The Word of the Day is "Waimea"

Aloha,

I went traveling around the island for some shopping, but passed through a historic town called, “Waimea” (why may ah……. Named for the ‘Red water’ that bubbled up in the rivers there). I’m dedicating this week’s words in honor of Waimea, on the Big Island. Did you know that our last Hawaiian King, David Kalākaua, actually changed the name from Waimea to Kamuela (ka moo way la….. means Samuel, in reference to a friend of his, Samuel Palmer Parker). The name never stuck though, so Waimea is still what most call it. Surrounded by pastures and ranches, and a cowboy atmosphere, you can’t help but fall in love with the place and people….. Giddy yup!

A hui hou,

Haunani

Today's Word of the Day is "Ko`olau"

Na ko'olau

Aloha Po`akahi (po ah ka hee….meaning Happy Monday),

It’s the beginning of November and another week in 2Honu’s series of the Hawaiian word of the day. Born on the windward side of O`ahu, you could always count on the beautiful backdrop that is called the “Ko`olau” mountains. I loved seeing the rain showers sweep across and feeling the winds streaming down. Ko`olau (ko`oh lao) means windward side of the Hawaiian islands. I consider it a guardian, overlooking O`ahu, and a centerpiece that stretches across the land. When you travel through the Wilson tunnel, it is an awesome site to take in, as its majestic and green presence enraptures you….

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Pala`ai"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Ingrid Balabanova

Aloha mai kākou,

Wow! We are already into November, and I can’t believe how fast, this year has gone by. I love this time of year. Aside from the hustle and bustle, there is a special kind of atmosphere surrounding the holidays. People are much nicer to each other as we express the holiday cheer. As we take down the spooky décor from Halloween, I can’t help but relish that the few pumpkins I have leftover will be baked into some delicious pumpkin squares and pie!!!! The Hawaiian word for pumpkin is “pala`ai” (pa la eye), which was introduced here by Captain James Cook in 1778 as a gift. Our small pumpkin patch is in full bloom, and I can’t wait to start baking for Thanksgiving. Have a great weekend, and see ya next week.

A hui hou,

Haunani

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

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Anna Velichkovsky

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"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Francesco Cura

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"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/David Smith

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