aloha

From Proto-Polynesian *qarofa, from Proto-Oceanic *qalopan, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qaləpan, from Proto-Austronesian *qaləpan, from *qaləp (“to beckon, wave”). Cognate with Maori aroha.

Aloha wau iā ʻoe

(transitive) to show kindness, mercy, pity, charity, affection

(stative) beloved, loving, kind, compassionate, charitable, lovable


wiki

From Proto-Polynesian *witi (note: only attested in Central-Eastern Polynesian).


anu

From Proto-Nuclear Polynesian *qanu. Cognates include Maori anu and Tahitian anu.


ai

From Proto-Polynesian *qai, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qasiq.


make

From Proto-Polynesian *mate, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *m-atay, *atay, from Proto-Austronesian *m-aCay, *aCay (compare Cebuano matay, Chamorro matai, Fijian mate, Ilocano matay, Indonesian mati, Javanese mati, Kapampangan mate, mete, Malagasy maty, Maori mate, Rapa Nui mate, Tagalog matay, Tahitian mate).


mama

Inherited from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *mamaq.


au

From Proto-Polynesian *qau, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qaʀus.


ola

From Proto-Polynesian *ola, from Proto-Oceanic [Term?], from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *wada (“to exist”). Cognate with Maori ora and Malay ada (“to have, to exist, to be”).


pale

From Proto-Oceanic *pale₁ (cognate with Maori pare)


leo

From Proto-Polynesian *leo, from Proto-Oceanic *leqo, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *liqə, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *liqəʀ, from Proto-Austronesian *liqəʀ (“neck”). Compare also Tetum lian.


papa

From Proto-Polynesian *papa, from Proto-Oceanic *papan, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *papan (compare with Malay papan or Maori papa).


poke

(transitive) to slice, to cut crosswise into pieces

(transitive) to press out (as the meat from a limpet shell)


hola

From Proto-Polynesian *fola, from Proto-Oceanic *polac, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *bəlaj (“spread out”).


ane

From Proto-Polynesian *ane, from Proto-Oceanic *ane, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *anay, from Proto-Austronesian *aNay.


inu

From Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *inum (compare Malay minum).


ua

From Proto-Eastern Polynesian, from Proto-Nuclear Polynesian, from Proto-Polynesian *quha, from Proto-Oceanic *qusan, from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *quzan, from Proto-Austronesian *quzaN.


kani

Inherited from Proto-Polynesian *taŋi, from Proto-Oceanic *taŋis, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *taŋis, from Proto-Austronesian *Caŋis (compare Kapingamarangi, Maori and Rarotongan tangi, Fijian tagi, Chamorro tanges, Malay tangis).


hoe

From Proto-Polynesian *fohe, from Proto-Central Pacific *voce, from Proto-Oceanic *pose, from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *boʀse, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *bəʀsay (“canoe paddle”).


ilo

From Proto-Polynesian *qilo, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qulej, ultimately from Proto-Austronesian *qulej. Cognates include Fijian ulo and Malay ulat.


ani

From Proto-Polynesian *aŋi, from Proto-Central Pacific *aŋi, from Proto-Oceanic *aŋin, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *haŋin.


ʻaʻā

From Proto-Polynesian *kakaha (“to burn”) (compare with Maori kakā, Tongan kakaha and Samoan ʻaʻasa) from Proto-Polynesian *kaha (“to burn”) (compare with Hawaiian ʻā, Rapa Nui kā).

(stative) to be covered in lava, to be stony


kea

From Proto-Polynesian *tea. Compare Maori tea.


puka

From Proto-Polynesian *puta. Compare Maori puta.


moku

From Proto-Polynesian *motu (compare with Maori motu) from Proto-Oceanic *motus (“broken off, detached”), possibly from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *ma-utus (compare with Malay putus (“to snap, to break”)). Sense of large ships extension from sense of island because of their gigantic size compared to the typical waʻa.

to be broken off, to be severed, to be amputated


ako

From Proto-Polynesian *qato (compare with Maori ato), from Proto-Oceanic *qatop, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qatəp (compare with Malay atap, Cebuano atop, Tagalog atip).


wai

Rare form of waiho (“to leave, deposit”).


mona

From Proto-Polynesian *mona, from Proto-Oceanic *moñak, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *məñak. Cognate with Malay minyak (“oil”).

(stative) fat (carrying a larger than normal amount of fat on one's body)


wikiwiki

English: WikiWikiWeb → wiki

Reduplication of wiki, from Proto-Eastern Polynesian *witi (compare with Tahitian viti (“fast, rapid, alert”)).


kai

From Proto-Polynesian *tai (compare with Maori tai), from Proto-Oceanic *tasik, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *tasik (compare with Malay tasik).

(stative) to be insipid, brackish, tasteless


like

From Proto-Eastern Polynesian *lite. Compare Maori rite.


ala

ala kūʻē


ala

Ua ala ka iʻa i ka makau.

