Looking for the next epic fantasy to read? How about a Hawaiian epic fantasy? There aren’t very many books about Hawaii written by Hawaiians, and I want to change that. My debut novel, Aloha State of Mind, came out in September 2021, and I’m happy to now announce my first ever Hawaiian epic fantasy novel.
It’s finally here, with characters from an ancient Hawaiian island, Kaimana Island. If you love young adult literature, characters you relate with, Hawaii, and adventure, this is for you! This post will cover everything you need to know about my newest novel!
The Title
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, and there isn’t much behind the scenes about the title, but here it is!
Rise of the Manō
I definitely wanted (and needed) the word manō in there, which means “shark” in Hawaiian. You will learn more about why it’s called this when you read the book! 🙂
The Genre
Rise of the Manō is a young adult epic fantasy. It is inspired by Hawaiian legends, folklore, and mythology.
So if you love:
HAWAII
Flawed, young adult protagonists
Mythology and folklore
Themes of friendship, loyalty, and trust
Convincing villains
Magical creatures (yes, this includes mermaids!)
Adventure
The Hawaiian culture
Sharks
Then you will enjoy this book!
The Actual Blurb
With that said, here is the blurb, the one that goes on the back of the book. 🙂
The alchemist, the messenger, and the true king must join together and destroy soran, the island’s ancient pools of long life and immunity. Will the three heroes put aside their differences to unify, or will they fall apart, along with the rest of the island?
Nohea will do anything to keep her loved ones from dying, but she is forced to watch as her fellow slaves succumb to illnesses and infections. Enraged by her inability to help, Nohea vows to find a cure, a remedy that could change the future of Kaimana island.
Little does she know that there is a cure… but it comes with a price, a heavy price. With a turn of the tides, Nohea finds herself wound up in politics, deceit, and betrayal. Rumors spread that a true ali‘i (king) of Kaimana Island is rising, one who will bring peace and balance to the island. Will Nohea listen to the promptings of her heart and follow him, losing all that she’s worked for, or pursue the course she vowed to follow?
Fans of young adult fantasy, magical folklore, and ancient mythology will be dazzled by the Kaimana Island Duology, a new epic fantasy set in an ancient Hawaiian world.
The Cover
I created a very simple cover and announced on my instagram about this book. But… I didn’t LOVE the first cover. It didn’t convey the genre I needed it to. So… I created a new cover and here it is (if you want to see the old one, check it out on instagram). I love it so much! What are your thoughts? I’d love to know in the comments! 🙂
When does the book come out?
The ebook is available now and the paperback is coming soon!
If you preorder the book, or order a paperback or ebook between January 19, 2022-January 29, 2022, you can get a cool swag pack! All you have to do is email me a screen shot of your order confirmation and an address that I can send the swag to. The swag pack includes:
A signed bookplate by the author (me)
A manō (shark) vinyl sticker
“Rise of the Manō” Bookmark
4 x 7 Character art
Map of Kaimana Island
To get your swag pack, either preorder the ebook before January 20, 2022, or order an ebook or paperback between January 19-29, 2022. Send me a screenshot of your order confirmation, along with your address, to naturallyaloha(at)gmail.com. And then I will send you the swag packet!
What are your thoughts?
Are you as excited as I am? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 🙂 I continue to learn things each time I launch a new book. While a Hawaiian epic fantasy might not be your thing, this is something I’m very excited about. I hope people will be inspired by this book and appreciate the representation, mythology, legends, and character growth. And, like all my other articles, I want to leave you with a little bit of my mana’o (thoughts).
Ho’ohana. Do meaningful work. Not everyone will like what you create or put out, and that’s ok. If it brings you joy, if you feel like you are fulfilling your life mission and purpose, something God has inspired you to do, then that’s what matters. People will judge either way. They’ll like you or not, and it’s OK. Because you are doing what you’re meant to do, and you’re enjoying every bit of it. That’s how I feel with this book and putting it into the world.
If you made it to the end of this article, we must be best friends. MAHALO NUI LOA for your aloha and support. I hope you’ll consider getting my new book and swim along the journey! 🦈
I don’t know about you, but I definitely felt a shift in my life in 2021, a prompting and urge to become more eco-friendly. The concept of mālama ka ‘aina, caring and protecting the earth and land, has always been near and dear to my heart. I’ve always known that if we care for and protect the earth, it will care for us. And it has, in many unique and humbling ways.
The problem is… it’s kind of hard to go eco-friendly. I have always tried to cut back on waste, be aware of plastic products and consumption, and get eco-friendly options, if possible. One day I hope to be totally plastic free and buy things that are ethically sourced, but I’m starting out now.
I’ve finally decided to sit down and write an article on some of the things I’ve discovered this year to become more eco-friendly. Some of these tips I’ve done for years and others I’ve tried out and can confirm they’re awesome!
This article includes affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Mahalo for the support!
