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!
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!
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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…
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