(rare) alternative form of ale (“to swallow”)


amo

(transitive) to carry (on the shoulders)


hale

From Proto-Polynesian *fale, from Proto-Central Pacific *vale, from Proto-Oceanic *pale, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *balay.


heʻe nalu

Heʻe nalu au i ke kau wela ma Waikīkī.


mai

From Proto-Polynesian *mai, from Proto-Oceanic, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *maʀi.

Mai makaʻu.

don't Negative imperative followed by a verb


hou

From Proto-Polynesian *foqou, from Proto-Central Pacific *vaqou, from Proto-Oceanic *paqoʀu, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *(ma-)baqəʀu, from Proto-Austronesian *(ma-)baqəʀuh.

(stative) new (recently made or created)


mahalo

From Proto-Eastern Polynesian *masalo, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *sadəp (compare Tagalog masarap, Malay sedap).


aka

From Proto-Polynesian *ata. Cognates include Maori ata, Samoan ata, and Tokelauan ata.


maka

From Proto-Polynesian *mata. Cognates include Maori mata and Tokelauan mata.


lohi

Lohi kēlā keiki kāne.


ulu

From Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *surup (“enter, penetrate”).

(intransitive) to inspire; to be possessed by a god


akamai

English: akamai

Hawaiian Creole: akamai

Japanese: アカマイ


haole

Unknown. The word pre-dates contact with Europeans.
A popular folk etymology analyzes the word as hā (“breath”) + ʻole (“not”), referencing the fact that foreigners did not know the traditional honi greeting, which involves simultaneous inhalation. However, such a derivation is unlikely: haole lacks the long ā and glottal stop that would be expected if this were the origin of the word.

ʻōlelo haole — English language


hula

English: hula

Japanese: フラ

(transitive) to chant in accompaniment with the dance


mina

From Proto-Polynesian *mina, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *minat (compare with Malay minat).

Mina au i kona puka ʻole ʻana mai ke kula mai.

I regret she did not graduate from school.

(transitive) to regret, be sorry, deplore; to grieve for something that is lost

He mea mina ʻia ke keiki.

(transitive) to prize greatly, value greatly, especially of something in danger of being lost


mea

From Proto-Polynesian *mea, from Proto-Oceanic *meʀaq, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *meʀaq, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *ma-iʀaq.

(stative) reddish (as water full of red soil)


kau

From Proto-Polynesian *tau, from Proto-Oceanic [Term?], from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *taʀuq.


oki

From Proto-Polynesian *qoti, from Proto-Oceanic *qoti, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qəti, from Proto-Austronesian *qəCi.


iho

From Proto-Polynesian *hifo, from Proto-Oceanic *sipo (“descend, go down”).


hui

From Proto-Oceanic *pui₁ (“fruit bunch”) (compare with Maori hui (“flock, herd, congregation”) and Tahitian hui (“group”) plus Maori huihui (“group, assembly”) and Tahitian huihui (“collection”)). Doublet of huihui.

A hui hou, mālama pono.


hiki

Hiki iā ʻoe ke ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi?


lele

(of vehicles, horses, boats, etc.) to get off, dismount, disembark


ā

(intransitive) to talk a lot, chatter, jabber, blabber


hala

English: hala

From Proto-Polynesian *sala, from Proto-Oceanic *salaq, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *salaq.


ake

From Proto-Polynesian *qate (compare with Maori ate and Tahitian ate), Proto-Oceanic *qate (compare with Fijian yate), from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *qatay, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *qatay, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qatay (Malay hati and Tagalog atay), from Proto-Austronesian *qaCay. Compare with Maori ate and Malay hati for similar semantic connections with expressions of emotion.


lana

(stative, of blood) to circulate, be circulating

lana ka hiamoe

(stative) to be aware of sounds as one wakes up


pana

From Proto-Marquesic *pana, from Proto-Polynesian *fana, from Proto-Central Pacific *vana, from Proto-Oceanic *panaq, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *panaq (compare with Malay panah), from Proto-Austronesian *panaq.


mala

From Proto-Polynesian *mala, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *malaŋ.


mala

(stative) sour (as fermented sweet potatoes)


uhi

Ua uhi ʻia kō lāua mau manaʻo i ke aloha.

Their thoughts were overwhelmed with love.

(figuratively) to hide the truth, deceive


moe

From Proto-Polynesian *mohe (compare Tongan mohe, Maori moe) from Proto-Oceanic (compare Fijian moce).


hina

From Proto-Polynesian *siŋa (compare with Maori hinga, Tongan hinga, Tahitian hiʻa)


kapu

From Proto-Polynesian *tapu, from Proto-Oceanic *tabu, from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *tambu. Cognate with Maori tapu.