Wool Dryer Balls
Did you know that wool dryer balls can be used up to 1000 loads? Yes. One thousand. That means they’ll last about 2-3 years… and all for $15. Why buy dryer sheets, that create more waste? What if I told you wool dryer balls also reduce dry time by 25% AND reduce static? They’re incredible and I can positively say they do reduce dry time. When I hear the dryer beep I check it right away, thinking maybe it just turned off too early. But no. The clothes really are dry. And they’re not staticky. I can’t recommend these wool dryer balls enough. I’ve had absolutely no problem with them and feel SO good about my choice to use something eco-friendly.
I’m not an affiliate or ambassador of Kind Laundry, but my friend is and so feel free to use her code!
Laundry sheets
Kind Laundry also offers laundry sheets. In the last couple of years I’ve been so disappointed with my own consumption of laundry bottles. They’re big plastic jugs, full of chemical-laden soap. Because of the color of the bottles, as well as the chemicals used to make them, these jugs will most likely not be recycled. 🙁
So, enter laundry sheets. They’re so easy to use. Just stick one sheet with a load of clothes. The sheet dissolves and guess what? The packaging is a box, which means it’s easily biodegradable. Win win!
Use non-plastic shampoos, conditioners, and body wash
I switched over to a rice shampoo bar and conditioner, and I’m never going back. It feels good to know that I’m not contributing to wasting plastic and that my purchase also supports a village tribe in China… like, an actual village, real people.
Let me explain: I buy Viori rice shampoo bars and everything about this company is transparent, meaningful, and quality in every way. Not only has my hair been healthier (and growing super long), but I haven’t bought normal shampoo or conditioner in ages. I also use their bamboo holders to place my bars in, which is another excellent alternative to plastic bottles!
I have yet to find a body wash bar that I like. I’m quite picky about smells and the ingredients used, so if you have any suggestions I’d love to hear them in the comments!
Use my link or code LEIALOHA10 and get 10% off your Viori order!
Hydroflask water bottle
In summer 2021, I was a background actor for a movie and I was so upset by the amount of water bottles consumed. On our call sheets, the coordinators specifically asked the actors to bring refillable bottles and they’d have large coolers of waters. I was disappointed when we got to the set and they didn’t have those coolers, as promised to us. I even asked, but they didn’t have them. It’s crazy to think that this was just one small movie. I can’t even begin to imagine how many more water plastic bottles are used every single day—not only on other movie sets, but construction sets, tours, you name it.
A refillable water bottle, like a hydro flask is SUCH an easy way to go eco-friendly. It’s practically a no-brainer. I’ll make it easy and even include a link below to the hydro flask I have! Mine is the hibiscus color and I absolutely LOVE it. The hydro flask keeps cold drinks cold and warm drinks warm.
A few years ago I realized that people spend a lot of money on clothes. I am pretty minimalist and don’t like to shop, especially for clothes. But I realized that there were clothes in my closet I never touched. These clothes were usually gifts, or something I didn’t purchase myself.
Here are a few tips I learned:
Tip #1: If someone gifts you clothes and you’re pretty sure you won’t use it, give it away. Don’t take the tag off immediately. Pause, think about it. Will you use this? If not, it’s a great option to regift or donate the clothes (especially since it still has the tag!). Or, if possible, take it back to the store it came from, get a gift card, and use it on something you would wear (or something else you can use).
Tip #2: Take a styling class. The average adult spends $161 on clothing a month. That’s $1932 in a year! Maybe an outfit was bought for a photoshoot, or because a person thought it looked good in the store (or online). They wore it once and that was it. If you don’t know what looks good on you, take a styling class. Save yourself money and boost your wardrobe confidence. I didn’t buy the full class, but I took Hilary Rushford’s free class, and just the tips she shared there were SO helpful. I highly recommend.
Tip #3: Buy ethically, if possible. It’s not always going to be cheaper, but I’m sure it feels better. I’m not to the point yet where I know all my clothes are ethically sourced. I buy from places like Old Navy and sometimes their prices can get so low, you wonder if they’re making anything from it. I will keep doing research and get to the point where I’m confident I know where all my clothes come from, who made it, if the people that made it were paid fairly and have good working conditions, and so forth. That’s definitely the next step for me.
Be selective of jewelry and other accessories
I’ve stopped gifting jewelry and accessories to people. I used to think it was a nice gift, but everyone has different preferences and I realized that maybe the things I gave as gifts just ended up in the trash. And not only that, but I often found good deals on these items, which tells me that maybe they weren’t ethically sourced or eco-friendly.
If you do want to buy jewelry, shop small, like on etsy. I’m an ambassador for Fahlo, a company that sells bracelets to support conservation efforts. For example, if you buy their Journey bracelet, you’ll support not only the Turtle Conservancy, but you’ll even receive a turtle to track! I love my turtle bracelet and love seeing where my turtle is in the world. It’s a nice little way to support conservation efforts and have a fun little reminder to malama the earth.
(And if you’re like me, maybe, buy it only for yourself cause you’ll appreciate it most haha!)
Get 20% off your next order if you use my code LEIALOHA20, or simply use this link!
