Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
kai:
the sea. Many businesses and hotels employ
kai
as part of their name.
kalua:
means roasted underground in an
imu.
A favorite island food is
kalua
pork.
kama'aina:
a child of the land; an old-timer; a longtime island resident of any ethnic back-
ground; a resident of Hawai'i or native son or daughter. Hotels and airlines often offer
discounts called “
kama'aina
rates” to anyone who can prove island residency.
kanaka:
man or commoner; later used to distinguish a Hawaiian from other races.
kane:
means man, but is actually used to signify a relationship such as husband or boy-
friend. Written on a lavatory door it means “men's room.”
kapu:
forbidden; taboo; keep out; do not touch
kaukau:
slang word meaning food or chow; grub. Some of the best food in Hawai'i comes
from the
kaukau
wagons, trucks that sell plate lunches and other morsels.
keiki:
child or children; used by all ethnic groups. “Have you hugged your
keiki
today?”
kiawe:
an algaroba tree from South America commonly found in Hawai'i along the shore.
It grows a nasty long thorn that can easily puncture a tire. Legend has it that the trees
were introduced to the islands by a misguided missionary who hoped the thorns would
coerce natives into wearing shoes. Actually, they are good for fuel, as fodder for hogs
and cattle, and for reforestation, none of which you'll appreciate if you step on one of
the thorns or flatten a tire on your rental car!
kokua:
help. As in “Your
kokua
is needed to keep Hawai'i free from litter.”
kolohe:
rascal
kona wind:
a muggy subtropical wind that blows from the south and hits the leeward side
of the islands. It usually brings sticky hot weather and one of the few times when air-
conditioning will be appreciated.
ko'olau:
windward side of the island
kukui:
a candlenut tree whose pods are polished and then strung together to make a beau-
tiful lei. Traditionally the oil-rich nuts were strung on the rib of a coconut leaf and used
as a candle.
kuleana:
home site; the old homestead; small farms. Especially used to describe the small
spreads on Hawaiian Home Lands on Moloka'i.
Kumulipo:
ancient Hawaiian genealogical chant that records the pantheon of gods, cre-
ation, and the beginning of humankind
kupuna:
a grandparent or old-timer; usually means someone who has gained wisdom. The
statewide school system now invites
kupuna
to talk to the children about the old ways
and methods.
la:
the sun. Often combined with other words to be more descriptive, such as Lahaina
(Merciless Sun) or Haleakala (House of the Sun).
