Before Hawaii became the 50th state it was an independent nation ruled by monarchs. In 1893 when U.S. Marines occupied sites around Honolulu, the tiny island country was annexed and its last reigning Queen Liliuokalani abdicated. (She is best known for composing the state's anthem, Aloha Oe.)
Native Hawaiians originate from the Polynesian South Pacific and
came to the islands around AD 500. The Hawaiian language is
closely related to Polynesian and basically consists of 12 letters. Hawaiian speak consonants: k,l,m,n,p,w and the vowels: a,e,i,o,u. Of course, the state is English speaking, but there's a revival going on to bring back native language & culture in schools.
Today, a lot of Hawaiian words are part of the American
lexicon. Here are the more recognizable ones. For a little fun, we've added our own meaning.
-
Akamai- smart,brainy, "The Trusted Choice for online business."
- Alii - ancient Hawaiian royalty - Long live the king!
- Hale - a house that you will never be able to afford
- Haole- foreigner, mainlander, pays full price.
- Heiau - a pile of rocks where you leave fruit and wine coolers to ward off the wrath of the deities, "Fruit of the Gods"
- Hula - a dance, a giant hoop that made millions.
- Kahuna - the boss, the chief or gnarly surf dude
- Kamaaina - old-timer Hawaiian, your passport to island discounts
- Keiki - young child, rugrat, brat
- Lanai - veranda, porch, a room with a view for cheap/poor visitors from the mainland.
- Lei - garland of flowers, what tourists think is the word for sex
- Luau - traditional Hawaiian feast or when tourists pay $90.00 each
to eat poi with their fingers and watch sexy naked locals get down.
- Mele - song or chant. Mele Christmas!
- Muumuu- loose-fitting gown or tent by Omar
- Ono- delicious, yummy, Yoko's last name
- Pupu- hors-d'oeuvres that don't stink.
- Shaka- hang loose hand greeting, not the singer
- Kapu - taboo which I have made mocking the Hawaiian gods with
this piece.
Aloha!