(stative) to be prohibited; to be consecrated, to be holy


honua

From Proto-Polynesian *fenua, from Proto-Central Pacific *vanua, from Proto-Oceanic *panua, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *banua. Doublet of henua.


akua

From Proto-Polynesian *qatua (compare Maori atua, Samoan atua, Tahitian atua, Tuvaluan atua), from Proto-Oceanic *qatuan (compare Gilbertese atua), from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *qatuan, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *qatuan, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qatuan (compare Indonesian tuhan, Malay tuhan).


kunu

From Proto-Polynesian *tunu, from Proto-Austronesian *CuNuh (“roast over a fire”) (compare Maori tunu, Chamorro tunu).


koa

From Proto-Polynesian *toqa (compare Maori toa (“brave”)).


kanu

From Proto-Polynesian *tanu (“bury”), from Proto-Austronesian *tanem (“bury”) (compare Samoan tanu, Chamorro tanom).


lani

From Proto-Polynesian *laŋi, from Proto-Oceanic *laŋit, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *laŋit, from Proto-Austronesian *laŋiC. Compare Malagasy lanitra, Malay langit, Maori rangi.

palapala mahola lani

mana weu lani

branch with divine foliage; said of a chief

ʻai lani

e lulu hiwa lani ana ʻoe

(stative) to be royal, exalted, highborn, noble, aristocratic


hiu

Hiu nō au ā naʻu ʻoe.

to throw or fling violently, haul energetically with ropes

to pursue with energy (as with love-making)


kuli

From Proto-Polynesian *tuli, from Proto-Oceanic *tuli, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *tuli, from Proto-Austronesian *Culi.


haku

From Proto-Polynesian *fatu, from Proto-Oceanic *patuʀ, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *batuʀ.

(transitive) to compose, to invent, to put in order, to arrange


pau

E aloha i nā hoa a pau.


huhu

From Proto-Polynesian *fufu, from Proto-Oceanic *pupuk, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *bubuk, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *bukbuk (“weevil”).


mele

From Proto-Nuclear Polynesian *umele (compare with Maori umere).


lau

From Proto-Polynesian *rau (“hundred”) ultimately from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *ʀatus (compare with Malay ratus, Tagalog gatos).


hana

(transitive) to work, labor, do, make, manufacture, create, perform


hana

From Proto-Polynesian *fana, from Proto-Oceanic *panas, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *panas.


hele

From Proto-Polynesian *sa‘ele and Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *sele.

hele mai

hele aku


pūpū

From Proto-Polynesian *puu-puu (compare with Samoan pupu and Maori pūpū) from Proto-Oceanic *buburu.

(transitive) to gather together; to draw tight (as a fishing net)


pūpū

(transitive) to eat a pūpū (appetizer, canapé, hors d'oeuvre)


hae

From Proto-Polynesian *sae₁ (“to tear something”) (compare with Maori hae, Tahitian hahae and haehae plus Samoan sae), from Proto-Oceanic *saRe (compare with Fijian sei) from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *saRek (compare with Malay carik (“to tear, to rip”) and Tagalog sira (“damage, rupture, tear”)). Sense of "flag" extended from Hawaiians improvising use of flags from torn pieces of kapa.


hoʻomaikaʻi

hoʻo- (causative / transitive prefix) + maikaʻi (“good, fine”).

af

(transitive) to improve, to make something better


maikaʻi

From Proto-Polynesian *maqitaki; cognate with Tahitian maitaʻi and Maori maitai.

"Pehea ʻoe?" "Maikaʻi nō."

(stative) to be well, fine, in a state of goodness


pū

(stative) inactive, quiet, sluggish, bored, dejected


hū

to depart, stray off course; to miss (the way)


hū

From Proto-Polynesian *fuu. Compare Maori hū.


hū

alternative form of hui (“to unite, join”)


kū

From Proto-Polynesian *tuqur (cognate with Maori tū and Tongan tuʻu), from Proto-Oceanic *tuqu (cognate with Fijian tū), from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *tuquD.


kā

From Proto-Polynesian *taa, from Proto-Oceanic, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *taRaq, from Proto-Austronesian *taRaq (“hewing with an adze”).

inh

to strike, hit, thrust, dash, hurl (especially with a quick hard stroke)


pā

Variant of pāʻia from Proto-Polynesian *paa-kia (compare with Maori pākia and Tongan pākia).

to touch, strike, hit (as by a stone), tag, affect

to sense (of hearing, drinking, feeling etc)


emi

(intransitive) to diminish, to reduce, to decrease, to become smaller


hao

From Proto-Polynesian *faqao, from Proto-Oceanic *paqaʀok (“snatch, seize, rob”).


kili

From Proto-Polynesian *tili (“hand net”) (compare with Samoan tili (“to cast a net, to net”), Maori tiri (“to cast, to scatter, to stack in a row”), Tahitian tiri, Tongan sili (“to net”))


pua

From Proto-Oceanic *puŋa (“flower; blossom”), from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *buŋa (“flower, blossom”) (compare with Malay bunga), from Proto-Austronesian *buŋa (“flower, blossom”).