Don’t impulse buy, especially around the holiday season
A huge reason I wasn’t into the Christmas season in 2021 was because I got so sick of all the waste and consumerism culture. People spend so much money and time on Christmas wrapping paper, presents, and even trying to find little things to fill stockings and more. Let’s not forget to mention White Elephant gift exchanges, which I loathe, because people usually buy and give junk to simply throw away. These impulse buys support a system of consumption and waste, and, unfortunately, so many of these items end up in the trash. D:
Can we all commit to not impulse buy this year?
If you want to get Christmas gifts, start early, like even as far as July. Christmas is the same time, same day every single year. So let’s not be a part of the system that perpetuates such waste. I’ve also found that if you can’t figure out what to gift to someone, they probably don’t need anything. The gift of your time or a kind note would probably show more aloha than any other tangible gift!
Here are some other ideas to avoid impulse buying:
Repurpose: Is there something in your home you could use instead of the item in front of you? How can you repurpose it?
Reuse: How can you reuse what you have?
Make it: Do you have to buy it? Can you make it with what you have?
Wait: Instead of buying something right away, sit on it, think it over for a few days. You might find you don’t actually need that thing.
Alright, that’s all I got this year. I hope something here helps or inspires you in 2022. There are so many ways to go eco-friendly but I thought this might be an easy, starter sort of list. Can you think of any other easy ways to go eco-friendly? Thank you for every effort you make to go eco-friendly. Every little effort makes a difference! 🦈🌈🌴🌊🌿☀️🐬
Looking for some inspirational quotes for when you’re down? Whether you face winter blues, a creative lag, an episode of depression, or simply need something to give you a little boost, here are 5 inspirational quotes for you!
A wonderful aloha value that goes with this is ha’aha’a, humility. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the things we’re doing. We sometimes place our value in what we create, complete, or succeed at… but we lose ourselves when we do that. Let’s not take ourselves too seriously, laugh at mistakes, enjoy life, and be grateful!
Sometimes sadness comes on because we have high expectations. When expectations aren’t met we face disappointment. This is a principle I’ve had to teach myself, because when I place expectations on others, myself, or certain situations, I get upset when things don’t go as planned. Instead of trying to force our agenda and will on things out of our control, let’s just appreciate the moment. Appreciate being present, being here.
We would never wish hardships or trials on others, and often times we wish we didn’t have to go through the challenges we’ve been given. But with an eternal perspective, we can see that challenges don’t define us, but they can refine us.
Values like ho’ohana, ho’omau, and ‘ike loa, teach us to be happy where we are. We don’t have to wait for the perfect circumstances or even start in the same place as others. We can create paradise where we are, as my debut novel, “Aloha State of Mind,” talks about!
Sometimes we get into bad moods because we aren’t actively seeking something. Are we looking to have more peace, more hope, or joy? What will we do to get there? With the value of ‘ike loa, we can “see much.” And with the value of imi ‘ola, we can seek the highest and best in life, helping us find answers to our questions and needs.
Prayer is also a beautiful way to “seek” and find, as this quote comes from a popular scripture. When we connect with God, we can feel loved and worthy. ❤︎
Your turn
What are your favorite inspirational quotes for when you’re down?
Looking for Hawaii inspired holiday gifts? While I’m a huge about not consuming and doing what we can to help the environment, I also love giving gifts—meaningful gifts. So I want to start by saying the best gifts don’t cost money. As you may have learned with laulima, ho’okipa, or ‘ohana, the best gifts aren’t “things.” They best things are relationships, people, love, kindness, hope, faith, and so much more. This holiday season I hope we can give the gift or our attention, presence, aloha, and so much more.
And, if we want to give a physical gift, here is a list of the Hawaii inspired holiday gifts I came up with for 2021. I felt like these were meaningful gifts: things that support a cause, bring joy, or inspire positive change. I hope you enjoy browsing through this list, and be sure to watch for discount codes along the way!
Fahlo Bracelets
Do you love wildlife, specifically sharks and turtles? Want to support conservation efforts in a way that’s easy and fun? Fahlo is a company that sells affordable, cute bracelets and donates the proceeds to non-profit organizations like the Turtle Conservancy and Saving the Blue. Each bracelet comes with a shark or turtle that you can track. I love that I can wear a bracelet reminding me to mālama the earth and its animals. If the honu or mano isn’t your thing, Fahlo also sells bracelets to support polar bears and elephants!
If you want to get your own bracelet, or, even better, gift a bracelet to a wildlife loving friend, check out Fahlo.
Use my code LEIALOHA20 to get 20% off your order!
Aloha State of Mind
My debut novel, Aloha State of Mind, is a wonderful Hawaii inspired gift. This self help book covers 24 Hawaiian values to help you create paradise where you are. It’s an easy read, using examples from Hawaiian culture, lifestyle, language, and stories from my own life to help you bring Hawaii home.
