Hawaiian Legends: Glossary

Appendix.

Explanatory Note.

The Hawaiian alphabet proper contains but twelve letters, five vowels and seven consonants, namely: A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, W. To these are sometimes added R, T and B. No appreciable distinction, however, is observed between the sounds of R and L, T and K, and B and P.

The almost invariable sound of A is as pronounced in father; of E as in they; of I as in marine; of O as in mole; of U as in mute. The only general deviation is in giving the vowels long and short sounds. W takes the sound of V in most cases.

Every word and every syllable of the language ends in a vowel, and no two consonants occur without a vowel sound between them.

The accent of nine-tenths of the words in the language is on the penultimate.

The indefinite article is he; the definite article ka or ke; the plural takes the prefix of na.

The “O” beginning the metrical lines of chants and meles is not always employed as an interjection. It is used chiefly as a prefix to personal nouns and pronouns in the nominative case.

A.

Aa, the root of any vegetation.

Ae, the affirmative; yes.

Ao, light.

Aaakoko, a vein or artery.

Auwina la, afternoon.

Akane, an intimate friend.

Aole, the negative; no.

Ai, food of any kind.

Auhau, any tax due to a chief.

Au, a current; the gale.

Auwae, the chin.

Aumoe, midnight.

Aouli, the sky.

Aumakua, the spirit of a deceased ancestor.

Ailo, chiefs permitted to eat with the king.

Ahiahi, evening.

Aha-alii, chiefs of accepted and irrevocable rank.

Aha, a sacred tabu prayer, during which any noise was death.

Ahi, fire.

Ahinahina, the color of gray.

Aka, a shadow.

Akua, a spirit or god.

Akepaa, the liver.

Akemama, the lungs.

Aku, a mythical bird, sacred to the high priesthood.

Ala, a path, road or way.

Ala-nui, a great path.

Alaula, the red path; the dawn.

Aho, a breath.

Aha-ula, a feather cape worn by chiefs.

Alae, a sacred bird.

Alii-koa, a military leader; a general.

Aloha, love; love to you; a greeting or salutation.

Alii, a chief.

Alii-nui, a great or principal chief.

Alii-niaupio, Alii-pio, Alii-naha, Alii-wohi and Lo-alii, different grades of chiefs.

Anu, a receptacle in the inner temple from which issued the oracles.

Anaana, the process of praying another to death.

Anuenue, a rainbow.

Ana, a cave or cavern.

Apapani, a little song-bird.

Awa, a plant; an intoxicating drink made of awa; a harbor.

Awakea, noon.

E.

Ea, breath; air; a fish tabu to women.

Eleele, black, or dark blue.

Eha, pain.

I.

Ia, general name for fish.

Ie, a vine for decorating idols.

Iu, a sacred or tabued place.

Ihe, a javelin used in war.

Io, the human flesh.

Ihimanu, a fish tabu to women.

Ihu, the nose.

Iku-nuu, of the royal strain.

Iku-pau, of the priestly or sacred strain.

Ili, the smallest division of land; the bark; the skin.

Imu, an oven for cooking.

Ilio, a dog; a stingy person.

Imu-loa, an oven for baking men.

Ipu, a calabash; a vessel; a container.

Iliahi, sandal-wood.

Iwi, a small bird with yellow feathers; the bone.

O.

O, a fork, or pointed implement used in eating.

Oo, a bird with yellow feathers, used in making royal mantles.

Oa, the rafters of a house.

Oi-e, a name for the godhead.

Oala, a club thrown in battle.

Ohia, a native apple-tree; the fruit of the ohia.

Ohia-apane, a species of ohia wood used in making idols.

Oho, hair.

Ohu, fog.

Oho-kui, a bushy wig sometimes worn in battle.

Ola, life.

Omaomao, green.

One, sand.

Onionio, striped.

Olai, an earthquake.

Onini, a surf-board.

Omo, a narrow stone adze.

Oma, a space between two armies where sacrifices were made; the prime minister, or first officer under the king.

Opelu, a fish sacred to the priesthood.

Opu, the stomach.

Owili, a surf-board made of wiliwili wood.

U.

Ua, a sea-bird; rain.

Uau, a large marine bird.

Uala, a potato.

Uila, lightning.

Uha, the thigh.

Uhi, a yam.

Ulu, the bread-fruit.

Ukeke, an ancient pulsatile musical instrument.

Ulili, a bamboo flute.

Uliuia, a beer made of cane-juice or the ti root.

Ulu-maika, a game of rolling round stone disks.