mao

to clear up (e.g. of cloudy weather), alleviate

Ua mao aʻela ke kaumaha.

to pass (e.g. of a feeling), go away, cease


kua

(transitive) to chop, chip, hack, dub, strike, cut out


kui

From Proto-Polynesian *tui (“to thread on string”) (compare with Maori tui) from Proto-Oceanic *tuRi₁ from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *tuhuR (“to string together”) (compare with Tagalog tuhog).


pono

From Proto-Polynesian *pono, from Proto-Oceanic *bonor, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *bənər (compare with Malay benar). Probably an innovation of Eastern Polynesian, with the similarity being accidental on account of final *-r.


kulu

From Proto-Polynesian [Term?], from Proto-Oceanic *turuq, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *tuduq, from Proto-Austronesian *tuduq (“to drip; to leak”).


lala

From Proto-Polynesian *rara, from Proto-Oceanic *raraŋ, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *daŋdaŋ (“broil; warm oneself or something near a fire”).


ʻae

Inherited from Proto-Nuclear Polynesian *a(a)e. Compare Maori āe and Tahitian ʻae.

inh+

(intransitive) to rise (used of the tide)


inu hoʻomaikaʻi

Compound of inu (“to drink”) + hoʻomaikaʻi (“to congratulate”)

com+

(intransitive) to toast, to give a toast


walaʻau

→ English: walaʻau


pilau

→ English: pilau


hoa

From Proto-Polynesian *foa, from Proto-Oceanic *posaq, from Proto-Austronesian *pəcəq (“break into several large pieces”).


Helene

Borrowed from Ancient Greek Ἕλλην (Héllēn).


komo

From Proto-Polynesian *tomo – compare with Tahitian tomo, Maori tomo, Samoan tomo, Tahitian tomo.

(transitive) to enter, go into, penetrate

(transitive) to join, enlist (in an organization, class)

(transitive) to entertain, feel (an emotion)

(transitive) to put on, dress, wear (as clothes)


naka

From Proto-Polynesian *ŋata (“snake”) (compare with Tongan ngata, Maori ngata (“slug”), Samoan gata); sense of cracking and peeling may have been a remaining extension of the etymon's original sense of snake from the description of its skin.


lawe

lawe mai – to bring

lawe aku – to take away

(transitive) to transport, carry, take, bring


paka

criticize constructively
constructive criticism


laka

(stative) tame, gentle, attracted to, fond of

(transitive) to tame, domesticate, attract


kaua

From Proto-Polynesian *tau‘a (compare with Maori taua).


ʻai

From Proto-Polynesian *kai, from Proto-Oceanic, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *kaən, from Proto-Austronesian *kaən.

Ua ʻai ka pōpoki i ka ʻiole.


nānā

From Proto-Polynesian *naa-naa (“to look at something”)


hoʻoholo

to sail, run, ride (as a horse), flush (as a toilet)


holo

From Proto-Polynesian *solo₃ (compare with Tahitian horo, Maori horo, Samoan solo) from Proto-Polynesian *ŋaasolo (thus doublet of naholo).

(intransitive) to go, run, slide, progress

(stative) decided, approved, agreed, enacted


kipa

to turn aside, to turn away from the direct path


waha

From Proto-Polynesian *waha (compare with Rapa Nui haha, Maori waha and Tahitian vaha) from Proto-Oceanic *fafa (compare Samoan fafa) from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *baba₁ (compare with Malay bawa (“to carry, to bring (in general)”), Tagalog babá (“to piggyback”))


wili

From Proto-Polynesian *wili from Proto-Eastern Polynesian ultimately from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *wirit. Cognates include Maori wiri and Samoan vili.


kīkī

Waikīkī
Waikiki, literally "shooting water"


mālie

From Proto-Polynesian *malie. Cognates include Tokelauan mālie and Maori mārie.


lole

Likely from Proto-Polynesian *lole (“to rub, to smoothen”).


akeakamai

Compound of ake (“desire, yearning”) + akamai (“knowledge, wisdom”).


kālua

→ English: kalua


kālua

(stative, of a rope) to be double-stranded


kālua

(stative) alternative form of ʻālualua (“to be bumpy”)


hoʻōla

From hoʻo- (causative maker) + ola (“to live”)


Malaia

ʻōlelo Malaia


ʻohana

(intransitive) to gather for family prayers


wehe

(transitive) to open; undo; take off; pull apart


mahi

From Proto-Polynesian *mafi (“strong, powerful, energetic, hardworking”).


ū

From Proto-Polynesian *su. Compare Tongan hū.


pāʻina

The -na element is a common nominalizing suffix, although there is no corresponding verb *pāʻi.


hili

From Proto-Polynesian *firi (compare with Maori whiri (“to plait, to twist, to weave”), Tahitian firi (“to plait”) and ‘ōfiri (“to wrap around”), Tongan fili and Samoan fili), from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *piliN (compare with Malay pilin).