You can’t really go wrong when you gift a Hawaii themed journal to a loved one. My “Live Aloha” Journals feature lines from Aloha State of Mind and come in both lined and unlined versions. These journals have a matte, anti-scuff finish and work as wonderful stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, friend gifts, classmate gifts, and so much more.
Start the new year right with a gratitude journal. This “Mahalo ke Akua” Gratitude journal includes scriptures, quotes, and plenty of space to record what you are grateful for on a daily basis.
This Etsy shop features a lot of awesome aloha-inspired products from shirts and hats to stickers and tote bags. Elle Chi is owned by two locals from Hawaii and everything is made with aloha, from the quality of the items to the way things are packaged and shipped. You won’t be disappointed by your purchase here, and you can feel good knowing that you’re shopping local!
Though ranging on the higher price end *due in large part to the cost of shipping!), Big Island Candies has the best chocolate dipped short bread cookies. There are other delicious chocolatiers in Hawaii, like Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut, but Big Island Candies is a whole new level. I’m also biased because I grew up in Hilo and frequenting the store was one of our favorite things to do! I highly recommend their original chocolate macadamia nut shortbread cookies (like the one pictured). I’m not an affiliate, I just love their stuff. 🙂
I have to add this because I personally think this is so pretty! My husband gave one to me on my birthday and I wear it nearly everyday. It’s classy, elegant, and has lasted a long time too. This would make a perfect gift for the Hawaii lover!
I met Karen on Pinterest and she is a wonderful artist. Her art is bright, uplifting, and tropical. Some of the scenes she paints are just so dreamy, including old, colorful plantation homes with stunning backdrops of waterfalls, mountains, and palm trees.
Hollywood has given sharks a bad rep over the years, and it’s too bad because sharks play a huge role in the ocean system. Sharks are apex predators, meaning that they’re at the top of the food chain. Their role ensures that the species below them don’t overpopulate and ultimately keep the life of the ocean balanced. Unfortunately, sharks are being harvested and hunted at unsustainable rates—we’re talking millions of sharks killed a year. I hope that this article, with some punny lines and cultural insights from a Hawaiian perspective, can help all of us appreciate sharks a little more and do our part to protect them. 🦈
The Shark in Hawaiian Culture
In Hawaii, the manō, shark, was hunted and used for jewelry, weapons, and other tools. Shark skin was used to make drums for hula dancing. Hawaiians exercised caution, especially when a specific area was known to have sharks. An old folktale said that if one placed a ti leaf in the water and it floated, it was safe to swim. If the ti leaf sank, it wasn’t safe.
The most commonly known representation of the manō in the Hawaiian culture includes the concept of the ‘aumakua. An ‘aumakua is deceased ancestor who takes the shape of a specific animal. It could be a pueo (owl), ‘io (hawk), mo’o (gecko), nai’i (dolphin), manō, or any other kind of animal. The ‘aumakua wasn’t meant to be worshipped but rather honored and revered. Families would leave food for their ‘aumakua if the animal frequented their area. Sometimes ‘aumakua came to warn, protect, or guide their descendants to take the correct path. The manō is an ‘aumakua animal, which is why the Hawaiians were careful of which animals they hunted. It would be completely disrespectful to kill an ‘aumakua.
My Experience with Sharks
With that said, we can learn so much from the behavior and biology of sharks. They’re quite beautiful and magnificent creatures. One of the most common questions I get asked about Hawaii is, “Are there sharks in Hawaii?” The answer is, yes, of course! There are sharks all throughout the ocean. But when we respect boundaries and take precautions, we can coexist. I’ve only seen sharks twice in my life, and I lived in Hawaii for a long time. And those times I saw the sharks were times I shouldn’t have been in the water anyways. However, I can say they’re quite amazing creatures. Since leaving Hawaii, I’ve felt a desire to do my part in protecting sharks. Read to the end to know how you can help too! Without further adieu, here are 5 life lessons from a shark!
Five Life Lessons from a Shark
Know Your Place
Sharks know their place as apex predators, and they’re not afraid to own that. Do we know our place? In our family, community, Country, and even the world? One value that can help us know our place, our purpose, and mission in life is kuleana, responsibility. Each of us a responsibility and a unique contribution to make in this world. Every life is precious and worthy, including yours!
Keep Swimming
Sharks continue to swim, no matter what. When life throws curveballs and challenges our way, how can we respond with grace and aloha? Instead of getting upset and angry about the scars, can we keep swimming? How much energy would we save if we chose to forgive, let go, and move forward?
Have a Sense of Curiosity
Sharks have a natural curiosity. They like to see what others are up to, and get a closer look. Are there things that we can be a little more curious about in life? When I think of curiosity, I think of the value of pa’a ka waha, which means to “close the mouth.” We spend too much time talking about ourselves. Why don’t we hand others the mic and see what they have to say? Be curious about their lives, and you’ll be surprised by the insights and lessons you learn.
Stay Sharp
Shark teeth are so fascinating… and sharp! Are we keeping our skills sharp, or are we choosing to let life slip through our fingers? A graphologist told me that I’m not a naturally organized person, but I’ve developed skills to become organized. This reminded me that too often we give up on certain skills because “it just doesn’t come naturally” or “it’s too hard.” But the truth is: anyone can develop a skill if they practice and create a system that works to develop that skill.