Ulaula, red; the sacred color.

Uliuli, blue.

Ulunu, a pillow or head-rest.

Unauna, a tabu mark.

Unihipili, the spirit of a deceased person.

Umiumi, the beard or whiskers.

H.

Hanai, a foster-child.

Haiao, a day sacrifice.

Haole, a foreigner.

Hanuhanu, an ancient pastime.

Hala, the pandanus-tree.

Hakaolelo, a chief’s spy; informer; reporter of events.

Haa, a singing dance.

Haipo, a night sacrifice.

Haku, a lord; a master.

Hakoko, wrestling, with a variety of holds.

Hailima, the elbow.

Hanauna, a relative.

Hale, a house or dwelling.

Hale-alii, the house of the chief; the royal mansion.

Hale-lole, a tent or cloth house.

Hale-koa, a fort or house of war.

Hale-lua, a grave or sepulchre.

Haili, a ghost; a name for a temple.

Hawane, the cocoa palm.

Hau, a lascivious dance, or hula.

Hekili, thunder.

Heenalu, surf-riding.

Heihei, foot-racing; a large drum.

Heie, the servant of a seer who reported his prophecies.

Heiau, a temple or place of worship.

Hikiee-moe, the stand for a bed.

Hia, fire made by friction.

Hika-po-loa, a name for the godhead.

Hiua, a game played on a board with four squares.

Hiiaka, a general name for volcanic deities.

Hikini, sunrise; the east.

Hili, a dye, made of barks, for coloring kapa.

Hoa, a companion.

Hoalii, a companion of the chief.

Hoku, a star.

Hoku-paa, the north star.

Hoku-hele, a planet or “wandering star.”

Hoku-lele, a meteor.

Hoku-welowelo, a comet.

Honua, the earth.

Holua, the pastime of sliding down precipitous hills on sledges.

Hoao, the ancient marriage contract among the chiefs.

Hoalauna, a friendly companion.

Hoe, a paddle.

Hoeuli, a rudder or steering-oar.

Hoewaa, an oarsman.

Hooilo, the rainy season.

Hookama, an adopted child.

Hokio, a musical instrument.

Honu, a turtle.

Hookupu, gifts to chiefs by their subjects.

Hoopalau, a single combat in battle.

Hua, an egg.

Hue, a water-calabash or container.

Hula, a dance, of which there were many varieties.

Hulu, a feather.

Hulumanu, aids of a chief or king wearing plumes.

K.

Kaai, a girdle put around the loins of a god by a chief.

Kao, the star Antares.

Kaunoa, a pointed, poisonous shell, making a dangerous wound.

Kapu, or Tabu, a command, or interdict, of which there were several kinds; a prerogative pertaining to chiefs, priests and temples.

Kane, a husband; the name of one of the godhead.

Kauwa, a servant.

Kai, the sea.

Kaa-i, the neck.

Kanaka, a man; a male.

Kanaka-wale, a private citizen.

Kanaka-maoli, an actual slave.

Kaikamahine, a girl or daughter.

Kaiki-kane, a male child.

Kaikunane, a brother.

Kaikuahine, a sister.

Kaliko, spotted.

Kaioloa, the ceremony of putting a maro on a god by the women of a chief.

Kaumaha, a sacrifice to the gods.

Kaumihau, a tabu by the high-priest, when a hog was baked, and men were temporarily separated from their wives.

Kakuai, an offering to the gods at daily meals, generally of bananas.

Kahoaka, the spirit of a living person, claimed to be visible to certain classes of priests.

Kamakini, a tabu worship for the chief alone.

Kaula, a prophet.

Kaula-wahine, a prophetess.

Kao, a tradition; a dart or javelin.

Kaua, war; a battle; an army marching to battle.

Kaualau, a plantain.

Kakaka, a bow for shooting arrows, not used in war.

Kaukaualii, inferior chiefs with titled fathers and untitled mothers.

Kanikau, a funeral dirge; a mournful song.

Kapa, a native cloth.

Kalo, or Taro, a bulbous root from which poi is made.

Kahili, a standard of feathers; an emblem of high rank.

Kani, music.

Kahuna, a priest, doctor or sorcerer.

Kahu, a nurse or guardian of a child.

Kahu-alii, chiefs of the lesser nobility acting as personal attendants to the king.

Kapua, a wizard.

Kaike, a large sacrificial drum.

Kamaa, sandals.

Kapuna, a grandparent.

Kapuna-kah’ko, ancestors.

Kau, the dry season.