Malaisia

ʻōlelo Malaisia


ʻōlelo

Either from:
* alelo, from Proto-Polynesian *qalelo (cognate with Maori arero), from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *deləq (compare Kiput deleiʔ), doublet of Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *dilaq (compare Tagalog dila, Malay lidah).
* Proto-Polynesian *kolelo thus cognate with Maori kōrero.


ʻāwīwī

[ʔaː.ʋiːˈʋiː]


kuene

to lay out, to put in order, to supervise


waiwai

Possibly a reduplication of wai (“fresh water”); more likely, a reduplication of wai, a rare form of waiho (“to leave, deposit”).


mākaukau

From Proto-Polynesian *ma(a)taqu, from Proto-Oceanic [Term?], from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *taqu, from Proto-Austronesian *Caqu.


lāhui

(intransitive) to assemble, gather together

(transitive) to prohibit, forbid, lay a taboo, proclaim a law


noho

From Proto-Polynesian *nofo. For sense of residing/dwelling, compare with also Malay duduk (“to sit” and “to live/reside”) and Tagalog luklok (“to sit” and “to take office/chair”).

(transitive) to reside, dwell, inhabit, occupy (land)


ʻino

From Proto-Polynesian (compare Maori kino).

(stative) foul, rotten, smelly, ugly, of poor quality


ʻau

From Proto-Polynesian *kau, from Proto-Oceanic *kaʀu.


aliʻi

→ English: ali'i


heʻe

From Proto-Polynesian *seke (compare with Tongan heke (“slippery, to slide”); Tahitian heʻe and paheʻe (“to slide”); Maori heke (“to descend, to drip”)).


hānai

Related to Rapa Nui 'angai, Tahitian fa'a'amu

(transitive) to feed, care for, provide for


maʻa

(stative) accustomed, familiar, experienced


ʻē

From Proto-Polynesian *ee. Cognates include Rapa Nui ꞌēē and Tahitian ʻē.


ʻaʻole

ʻa + ʻole (“not, without, lacking”) (Compare Maori kore (“without, not having”))


paila

E paila kākou i ka iʻa.


ʻike

From Proto-Polynesian *kite (compare with Maori kite, Tahitian ʻite) from Proto-Oceanic *kita-i suffixed from *kita from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *kita (“to see”) (compare with Tagalog kita).


maopopo

Ua maopopo ka haʻawina iaʻu


hoʻomaopopo

Ua hoʻomaopopo au i ka haʻawina


piʻi

(intransitive, figurative) to rise, to climb, to ascend

to travel inland, thus
to rise, to climb, to ascend

(intransitive) to travel inland, thus
(intransitive, figurative) to grow up

(transitive, figurative) to mount, to breed, to fuck

to travel inland, thus
to mount, to breed, to fuck

(intransitive) to experience personally, to feel


piʻi

(stative) Alternative form of piʻipiʻi: curly

(stative) Alternative form of pipiʻi: expensive


lāʻau

From Proto-Polynesian *raqakau (compare Maori rākau), from Proto-Oceanic *raqan kayu, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *daqan kahiw (compare Malay dahan kayu).


kaʻa

From Proto-Polynesian *taka (compare with Maori taka (“to fall off, to turn or wind round”), Tahitian taʻa (“to tumble”), Tongan taka (“to wander, to roam”), Samoan taʻa (“to wander, to roam”)).


lomi

From Proto-Polynesian *lomi (“squeeze, massage, press down on”).

der

(transitive) to press on, squeeze, knead, massage


wehewehe

(transitive) to open something up or pull two things apart


he niho

Literally "has teeth" or "has claws"; compare metaphorical uses of bite in English.


peʻa

From Proto-Polynesian *peka (compare Maori peka, Samoan pe'a).


ʻō

From Proto-Polynesian *koho (compare with Maori kō and Samoan ʻoso) from Proto-Oceanic *kojom (“husking stick”). Doublet of ʻōʻō.


ʻā

From Proto-Polynesian *kaha (“to burn”). Cognates include Rapa Nui kā and Maori kā.


ʻā

(transitive) to dare (someone to do something)


nalu

From Proto-Polynesian *ŋalu (“mounting wave, ocean wave”) (compare with Maori ngaru, Tahitian ʻaru, Tongan ngalu, Samoan galu), from Proto-Oceanic *ŋalun (“mountain wave”), from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qalun (“long rolling wave; swell”) (compare with Malay alun, Tagalog álon).


pōhaku

From Proto-Central Polynesian *poo-fatu.


hoʻi

(intransitive) to return (go or come back)


ʻauʻau

From Proto-Polynesian *kau-kau. Cognates include Maori kaukau and Tokelauan kaukau.


kūʻai

Compound of kū (“stand”) + ʻai (“food”).

kūʻai mai

kūʻai aku


aʻo

aʻo mai

aʻo aku


hānau

From Proto-Polynesian *fanau. Cognates include Tokelauan fānau and Maori whānau.


