Author Archives: Liana

vs. Fixed, immovable, motionless, steadfast, established, firm, resolute, determined (this was the motto of Ka-mehameha V and of Liliʻu-o-ka-lani. Lit., fixed movement. I was privileged to attend the “Commemorative Celebration of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s 179th Birthday” at Mauna ʻAla (Royal Mausoleum) … Continue reading →

Solar Eclipse (literally: dark day) I was watching KGMB news this morning as Mileka Lincoln (LOVE HER!) lamented the clouds obscuring the view of the solar eclipse. People gathered on the Eastern shores of Oʻahu only to be disappointed by the … Continue reading →

Turmeric Hawaiians have and continue to use plants to heal. One such plant that is commonly used to this day is ʻōlena, also known as turmeric. It’s likely you’ve had ʻōlena before, as it is a common ingredient in curry … Continue reading →

n. Lesson, assignment, task, gift (Rom. 11.29), appropriation, allowance, grant, or contribution, honorarium, allotment, award, as of money; donation, portion, deal or hand in cards, dream, article (section in a law). Haʻawina, the general term used for lesson, task or … Continue reading →

To visit, the sights; to stroll, make a tour, take a walk; to look upon (Puk. 3.4); spectator.  And off I go! Uihā! Two years ago, I traveled with my mom, and seven other members of my family all the … Continue reading →

To remember, recall, commemorate, reflect deeply on, meditate. Today marks the 9th anniversary of the passing of my dad, Shermaih Kahuakai Iaea, Jr. He died exactly one month before his birthday and his funeral was held exactly one week later … Continue reading →

1. n. Spring (of water). Cf. pūnāwai. Puna-hou (place), new spring. Wai puna, spring water. (PPN puna.) 2. n. Coral, lime, plaster, mortar, whitewash, calcium; coral container, as for dye, coral rubber. E lawe ʻo ia i ka puna hou e … Continue reading →

Improvement, progress. To improve. This is the time. Graduations abound. Students are completing one chapter in their lives, gearing up for the next chapter. It never ends, right? Holomua. Progressing. Moving forward. Holomua is comprised of two words: holo – to go; … Continue reading →

n. Mother, aunt, female cousin or relative of parents’ generation. Makua – parent Hine – short for wahine, woman. This Sunday, Lāpule, we celebrate all makuahine, all the mamas out there and that includes your mom, aunties and all the … Continue reading →

n. Night of the full moon. When this moon set before daylight it was called Hoku Palemo, Hoku that slips away. When it set after daylight it was called Hoku Ili, grounded Hoku. (Malo 32.) Cf. hōkū, star. Ka mahina o Hoku, the full moon of the night Hoku. (PEP … Continue reading →