The Word of the Day is "Hanalei"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Katrina Brown

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"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Bhupendra Singh

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

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Julia Kharlamova

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

Credit: DepositPhotos.com/Wu Kailiang

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"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Deborah Kolb

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