ʻano

From Proto-Polynesian *kano (compare Maori kano, Tahitian ʻaʻano and Tongan kano), from Proto-Oceanic *kanon (“flesh; kernel”) from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *kan-ən from Proto-Austronesian *kaən-an (“food, cooked rice”) from Proto-Austronesian *kaən (“to eat”) (thus doublet of ʻai). Also a doublet of ʻanoʻano.

(stative, modifying the following word) somewhat, rather


ʻĀina Hau

Compound of ʻāina + hau. Literally, “the land of ice”. Calque of English Iceland.


Tailani

ʻōlelo Tailani


mālama

(transitive) to care for, preserve, protect


ʻōiwi

Derivative of iwi (“bone”). Compare kulāiwi (“homeland”), similarly derived.


uila

From Proto-Polynesian *quhila (compare with Maori uira and Tahitian uira, Tongan ʻuhila, Samoan uila), from Proto-Oceanic *qusila (compare with Fijian cila (“to shine”)), from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *silaq (“outpouring or beam of light”) related to Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qusilak (“lightning”). Compare with Maori uira and Tahitian uira, Tongan ʻuhila, plus Maori hiko for semantic extension into "electricity".


poe

From Proto-Polynesian *poe (“pearl”) (compare with Tahitian poe (“pearl”))


Pīkī

Borrowed from English Fiji, from Fijian Viti Levu (“Great Fiji”).


Kepanī

ʻōlelo Kepanī — Japanese language


Pelekānia

ʻōlelo Pelekānia
English language


Pelekāne

ʻōlelo Pelekane — English language


Pākē

Borrowed from Cantonese 伯爺／伯爷 (baak3 je1, “(other's) father; term of address for a man”).

bor

ʻōlelo Pākē
Chinese language

ʻĀina Pākē
China


mau loa

(stative) eternal, everlasting, forever, endless


Paniolo

⇒ Hawaiian: paniolo
→ English: paniolo


maoli

→ English: Maoli

From Proto-Polynesian *ma(a)qoli (“true, genuine, real”). Compare Maori māori.


ʻĀina ʻŌmaʻomaʻo

ʻāina (“land”) + ʻōmaʻomaʻo (“green”), a calque of English Greenland.


lālā

From Proto-Polynesian *raqaraqa (“branchy, having branches; small branches”), from *raqa (“branch of tree”).

(intransitive) to branch out, to diverge


auau

to hasten, hurry, rush, excite to action


hō

From Proto-Polynesian *soko₂ (“to exchange”); compare with Maori hoko (“to barter, trade, sell/buy”) and Tahitian hoʻo (“to trade”)


hemolele

(stative) holy, immaculate, saintly, pure in heart


ʻakaʻaka

[ˌʔɐ.kəˈʔɐ.kə]


maitai

Maitai au.


nani

Hū, he lā nani kēia.


Laosa

ʻōlelo Laosa


lokoʻino

(stative) to act vilely, to deal malevolently, to exhibit a bad disposition

(stative) unmerciful, unkind, ungenerous


māihi ola

by the skin of one's teeth
by the skin of one's teeth


māihi ʻili

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see māihi, ʻili.; to peel off the skin, hind, rind, etc.


ʻeʻeʻina

ʻUīʻuī, ʻeʻeʻina ka ʻoneki o lalo

to creak; crackle; grate, as one thing against another


pelapela

(stative) indecent, vulgar, lewd, obscene

(intransitive) to stink, to emit a bad smell


hoʻopelapela

(transitive) to befoul, soil, make dirty or filthy, to pollute


koaea

(stative) dry, lacking juice or succulence, lacking the fluids that characterize food

(stative) dry, unfruitful, bearing no fruit


huli

⇒ English: huli-huli chicken

From Proto-Polynesian *fuli (“turn round”) from (compare with Tahitian huri, Maori huri, Samoan fuli, Tongan fuli) from Proto-Oceanic *buliŋ (“to roll”) from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *puliŋ (“to rotate”)


maʻi

From Proto-Nuclear Polynesian *maki (compare Maori maki), from Proto-Polynesian *masaki (compare East Futuna masaki, Tongan mahaki), from Proto-Oceanic *masakit, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *sakit (compare Tagalog masakit, Malay sakit, Acehnese sakét).


poʻo lua

Compound of poʻo (“head, father”) + lua (“two”)


lōkahi

Compound of lō- (prefixing element, possibly deriving from loaʻa (“to obtain, to get”)) + kahi (“one; single”).

compound

prefixing element, possibly deriving from <i class="Latn mention" lang="haw">loaʻa</i> (“to obtain, to get”)