So whether you want to be more organized, patient, motivated, or whatever else, remember that it’s totally possible. Sharpen that skill, and it will eventually become a part of who you are and what you naturally do.
Do Fin-tastic Things
Life’s too short to say, “I just can’t do that” or “I’m not ___ enough” or “I can’t afford it.” With the value of ‘ike loa (seeing much), we can see endless possibilities ahead. We can ho’omau by creating solutions to our problems and do all the fin-tastic things we ever dreamed of.
Bonus: Be Jaw-some! 🦈
How to Support Conservation Efforts for Sharks
Do you love sharks as much as I do? Want to support conservation efforts in a way that’s easy and fun? Fahlo is a wildlife conservation company that sells affordable, cute bracelets. Each bracelet comes with a shark that you can track. Fahlo sends the proceeds to conservation efforts that support and protect sharks, turtles, polar bears, and elephants. I love that I can wear a bracelet reminding me to mālama the earth and its animals.
If you want to get your own bracelet, or, even better, gift a bracelet to a shark loving friend, check out Fahlo. Use my code LEIALOHA20 to get 20% off your order!
Any thoughts?
Did I forget any life lessons from a shark? Write your shark puns, lessons, and ideas in the comments! Mahalo!
Learn 5 easy Hawaiian nature words before your next trip! Hawaii is known for its beautiful, unique, tropical plants and gorgeous landscapes. There are especially quite a few nature words that one comes across when living or visiting Hawaii. I think it’s important to know these basic words, and appreciate that they represent so much more than the object itself. When we learn more about the Hawaiian language and culture, we can appreciate and respect the Hawaiian islands so much more.
So here are 5 easy Hawaiian nature words that you should know before you go to Hawaii. Keep an eye out for these, and I guarantee that knowing the Hawaiian words will help you appreciate the nature of Hawaii so much more!
Flower
In Hawaiian, flower is pua, pronounced poo – ah. This is a generic term and doesn’t specify what type. Some flowers start with pua, and then specify the type, such as puakenikeni, while others have their own names, like aloalo (hibiscus) or melia (hibiscus).
Rainbow
Hawaii rains a lot, so it’s no surprise that rainbows appear on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis! Rainbow is anuenue, pronounced ah-noo-eh-noo-eh.
Fern
Hawaii has tons of ferns, and they’re incredibly beautiful. I hope people appreciate the beauty of ferns more, because they make the nature landscapes of Hawaii so tropical, vibrant, and green! Fern is kupukupu in Hawaiian and is pronounced koo-poo-koo-poo. Easy, right? 😉
Hawaiians and locals use ferns for mostly decorative purposes, like making a lei or floral arrangement. Ferns come in many varieties, and like the term pua, kupukupu is a generic word for fern. Some Hawaiian ferns have a word added to the end of kupukupu to identify a specific species, while others have their own, unique names.
Tree
La’au, pronounced, lah-au, is tree. Like the other terms in this article, la’au is quite general. Locals generally refer to a tree as kumu, but technically the kumu is the trunk. There are a variety of unique trees in Hawaii including the koa, rainbow eucalyptus, palm, and more!
Coconut
Lastly, you have to appreciate the coconut palm trees in Hawaii. Coconut is niu in Hawaiian, pronounced nee-oo. They aren’t so easy to crack open but are quite refreshing if you can get to the inside! Coconuts have been so useful for the Hawaiians for decades. While I’m not going to list off all of its uses, I remember being fascinated, as young girl, watching a performer at the Polynesian Culture Center use hibiscus twigs to start a fire and light the coconut fibers. Every part of the coconut can be useful!
I hope you enjoyed this article! Are there Hawaiian nature words you want to learn more about, or one that you think should’ve been included in this article? Let me know in the comments below!
This article is a part of my Hawaiian Nature series, so be sure to check out the others like it!
Learn 5 Hawaiian water words to inspire our appreciation for such a vital resource. Water is an important life force in any culture and environment, but especially in Hawaii. Growing up on the Big Island, it rained nearly everyday in Hilo, but it was never a cause to complain. Water is life. Where there is water, there is life, and it is a blessing.
It was normal to carry an umbrella anywhere we went, as well as wear slippers, because our feet got wet anyways. Whether we went to the beach, sloshed through rainy streets, or splashed into a refreshing waterfall, we appreciate water.
I hope these Hawaiian water words inspire you to appreciate the importance of water and make an effort to conserve and keep clean this vital resource.
Read to the end for some exciting news too! 🙂 MAHALO for your continued aloha and support of me and this blog!
Rain
Ua, pronounced “oo-ah,” means rain in Hawaiian. You might hear Hawaiian water words like this during a chant or hula. There are other poetic ways to say “rain” but ua is the most frequently used, at least where I grew up. According to the Wehewehe dictionary, “rain or rains may signify joy, life, growth, greenery; good fortune (light rains, mist); grief, sorrow, and tears (heavy rains); the presence of gods or royalty, beauty; hardship.”
