hawaiian

In Hawaii, the term "Hawaiian" is strictly reserved for the indigenous Polynesian people of the islands, their language, and their culture. Unlike residents of California who are called Californians, residents of Hawaii who do not have Native Hawaiian ancestry are referred to as "locals" or "Hawaii residents," never "Hawaiians." Using the term incorrectly to describe anyone born in the state is a common mistake made by visitors and newcomers, and it is quickly corrected by locals. Linguistically, when spoken in heavy Pidgin, the pronunciation shifts to place the emphasis on the first syllable (HAH-why-yan) rather than the second.

Tyler leaned back against the peeling paint of the front porch on the east end, his boots caked with mud from the loʻi. The sun was finally dipping below the horizon, taking the brutal heat with it. Next to him, Kahanu was rubbing his lower back, groaning every time he shifted his weight on the wooden bench. They had been pulling weeds since six in the morning, and every muscle screamed in protest.

Stacie walked out through the screen door, balancing three aluminum plates piled high with leftover venison stew and rice. She handed them out, shaking her head at the two exhausted men. "You guys look like you went ten rounds with one wild boar," she laughed, sinking into the plastic lawn chair across from them. Tyler took a massive bite, chewing slowly before pointing his fork at Kahanu. "This guy over here tried to tell the new mainland volunteer that he's Hawaiian, so he doesn't need to stretch. Five minutes later, he pulled his hamstring stepping over one rock."

Kahanu nearly choked on his rice, coughing while trying to defend himself. "Eh, I said us Hawaiian guys get natural farm strength! I never said I was immune to getting old." The three of them cracked up, the sound echoing into the quiet Molokaʻi night. They were dead tired, covered in dirt, and hurting all over, but the stew was hot and the company was exactly what they needed.