(stative) to be in agreement, to be in harmony, to be unanimous

hoʻolōkahi

to bring about unity, to bring into agreement


lele ka hanu

(literally) for the breath to leave, depart

ua lele ka hanu o ke kane

the man's breath departed, the man passed away


ʻōmalumalu

From ʻō- + malu (“to cover; shade; protection”) with reduplication.


polalauahi

Compound of pola (“flap of a sarong”) + lau (“leaf, sheet, net”) + ahi (“fire”).

com+

(stative) to be voggy: polluted by the presence of volcanic smoke and ash (i.e. in the air)


hoʻā

to turn on, switch on, power on (a device)


hoʻopio

to turn off, shut off, shut down (a device)


pāʻani

hoʻopāʻani

to make sport, cause to play, joke, playful

(transitive or intransitive) to play, sport

(stative) to be playful; to be fun, amusing, entertaining


hōʻā

(transitive) to burn, set on fire, ignite, alight


hōʻā

(transitive) to drive, herd (animals, fish)


hōʻā

(intransitive) to talk a lot, chatter, blabber


hoʻomaʻemaʻe

(transitive) to clean, cause to be clean, cleanse


nohea

(stative) to be handsome, pretty, beautiful


kīwila

Borrowed from English civil, from Latin cīvīlis (“relating to a citizen”), from Latin cīvis (“citizen”).

Hui Kīwila Hawaiʻi


holokū

Unknown, but usually explained as a compound of holo (“go”) and kū (“stop”) for various reasons.

(stative) to be evenly plump, symmetrically stout


ʻoka

Ua ʻoka au i ke kuki kokoleka.


ʻeke

to cringe, draw away from, shrink from, wince


hoʻowahine

From hoʻo- (“forms verbs that carry the meaning of acting like”) + wahine (“woman”).


pūlale

(intransitive) to hurry, to rush, to hasten


hīʻōʻō

(stative) to be restless, active, flighty


hoʻonuinui

to use threatening language without carrying out the threat


Puruma

ʻōlelo Puruma


mahū

to be weak; to be flat (as diluted kava or stale beer)

to be insipid (as fresh poi kept too long in the icebox)


kāholo

(intransitive) to move quickly, to progress rapidly


hoʻomaka

E hoʻomaka ana au i ka papahana.


hoomata

E hoomata i ta kaa.


ʻohi

E ʻohi i ka palaoa.


hoʻopaʻa

E hoʻopaʻa au i ke kaʻa.


katau

E katau i ta puke.


kalaiwa

E kalaiwa ana au i ka hale kūʻai.


makautau

Niʻihau form of mākaukau (“ready, competent”)


kaulana

Kaulana ʻo Honolulu.


naʻi

to strive to obtain, understand or examine


lōlō

(stative) paralyzed, numb, feeble-minded, crazy


hoʻomana

(transitive) to place into a position of authority, to put in power


hōʻakaʻaka

[hoːˌʔɐ.kəˈʔɐ.kə]


mākolu

From Proto-Polynesian *maatolu, from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *ma-tolu, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *ma-təlu.


hoʻolimalima

to rent, to lease (by an owner, to a tenant)


ʻaluʻalu

(stative) misshapen (as a premature baby)


mamao

From Proto-Polynesian *mamaqo (compare with Maori mamao, Tongan mamaʻo, Samoan mamao).


kokoke

(stative) near, close, closeby, adjacent


kukula

Reduplicated form of kula, borrowed from English school.


inumia

From Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *inumia, compare Malay minum.


ʻālohilohi

Reduplication of ʻalohi. Cognate with Maori kārohirohi.


ʻalohi

(intransitive) to shine, glimmer or glister


koʻo

From Proto-Polynesian *toko, from Proto-Oceanic *tokon, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *təkən (“bamboo punting pole”).

inh

(transitive) to pole (propel by pushing with a pole)

kai koʻo


ʻalu

(linguistics, stative) lax (in articulation)


hoʻokamaliʻi

hoʻo- (similative prefix) + kamaliʻi (“children”)


liʻi

From Proto-Polynesian *riki. Cognate with Maori riki.


Kamabodia

ʻōlelo Kamabodia


kēpuka

to play a prank, usually with malicious intent


kulaʻi

From Proto-Polynesian *tulaki. Cognates include Tahitian turaʻi, Maori turaki and Tongan tulaki.

to push over; to overthrow; to shove; to push to one side


uaua

(stative) tough, sinewy, glutinous, viscid, leathery

(stative, figuratively) hardheaded, willful, obstinate, tough-minded


nahā

From Proto-Polynesian *ŋafaqa (“to burst open, to crack”) (compare with Tahitian ʻafā, Tongan ngafa, Maori ngāwhā).


kāhili

→ English: kahili

From Proto-Polynesian *taafiri (compare with Maori tāwhiri and tāhiri (both meaning “to beckon, to wave, to welcome”) plus Tahitian tāhiri and tāhirihiri (both meaning “fan”)). Also reanalysed as kā + hili.


hoʻomoana

Hoʻomoana kākou i ke kau wela ma Waiʻanae.