Ocean
“Moana” means ocean in Hawaiian. We pronounce moana the same way the Disney Moana pronounces it! This is a popular name, and not only because of the Disney movie. It represents the open ocean and used in names like Moana Pākīpika, the Pacific Ocean.
Sea
“Kai” is sea in Hawaiian. When giving directions in Hawaii, locals usually give it in terms of “makai” and “mauka.” Makai refers to the direction towards the ocean, and mauka refers to the direction towards the mountains. Many Hawaiian names use the word “kai,” either as simply Kai, Kekai (the sea), Kailani (heavenly sea), Kainani (beautiful sea), and so forth.
Water
I love the word for water in Hawaiian. Wai. Doesn’t it just sound so pretty? The “w” is usually pronounced with a “v” instead of a “w” sound. So the word sounds like “vai.” Water is so important to the Hawaiians. Their whole socioeconomic systems, the ahupu’a, were established along rivers and pie-shaped wedges of land that ran from the mountains to the sea. Wai is not a commonly used word by locals, but it is one that we know and appreciate.
Wave
Nalu, pronounced “nah-loo,” is wave in Hawaiian. There’s a reason “he’enalu” means surfing, because “he’e” means “to slip, slide, or surf” and “nalu” means “wave.” People commonly used nalu as a name in Hawaii, but I haven’t heard variations on the name. I’ve only known people named “Nalu,” with nothing added to it. If you have heard of a variation on the name Nalu, drop it in the comments! 🙂
Bonus water words:
I had a hard time choosing which words to place into this article, so I decided to add a few bonus Hawaiian water words!
Waterfall – Wailele
River – Kahawai, which literally means “place of water”
Beach – Kahakai, which literally means “place of sea”
🌺 Exciting News for Naturally Aloha!
FeedSpot featured Naturally Aloha as one of the top 20 Hawaii Lifestyle blogs! I feel so honored to be a part of this list with so many other talented Hawaii bloggers and influencers! Check it out here!
Let’s hear from you!
What is your favorite Hawaiian water word? Is there one that I missed? Or is there a Hawaiian name that has to do with water that you love? I’d love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 🙂
Hawaiian cosmo words are beautiful and meaningful. Growing up on the Big Island of Hawaii, I absolutely loved quiet nights in Mountain View. My siblings and I would lie on the road and stare up at the sky. Of course, this was before lots of people moved to the Big Island. There were always so many stars. And when the moon came out, it looked so magical against the colorful milky way.
In this article, I will share 5 Hawaiian cosmo words to inspire you to take more time out and admire the sky. There is so much to be grateful for, and when we admire God’s creations, we can feel a sense of place and peace. I hope by learning a little more about these Hawaiian cosmo words, you will be inspired to go out and experience nature for yourself!
Sun
Sun in Hawaiian is lā, pronounced “lah.” Hawaiians refer to each day as lā, and this includes days of the week. For example, Sunday is “lāpule,” which means “day of prayer.” Popular names include the word lā, such as Haleakala on Maui. Haleakala means “house of the sun.” Not very many people have the word lā in their name as far as I know, but it is a pretty and symbolic word.
Moon
Moon in Hawaiian is mahina, pronounced “mah – hi – nah.” Because the moon has several cycles, the Hawaiians added a word at the end of mahina to signify each moon cycle. There are also words to describe the halo effect around the moon, as well as the goddess of the moon (Hina). Check out Wehewehe and look up “moon” to find more variations on the word.
Stars
Star in Hawaiian is hōkū, pronounced “hoe – koo.” Ancient Hawaiians used the stars to navigate their wa’a, canoes, across vast oceans. A fun constellation that references Hawaiian mythology is Maui’s hook, more widely known as Scorpius. Hōkū is a popular name and includes Kahoku, which means “the star.” Most use the word with descriptive words at the end, such as Hokulani (heavenly star) or Hokunani (beautiful star).
Cloud
Ao is the simple word for cloud in Hawaiian. Pronounced “au,” ao usually has another word at the end of it used to described the type of cloud. For example, ao loa (long, high status) or ao ʻōnohi (rainbow colors). Use Wehewehe Online Hawaiian dictionary to find out more descriptions that Hawaiians used for clouds.
Heaven/Sky
Lani means heaven, sky, heavenly, or even spiritual. Pronounced “lah – nee,” lani is frequently used in names as a descriptor, like Hokulani, Leilani, Kailani, Ailani, Kalani, and more! However, it’s no surprise that people would use the word “lani” in their names. It symbolizes so much: heaven, heavenly, something sacred.
Let’s hear from you!
What is your favorite Hawaiian cosmo word? Is there one you love that isn’t listed here? Let me know in the comments!
Want to learn more about the Hawaiian culture? Check out my Free page for a free 5 Hawaiian Days to Wellness course or “Bringing Aloha Home” ebook!
