white kukui blossom
(WEYET koo-KOO-ee BLAH-sum)
The official flower of Molokai, representing Molokai in traditional lei making and cultural symbolism.
wana
(VAH-nah)
A spiky sea urchin, known for its long, venomous black spines that easily break off in the skin.
vog
(VOG)
Smog or haze created by volcanic emissions, specifically sulfur dioxide reacting with sunlight, oxygen, and moisture.
uku
(OO-koo)
The blue-green snapper (Aprion virescens), a popular and delicious bottom fish caught in Hawaiian waters.
trades
(TRAYDS)
The tradewinds; the consistent, cooling breezes that blow across the Hawaiian islands from the northeast.
tī
(TEE)
A culturally significant plant (Cordyline fruticosa) with long green or red leaves, widely used in Hawaii for cooking (laulau), making leis, hula skirts, and spiritual protection or good luck.
pukalani
(poo-kah-LAH-nee)
A break in the clouds where sunlight shines through; literally a hole in the sky.
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.
pāpāhānumoku
(pah-pah-HAH-now-MOH-koo)
The Hawaiian goddess and Earth Mother, progenitor of the Hawaiian archipelago and its people.
palapalai
(pah-lah-pah-LIE)
An indigenous Hawaiian fern (Microlepia strigosa) known for its delicate, lacy fronds, highly valued and commonly used in traditional lei making and hula adornments.
pakalōlō
(pah-kah-LOH-LOH)
Marijuana, cannabis; literally translated from Hawaiian as 'crazy tobacco'.
pāhoehoe
(PAH-hoy-hoy)
Smooth, unbroken, or ropy type of lava, contrasting with the sharp and jagged ʻaʻā lava.
ʻOpihi
(oh-PEE-hee)
An edible limpet or mollusk found clinging tightly to ocean rocks, highly prized as a local delicacy.
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.
on-shore
(on-SHORE)
Wind blowing from the ocean toward the land, often creating choppy or messy conditions for surfing and fishing.
ʻōʻio
(OH-ee-oh)
Bonefish, a popular sport and food fish found in shallow coastal waters and reefs, often scraped to make fishcake or lomi ʻōʻio.
off-shore
(off-SHORE)
Wind blowing from the land toward the ocean, creating ideal, clean conditions for surfing.
mu
(MOO)
A type of Hawaiian reef fish, also known as the grand-eye porgy or Monotaxis grandoculis, often caught for food.
mongoose
(MAHN-goose)
The small, weasel-like animal introduced to Hawaii to control rats, commonly seen darting across roads.
moi
(MOH-ee)
Pacific threadfin fish, historically known as the royal fish reserved for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty).
maile
(MY-leh)
A native Hawaiian vine with shiny, fragrant leaves, highly prized for making traditional open-ended lei used in weddings, graduations, and special ceremonies.
mahimahi
(MAH-hee-MAH-hee)
The common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), a popular and highly prized eating fish in Hawaii, known for its firm white flesh.
lychee
(LIE-chee)
The sweet, rough-skinned red fruit or the tree it grows on, highly prized in Hawaii during its summer harvest season.
loko kuapā
(LOH-koh koo-ah-PAH)
A traditional Hawaiian fishpond enclosed by a seawall built of stacked rock or coral, used for sustainable aquaculture.
loko iʻa
(LOH-koh EE-ah)
A traditional Hawaiian fishpond, typically built along the shoreline with rock walls to enclose and cultivate fish for the community.