioned in many Polynesian stories and myths. Some are considered guardians or mythological dragon like creatures that are symbolized by mountain ranges and pieces of land.  For instance, there is a famous little island, nicknamed “China Man’s Hat”.  It is located near Kualoa (coo wah lo wah…. Meaning long ancestral background) and was seen in the movie “50 First Dates”.  The Hawaiian name is Mokoli`i (mow ko lee`ee), or Little lizard.  Yes, “moko” is the same as “mo'o” when referred to reptiles or lizards.  The word “mo'opuna” (mow oh poo nah) means grandchild.  I was told since babies crawl, they resemble a mo'o…..

Mokoli'i Island. Credit: Depositphotos.com/Georg Schierling

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Hale Pule"

Aloha mai kākou,

Since today is Sunday, I thought it would be a good idea to pick “hale pule” (ha lay poo lay) for today’s word.  Hale pule means church, and it is an important word for many.  The first church built in Hawai'i, still sits on the Kona (ko nah, meaning south) side of the Big Island.  Moku'aikaua (mow coo eye cow wah…..district acquired by law) Church was built in 1823 by the first missionaries who arrived there.  It was a wooden structure that had a thatched roof at first.  Due to several fires, a stone structure was erected in about 1835 and it is still there today.  I wasn’t able to get a picture of this church, but I do have the link, which explains the founders and history. 

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMVFE_HAWAIIS_FIRST_CHURCH_Kailua_Kona_Hawaii.

Pictured above is a sister church of mine in beautiful Waimea (why may ah)…..Have a great day!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Kaikamahine"

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Aloha mai kākou,

Simple and sweet, today’s word is “kaikamahine”(kye ka ma hee nay), meaning girl, daughter or niece etc.  It refers to a single girl, but if there are more than one girl, then you’d say “he mau kaikamahine” (hay mao kye ka ma hee ne).  We’ll have to explore into numbers and counting soon, which might make things a bit easier. 

A hui hou,

Haunani