When people ask me what Hawaiian music I like, it’s sort of a difficult question to answer. The term “Hawaiian Music” is a lot broader than people think. For example, I like the ancient style of Hawaiian music, used in hula dancing or chanting. I also like old Hawaiian music and slack key guitar, the kind that my mom would play as I grew up. Furthermore, I truly enjoy contemporary Hawaiian music, by musicians living today that are active in the Hawaiian community. Jawaiian and local favorites are also something I enjoy listening to while I’m with my siblings.
With that said, I want to explore the different genres of music within “Hawaiian music,” because there’s simply more than just one type of Hawaiian music. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you can get a better idea of what type of Hawaiian music you’re looking for, and maybe explore other categories within the bigger genre!
Ancient Hawaiian Music for Hula Dancing, Call & Response
Mele (music) has always been a huge part of the Hawaiian culture. In fact, there are two types of mele that we talk about, especially when it comes to dancing hula: kahiko and auana. Kahiko refers to the ancient music of Hawaii, involving chanting, blowing the pū, and tapping the ipu. Auana refers to modern Hawaiian music, including piano, slack key guitar, and singing.
I found a playlist that does a wonderful job of encompassing the ancient Hawaiian mele used to dance hula kahiko. As a result, you’ll hear a lot of chanting-like melodies in Hawaiian of course, by a kumuhula (hula instructor) and sometimes the dancers, as well as finger drumming on the ipu, gourd.
Not all kahiko songs are used to dance to hula because some are used to recite a genealogy, creation myth (such as the kumulipo), or as a call and response. Growing up, it wasn’t uncommon to chant an oli asking permission to enter someone’s space. For instance, in high school, my classmates and I used to chant at the beginning of the day, asking our teachers permission to enter the classrooms. They would reply with an oli of their own to accept us.
However, if we look at it anciently, when Hawaiians approached a home or even an island, they’d blow the pū, the large conch shell, to announce their arrival. Then they would chant, asking permission to enter, land, or come into the space. Those within the space would chant back their reply.
Here is a playlist of some Hawaiian mele used for hula kahiko, or as chants that tell a story, genealogy, or act as a call and response. Many of the names within this list are very popular Hawaiian singers and chanters. Enjoy!
Old Hawaiian Music & Slack Key Guitar
Hawaiian music drifted into auana (auana actually means “to drift or wander,” which is what Hawaiian music has done over time). Kanikapila is a Hawaiian word used to describe anytime a group of people get together to sing and play instruments. Growing up in Hawaii, kanikapila usually happened unplanned. Someone would bring out an ukulele or guitar, and the next thing we knew, we were all sitting in a circle and singing.
Many of the old Hawaiian songs, along with the slack key guitar, feel much like a kanikapila. They’re the songs that are most played on the radio and are beloved, and timeless to the Hawaiian culture. These songs fill me with nostalgia, as these are the songs my own mom would play. She had CDs of Na Leo, Makaha Sons, the Brothers Cazimero, and more.
There are so many hallmarks of each of these groups that I might write an article about how each one has uniquely contributed to what Hawaiian music is today. However, some of the commonalities between the old Hawaiian music is the use of the piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, and singers harmonizing. Every group or musician had their specialities though.
One popular Hawaiian singer, Lena Machado, had a particular talent of holding a note until anyone listening might think she was out of breath. However, Lena would hold the note for an extended period of time and NOT take a breath until she finished the phrase! Fun fact: Later on, Raiatea Helm continued this tradition in her music.
To sum it up, here is a list of some of my favorite traditional and old Hawaiian musicians:
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Brothers Cazimero
Dennis Pavao
Na Leo
Makaha Sons
Hapa
Amy Hanaiali’i
Lena Machado
Slack Key Guitar
Slack Key Guitar is another type of Hawaiian music. Some people sing to slack key guitar, but often it is done without singing. To clarify, slack key is simply a different way of tuning the guitar, and artists would pick and strum to well-known Hawaiian tunes. The playlist below is one of my favorite albums of slack key guitar. In addition, here is a brief list of some of the well-known Hawaiian slack key guitar artists:
Keola Beamer
Cyril Pahinui
Sonny Chillingworth
Popular TV & Movie Hawaiian Music
Hawaiian music has made appearances in popular tv shows and movies over the years. While there may be more, I’ve listed below some of the more popular songs that you might think of when it comes to “Hawaiian music.”
Elvis Presley & “Blue Hawaii”
The Hawaiian Wedding Song, Hukilau, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Blue Hawaii are some of the big hits from the movie, “Blue Hawaii,” starring Elvis Presley. I was genuinely surprised by how many of my Hawaiian friends and classmates adore this movie, because I can’t stand listening or watching it! I guess you either hate or love it!
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch
“Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” really catches the enthusiasm of the Hawaiian spirit. While I didn’t love the movie, I think they did a great job with the music, even having local artists and choirs record the songs.
Disney’s Moana
The music in “Moana” isn’t Hawaiian or spoken in the Hawaiian language but it definitely has the island and Polynesian vibe!