Keiki, a child.

Keena, a room or apartment.

Keokeo, white.

Kekuielua, a war implement.

Kino, the body.

Kilo, a prophet.

Kihi, the native sweet potato.

Kilu, an indoor game of amusement.

Kihei, a cloth worn over the shoulders.

Konane, a game resembling draughts.

Koa, coral; a species of wood; a warrior.

Koilipi, an axe for cutting stone.

Ko, sugar-cane.

Koelo, a garden of a chief, cultivated by his people.

Koheoheo, a poisonous mixture producing speedy death.

Koipohaku, a stone axe.

Koloa, a duck.

Kona, a south wind; the south side of an island.

Koolau, a windward district or division.

Kua, the back of a person.

Kuli, the knee.

Kuekue, the heel.

Kumu, a fish tabu to women.

Kuoha, a prayer to incite sexual love in another.

Kupua, a sorcerer.

Kuai, a war implement.

Kuleana, a small landed possession within the boundaries of an estate belonging to another.

Kupee, a string of shells; a bracelet; an ornament.

Kuahive, high lands.

Kumu, a teacher.

Kuahana, a war messenger despatched when a general call to arms was made.

Kukui, a light; a torch made from the nuts of the kukui tree.

L.

Laau, a tree; wood.

Lau, a leaf.

Lala, a limb.

Lae, the forehead.

La, the sun.

Lani, the heavens.

Laau-palau, a knife used in husbandry, sometimes in war.

Lanahu, coals.

Lanai, a veranda, or house with open sides.

Lehelehe, the lips.

Lenalena, yellow, the royal color.

Lei, a wreath of flowers or feathers.

Lepa, a flag or ensign.

Lehua, an aromatic shrub.

Liliha, the fat of hogs.

Loko, a lake or pond.

Lima, the hand.

Lou, a hook; a fish-hook.

Loulu, a cocoanut.

Luawai, a well.

Luakina, the house of sacrifice in a temple.

Luau, a feast.

Lua, an ancient practice of killing by breaking bones.

Luna, an overseer.

Lunapai, a war messenger of a king or chief.

M.

Maa, a sling for throwing stones.

Mahu, steam.

Maiuu, the finger-nails.

Mahioli, a feather helmet worn by chiefs.

Maili, a fragrant and greatly esteemed plant.

Mauka, toward the hills or mountains.

Malama, a month; a purveyor in traveling.

Mapuna, a spring.

Maka, the eye.

Manamana-lima, a finger.

Manamana-wawae, a toe.

Manu, general name for birds.

Makuakane, a father or uncle.

Makuahine, a mother or aunt.

Mahini, the moon.

Mahini-hou, the new moon.

Mahini-peopeo, the full moon.

Makani, the wind.

Makani-ino, a storm.

Makalii, the beginning of the Hawaiian new year.

Maliu, a deified deceased chief.

Maia, a general name for plantains and bananas, tabu to women.

Malaolao, evening twilight.

Mano, the shark; every species was tabu to women.

Makaainani, the common people.

Maro, a cloth worn around the loins of males.

Mamo, a bird; a royal feather mantle; descendants.

Manele, a palanquin for chiefs, with four bearers.

Mahele, circumcision.

Mahana, chiefs near the throne.

Mele, an historical chant or song.

Mele-inoa, a personal chant or song.

Moa, a fowl.

Moo, a lizard.

Maikai, toward the sea.

Mooolelo, a narrative of past events.

Mookaao, an historical legend.

Moko, boxing.

Moko-moko, a boxer.

Momi, a pearl.

Moae, the trade winds.

Moi, a king, or principal chief.

Mu, the person who procured men for sacrifice.

Muliwai, a stream, or river.

Mumuku, a violent gust of wind.

N.

Naua, a pedigree.

Nene, a goose.

Niu, the cocoanut tree and fruit.

Ninalo, the fruit of the hala tree.

Noho, a seat.

P.

Pa, a dish or platter; a fence or wall.

Pau, a short skirt worn by women; completed, finished.

Pahale, a lawn or other enclosure.

Pahu, a general name for a drum.

Papa, a board; a sledge used in the pastime of holua.

Papalina, the cheek.

Paliuli, paradise.

Pahi, general term for a knife or cutting instrument.

Pakiko, an ancient war implement.

Palala, any tax paid to a chief.

Panalaau, a distant possession of lands.

Papapaina, a table of any kind.

Pahoa, a dagger, generally of wood.

Palaoa, a carved ivory talisman worn around the neck by chiefs.

