Author Archives: Liana

Like the one from whom he received what he learned. (Said of a child who behaves like those who reared him. Māna is food masticated by an elder and conveyed to the mouth of a small child. The haumana receives … Continue reading →

nvs. Learned, enlightened, intelligent, wise; learning, knowledge, wisdom, science.  We go to kula to be enlightened. We search for knowledge. We strive to gain knowledge and be wise. This is naʻauao. Naʻauao encompasses everything that is good and wise. It … Continue reading →

n. University, college; formerly high school Yesterday we learned haumana. Student. Today we honor the many students who are graduating from the “BIG SCHOOLS”. Kula = school. Nui = big. Big School. University or college. As two words that is … Continue reading →

n. Student, pupil, apprentice, recruit, disciple (Mat. 10.1). Haumana. Student (a.k.a. learner). Despite the high incidence of “failure” for Hawaiian haumana in our public school system I want everyone to know that it is not because Hawaiians are not capable … Continue reading →

Similar to mailani, to praise, but often pejorative; to spoil. Mailani (see above) means to extol, praise, treat as a chief or great favorite, indulge, spoil, favor. The word pai means to pamper, spoil, as a favorite child; to make a … Continue reading →

Literal translation: It is the space inside that gives the drum its sound. Figurative translation: It is the empty-headed one who does the most talking. Read. Ponder. Visualize. Snicker. This ʻōlelo noʻeau makes total sense to me, kumu hula that … Continue reading →

nvs. A favorite or pet; to treat as a favorite (children were often treated as favorites; they might be carried on the grandparent’s shoulders, and songs were composed for them); favoritism. (This word may have the loaʻa-type of construction; see … Continue reading →

1. nvs. Land, earth, world; background, as of quilt designs; basic, at the foundation, fundamental.  2. part. Suddenly, abruptly and without reason. Cf. kūhonua.  3. n. Middle section of a canoe; central section of a canoe fleet, as fishing iheihe fish; … Continue reading →

1. nvt. Tax, assessment, levy, charge, tariff, toll, tribute, price; to levy a tax, pay tribute, tax. ʻAuhau kino, ʻauhau poʻo, poll tax. Kū i ka ʻauhau, taxable. ʻAuhau helu waiwai, excise tax. Hale ʻauhau, building where taxes are collected. Kou ʻauhau, your tax (that … Continue reading →

1. nvs. Wind, breeze; gas in the stomach, flatulent wind; windy; to blow. Fig., anger, gossip; to show anger. Cf. ani. Makani nui, strong wind, gale. Makani ʻoluʻolu, fair wind. Mai walaʻau aʻe hoʻi o makani auaneʻi (saying), don’t talk too much or the … Continue reading →