We all go camping in the summer in Wai'anae.


ʻoluʻolu

Reduplication of ʻolu (“to be pleasant, comfortable”)

redup

ʻOluʻolu ʻo Maui i ke kau kupulau.


holoholo

to go for a walk, ride, or sail; to go out for pleasure, stroll, promenade


hoʻokae

(transitive) to despise, detest, treat with contempt or scorn

(transitive) to refrain from doing, as due to horror


hoʻolei

hoʻo- (causative prefix) + lei (“to leap, spring forward”)


hoʻohanini

From hoʻo- (causative marker) + hanini (“to overflow”).


hoʻohele

From hoʻo- (causative marker) + hele (“to go”).


hoʻomale

From hoʻo- (“causative”) + male (“to marry”).


hoʻomakaʻu

From hoʻo- (causative) + makaʻu (“to fear”).


hoʻoʻulaʻula

From hoʻo- (causative prefix) + ʻulaʻula (“red”).


hoʻohaole

From hoʻo- (causative marker) + haole (“white person”).


paʻi

From Proto-Polynesian *paki₁ (“to clap, to slap, to hit, to beat”) (compare with Maori paki (“to hit, to publish”) and papaki (“to slap”), Tahitian paʻipaʻi and pāʻi plus Samoan paʻipaʻi), from Proto-Oceanic *baki from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *pakpak₁ (“to clap, to flap”) (compare with Malay papak (“clapper”), Tagalog pakpák (“wing”) and palakpák (“applause”) plus Cebuano pakpák (“applause”)). Sense of printing extended from Hawaiians beating or stamping repeated patterns on kapa fabric. Doublet of pā (“to beat [an instrument], to touch”).

doublet

ʻUa paʻi ia iho nei ma ko makou halepai nei he 100 mau hoolaha no ka Abamele o Hanalei, Kauai, he 500 mau balota a me kekahi mau hana e ae.

1893 August 17, “E Mau ke Ea o ka Aina i ka Pono”, in Ka Lei Momi, page 3:

100 advertisements for the Abamele of Hanalei, Kauai, 500 ballots and some other activities were printed in our office.


ninaninau

to interrogate, ask questions repeatedly


nihoniho

(stative) to be toothed, notched, serrated


hōʻai

(causative) to feed; to give to someone to eat


hoʻoponopono

From hoʻo- (causative marker) + pono (“to be correct”).


anahulu

From Proto-Polynesian *haŋafulu, from Proto-Central Pacific *caŋavulu, from Proto-Oceanic *saŋapuluq, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *əsa-ŋa-puluq.


kaena

No koʻu ʻike i ka maikaʻi, koʻu mea nō, ia i ʻōlelo kaena ai.

As for my knowledge of beauty, that's something I brag about.

(transitive) to boast, brag of
(stative) to be boastful


ʻaʻa

(stative) to be bold, brave, adventurous


ʻaiāmanō

ʻai + -ā- + manō. Literally, “to eat like a shark”

(figuratively) to eat like a pig; to eat greedily


ʻaiāpuaʻa

ʻai + -ā- + puaʻa. Literally, “to eat like a pig”


hanuāpuaʻa

hanu + -ā- + puaʻa. Literally, “to breathe like a pig”


hikiāloa

hiki + -ā- + loa. Literally, “to reach a long way” or "having a long reach".


huliāmahi

huli + -ā- + mahi. Literally, “to turn like a strong (cock)”

lit

(figuratively) to cooperate, act in unanimity (in great numbers)

(stative, figuratively) strong as the sea


ʻāʻā

Ua ʻāʻā ka leo.


ʻanuʻu

(music) to go up an interval on a musical staff

(intransitive) to trip, sprain
(figuratively) to jar


loaʻa

From Proto-Polynesian *rauka (compare with Maori roaka (“abundant”) plus Tahitian roaʻa and noaʻa) from Proto-Polynesian *lawa-ka thus doublet of lawa (“enough, sufficient”) with overlap of doublet of loa (“very, excessive”).


hoʻokani

Compound of hoʻo- + kani (“cry”) – compare with Maori whakatangi.


kuʻi

From Proto-Polynesian *tuki (compare with Maori tuki, Tongan tuki) from Proto-Austronesian *tuqtuq ultimately onomatopoeic.


hoʻāla

From a contraction of hoʻo- + ala. Compare hoʻoala.

hoʻāla i ke kumuhana

hoʻāla hou
to reformat

(transitive, of a computer disk) to format, initialise


wānana

From Proto-Polynesian *fanaŋa (“story for entertainment, short repetitive chant”) – compare with Rapa Nui vānanga (“language”), Maori wānanga (“knowledge”), Tahitian vānaʻa (“knowledge”) and vanaʻa (“lore, story”). Doublet of wālana.

inh

to prophesize, to foretell, to foresight