Braddah Iz “Over the Rainbow”
This is an iconic song featured in many movies! I really enjoy Braddah Iz’s version of this song. While strumming an ukulele, his voice is so soothing and, in many ways, nostalgic.
Recent Hawaiian singers who actively put out new music
These are the current, most recent preservers of Hawaiian music and people I admire for their creativity, knowledge, and sheer talent. From speaking fluent Hawaiian, writing their own lyrics and music, and sharing their love of Hawaii with the world, these artists are truly amazing. I appreciate their contributions to preserving and evolving the Hawaiian culture and music.
I didn’t attach any playlist here, but the playlist in the “Traditional Hawaiian Music” section features many of these artists. So definitely give it a listen! 🙂
Kuana Torres Kahele Hawaiian Music
Kuana has become my favorite artists in all of Hawaiian music over the years. In each of his albums he features a different Hawaiian island or location. He also has a few holiday albums and sang the song “Lava” for Pixar’s short film. He loves making lei and dancing hula, and occasionally does live streams on Facebook. Can’t recommend Kuana enough!
Raiatea Helm
Raiatea is a lot like Lena Machado in style and ability to hold her breath for a long time. However, Raitea’s music is still her own: fun, upbeat, and quite traditional. Highly recommend!
Keali’i Raichel
If you’ve never heard “Kawaipunahele” can you say you’ve listened to Hawaiian music? 😛 This song is played at nearly every big event—weddings, graduations, may day, etc. It’s a classic song for a woman to dance to alone. I can’t even say how many times I’ve heard this song. Keali’i is very talented, and continues to put out new music here and there. Growing up, my mom would play the album “Kawaipunahele” so I recommend that one if you’re just learning about Keali’i!
Weldon Kekauoha
Weldon and I are related somehow haha. I grew up listening to the CD “Hawaiian Man” so that will always be my favorite album of his. He has continued to write music in recent years that is still heartfelt and both in Hawaiian and English. His voice is soothing and the music is relaxing.
Henry Kapono
I’m not as familiar with Henry as my own readers and followers, but he is very active on social media, does a lot of covers, and has a very happy, upbeat personality. Henry does live shows at Duke’s on Oahu, which is awesome considering so few artists go live anymore!
Kalani Pe’a
Kalani has won a Grammy award for the best regional roots music album. His music is both traditional and sometimes contemporary. All his music is in the Hawaiian language too.
Jawaiian or Local Hawaiian Music
There is a category under Hawaiian music called “Jawaiian.” Jamaica (reggea) + Hawaiian = Jawaiian. That’s probably the easiest way I can explain it. Many local artists in Hawaii have captured the beat, rhythm, and vibe of Jamaican reggae music but have mixed it either with Hawaiian language, Pidgin English, or local island culture.
This is the sort of music played on the radio in Hawaii. It’s not quite reggae, but not quite Hawaiian so it’s a mix of both! The playlist below covers it all really well. I enjoy listening to this music when I’m with my siblings, but because the radio and locals seem to play the same songs for years, I’ve gotten sort of burnt out. While I don’t love this type of music anymore, it still carries nostalgia.
Here is a list of some popular Jawaiian artists. Not all of them fit perfectly but these all have the same vibe and would usually perform at local ho’olaule’a performances in the park.
Anuhea
Keahiwai
Kolohe Kai – Cool Down
Ehukai
Opihi Pickers
Rebel Souljahz – Nothing To Hide
J Boog
Common Kings
Sammy Johnson
The Green
Maoli – No One is one of their most popular songs.
Sean Na’auao
Reggae Music
Reggae music originated in Jamaica and is mostly represented by Bob Marley. Many locals enjoy listening to Bob Marley, so I thought it was only fair to feature his work here! This playlist also features some other Reggae artists.
Other Artists Beloved by Hawaiian Islanders
Jack Johnson – A lot of locals have spotted Jack around town and have said he’s really nice. With that said, his music is really great too!
Colbie Caillat – I’m not sure if she’s from Hawaii, but Hawaiians and locals love her music. It’s chill, simple, and meaningful.
Notable Ukulele Players (mostly from Hawaii)
Here is yet another little genre of music in Hawaii: ukulele music. While some ukulele players write their own music, others do covers of music. Either way, they’re all quite talented!
Jake Shimabukuro
Kalei Gamiao
Kris Fuchigami
Taimane
Let’s hear from you!
What is your favorite kind of Hawaiian music? Is there a Hawaiian artist that you love? Let us know in the comments below!
E komo mai! 🌺 I am the author of Aloha State of Mind, a self help book that teaches you how to create paradise wherever you are. My blog, Naturally Aloha, focuses on all things Hawaii: culture, values, food, lifestyle, and more. I hope my writing inspires you to carry aloha with you everywhere! Learn more…
Get my debut novel, “Aloha State of Mind”
Create paradise wherever you are with my debut novel, available for purchase on Amazon and more!
Check out my Hawaiian Epic Fantasy, “Rise of the Manō”
