#Animals
Found 17 words matching this tag.
ʻio
(EE-oh)
The Hawaiian hawk (Buteo solitarius), an endemic bird of prey native to the Big Island.
ʻOpae Ula
(OH-pie OO-lah)
Tiny red brackish-water shrimp (Halocaridina rubra) endemic to Hawaii, typically found in anchialine pools where fresh and salt water mix.
wana
(VAH-nah)
A spiky sea urchin, known for its long, venomous black spines that easily break off in the skin.
pueo
(poo-EH-oh)
The Hawaiian short-eared owl, an endemic species often regarded as an 'aumakua (ancestral guardian spirit) and a sign of good fortune, guidance, or protection.
puaa
(poo-AH-ah)
A pig, swine, or pork meat, often referring to wild boars hunted in the mountains or the centerpiece of a traditional luau.
mongoose
(MAHN-goose)
The small, weasel-like animal introduced to Hawaii to control rats, commonly seen darting across roads.
mempachi eye
(mem-PAH-chee-EYE)
A glassy, unfocused, or bulging stare, often resulting from exhaustion, intoxication, or confusion.
manini
(mah-NEE-nee)
A small reef fish with black and white stripes, also known as the convict tang.
gecko
(GEK-oh)
A small house lizard commonly found in Hawaii, often considered a sign of good luck.
gai
(GUY)
Chicken, specifically used in the context of Chinese cuisine or local food dishes like shoyu gai or cold ginger gai.