Pali, a precipice.

Paiai, pounded taro for making poi.

Pahoehoe, lava.

Pawa, a garden; a small cultivated field.

Pea, an elevated cross before a heiau, signifying sacred.

Peleleu, a large double war canoe.

Pepeiao, the ear.

Pipi, an oyster; clam; shell-fish.

Poi, the paste of taro.

Po’i, a cover or lid.

Poo, the head.

Poohiwi, the shoulder.

Poni, purple.

Pokahu, a stone.

Pouli ka la, an eclipse.

Po, night; darkness; the realms of death; chaos.

Pola, a raised platform over double canoes.

Pololu, a long war spear.

Pua, a flower.

Puka, a door.

Puuwai, the heart.

Puaa, a hog.

Puaa-keiki, a pig.

Puahiohio, a whirlwind.

Puhenehene, an indoor pastime.

Punipeki, a child’s game.

Pueo, an owl.

Puana, a leader in meles; a starter of words.

Pukaua, an officer in the army; a captain; a champion.

Pule, a prayer.

Pulelelua, a butterfly.

Punahele, a friend or companion.

Puloulou, a tabu staff, crowned with balls of kapa.

Puuku, inferior chiefs, personal attendants of the king.

W.

Waa, a general name for canoe.

Wai, a general name for water.

Waiali, the platform from which chiefs addressed the people.

Wahine, a woman; females generally.

Wahi-moe, a bed.

Wahie, wood for burning.

Wanaao, the dawn.

Wawae, a leg or foot.

Waipuilani, a waterspout.

Wauti, the inner bark of a tree from which cloth is made.

Wahine-hoao, the real wife.

Wili, lightning.

Wiliwili, a light wood from which surf-boards were made.

Cardinal Numbers.

• One, Akahi.
• Two, Alua.
• Three, Akolu.
• Four, Aha.
• Five, Alima.
• Six, Aono.
• Seven, Ahiku.
• Eight, Awalu.
• Nine, Aiwa.
• Ten, Umi.
• Eleven, Umikumamakahi.
• Twelve, Umikumamalua.
• Thirteen, Umikumamakolu.
• Fourteen, Umikumamaha.
• Fifteen, Umikumamalima.
• Sixteen, Umikumamaono.
• Seventeen, Umikumamahiku.
• Eighteen, Umikumamawalu.
• Nineteen, Umikumamaiwa.
• Twenty, Iwakalua.
• Twenty-one, Iwakaluakumamakahi.
• Twenty-two, Iwakaluakumamalua.
• Twenty-three, Iwakaluakumamakolo.
• Twenty-four, Iwakaluakumamaha.
• Twenty-five, Iwakaluakumamalima.
• Twenty-six, Iwakaluakumamaono.
• Twenty-seven, Iwakaluakumamahiku.
• Twenty-eight, Iwakaluakumamawalu.
• Twenty-nine, Iwakaluakumamaiwa.
• Thirty, Kanakolu.
• Forty, Kanaha.
• Fifty, Kanalima.
• Sixty, Kanaono.
• Seventy, Kanahiku.
• Eighty, Kanawalu.
• Ninety, Kanaiwa.
• One hundred, Hookahi haneri (modern).
• One thousand, Hookahi tausani (modern).

Names of the Months.

• January, Makalii.
• February, Kaelo.
• March, Kaulua.
• April, Nana.
• May, Welo.
• June, Ikiiki.
• July, Kaaona.
• August, Hinaieleele.
• September, Hilinehu.
• October, Hilinama.
• November, Ikuwa.
• December, Welehu.

Names of the Days of the Month.

• 1st, Hilo.
• 2d, Hoaka.
• 3d, Kukahi.
• 4th, Kulua.
• 5th, Kukolo.
• 6th, Kupau.
• 7th, Olekukahi.
• 8th, Olekulua.
• 9th, Olekukolu.
• 10th, Olekupau.
• 11th, Huna.
• 12th, Mohalu.
• 13th, Hua.
• 14th, Akua.
• 15th, Hoku.
• 16th, Mahealani.
• 17th, Kulu.
• 18th, Laaukukahi.
• 19th, Laaukulua.
• 20th, Laaupau.
• 21st, Olekukahi.
• 22d, Olekulua.
• 23d, Olepau.
• 24th, Kaloakukahi.
• 25th, Kaloakulua.
• 26th, Kaloapau.
• 27th, Kane.
• 28th, Lono.
• 29th, Mauli.
• 30th, Muku.