A
ʻaʻaliʻi [ʻaʻa·liʻi]. n.native hardwood shrubs or trees (Dodonaea, all species), 30 cm to 10 m
ʻaʻaliʻikūmakuaʻaʻaliʻi standing in back
ʻaʻaliʻikūmakaniʻaʻaliʻi standing [in] wind
Heʻaʻaliʻiau,ʻaʻohemakaniehinaaiI am anʻaʻaliʻi shrub, no wind can push me over.(a boast of the people ofKaʻū. see similar ex.,ʻulaʻa.)(ON 507)
aʻe₁. n.several native trees, the soapberry (Sapindus saponaria f. inaequalis), and all species of Zanthoxylum (also known as Fagara, Zanthoxylum having yellowish wood formerly used for digging sticks and spears); seeds of all (largest in the soapberry) are black, round, and used forleis.alsomānele.[PPN*ake,tree sp]
aʻeaʻe₁ [aʻe·aʻe]. vt.mixing of a dark or brilliant color with a lighter one, as feathers in alei; of dark hair of a young person with streaks of gray; to mix, as drinks.
Aʻeaʻemohalailunaokekukui.Streaks of silvery gray showing on the candlenut tree. [said of a graying person](ON 5)
akaaka₃,akaka. n.a downy, thorny branching plant (Solanum aculeatissimum), 30 to 90 cm high, from tropical America. It bears round scarlet fruits 2.6 em in diameter, which are strung forleis.alsokīkānia lei.(Neal 742–3)
akalei [a-ka-lei]. s.Seelei. Alei worn on the neck.
ʻākulikuli lei [ʻā·kuli·kulilei]. n.ice plant (Lampranthus glomeratus) from Africa, a low succulent, with thick, narrow leaves, and pink, rose, or orange flowers (used forleis).(Neal 341)
alelo₃. concave curve of the lower portion of thelei palaoa, whale-tooth pendant, suggestive of a tongue.
aliʻipoe [aliʻi·poe]. n.the ornamental cannas (Canna indica, forms and hybrids), large tropical American herbs, with large oval or narrow leaves and large red or red and yellow flowers. The round black seeds are worn inleis and are also placed in fruit shells of thelaʻamia forhula rattles. Cannas are both cultivated and wild in Hawaiʻi.alsoliʻipoe.(Neal 263–4)
ʻaoa₂. n.a small shellfish (Melampus castaneus), strung inleis.alsomakaʻaoa.PCP *ka(ʻ,l)oa.
ʻaumakua₃ [ʻau·makua]. vt.to ask someone tohula; the request was not refused without giving the caller a lei or flower.
ʻAumakuaiāKamuela,Samuel must dance!
ʻawapuhi keʻokeʻo [ʻawa·puhikeʻo·keʻo]. n.the white ginger (Hedychium coronarium), a large herb from India, both wild and cultivated in Hawaiʻi. White fragrant flowers, popular forleis and perfume, are borne in heads at tips of leafy stems.(Neal 252–3)
H
haku₂. vt.
• to compose,
• invent,
• put in order, arrange;
• to braid, as alei,
• or plait, as feathers.
cf.haku mele.[PPN*fatu,weave, plait]
kamahioleʻieihakuʻiaikahuluonāʻiʻiwiplaited helmet made with ʻiʻiwi feathers(Laie 479 [90])
haku [ha-ku]. To arrange or tie feathers in a kahili; to make a wreath orlei; ehaku i ka lei; ehaku oe i lehua.Laieik. 146.
hala₃. n.the pandanus or screw pine (Pandanus odoratissimus), native from southern Asia east to Hawaiʻi, growing at low altitudes, both cultivated and wild. It is a tree with many branches, which are tipped with spiral tufts of long narrow, spine-edged leaves; its base is supported by a clump of slanting aerial roots. The pineapple-shaped fruits are borne on female trees whereas the spikes of fragrant, pollenbearing flowers are borne separately on male trees. Many uses: leaves (lau hala) for mats, baskets, hats; the yellow to red fruit sections for leis, brushes; male flowers to scenttapa, their leaflike bracts to plait mats (seehīnano).(Neal 51) The aerial root (uleule) tip is a good source of vitamin B and cooked inti leaves was used medicinally, although unpleasant tasting. The tree is calledpū hala. Thehala lei is much liked today but formerly was not worn on important ventures becausehala also means failure. For the same reason some persons will not compose songs abouthala. Types ofhala are listed below. Pineapples arehala plus qualifier.[(AN) PPN*fara,pandanus]
Epōpunianakeʻalaokahala.The fragrance of pandanus spreads everywhere and is overpowering.
Punapaiaʻalaikahala.Puna, its walls fragrant with pandanus [fragrant flowers were placed indoors in house thatching and under mats].
hala ʻīkoi [halaʻī·koi]. n.a variety ofhala with keys 7 cm long, lemon-colored at base, changing abruptly to bright-orange in upper half; when cut forleis, a rim of orange is left at top of each key used.
hala ʻiʻo. n.pandanus key that is ripe and soft, suitable forleis.cf.ʻiʻo hala.
hala iwi nui. nvs.hard pandanus key, not suitable forleis.fig., hard-appearing, dissatisfied.
hala kea. n.said by some Hawaiians to be a native variety of pineapple; plant spreading vinelike; leaves with thorny edges; fruit plain green when unripe, yellow when ripe, small, fragrant, good-tasting; pieces of the skin were used for hatleis.lit., whitehala.(HP 214)
hala pia. n.an indigenous variety of pandanus, with keys 4 cm long, canary-yellow and small; head small, about 15 by 12 cm., used in medical prescription and for exorcising evil spirits. It was much prized forleis.
heʻilihalapialight-colored skin(Kep. 67)
hāluʻaleihala [hā·luʻa-lei-hala]. n.tapa-beater design, said to resemble a pandanuslei and consisting of interlocked triangles.
hānai₅ [hā·nai]. n.Hawaiʻi island word formānai, needle for stringingleis...cf.mākila,mōkila,
Hanalei₁ [hana·lei]. n.name of a large valley onKauaʻi.lit.,lei valley.see sayingkaupoku₁.
hei₁. nvt.
• net, snare, to ensnare, entangle, catch in a net;
• stratagem, ruse;
• to festoon withleis.
Seekāhei₁,₂;(Luka 5.4).
Ehoʻoheiaʻeʻoeikānaka.You shall catch [by fishing] men.(Luka 510)
hoʻoheito snare, tangle, rope, lasso; to beset with difficulties; to infatuate, be enraptured
hoʻoheimanaʻoto infatuate, beguile; spellbound
hoʻoheimanaʻoto cast a spell, enchant, beguile
kahoʻoheiʻanaināpuacatching fish fry
hili₁. nvt.to braid or plait, as alei or candlenuts; a braid, plaiting, string.seelei hili,pahili.[(AN) PPN*firi,braid (i.e. interlace three or more flexible elements to form e.g. a rope), a technique sometimes referred to as plaiting)]
kahiliʻanaikalauohothe plaiting of the hair(1-Pet. 3.3)
hinahina₃ [hina·hina]. n.native heliotrope (Heliotropium anomalum var.argenteum), a low, spreading beach plant, with narrow, clustered, silvery leaves and small, white, fragrant flowers. As designated by the Territorial legislature in 1923, it representsKahoʻolawe in theleis of the islands; it is used for tea and medicine. Callednohonoho puʻuone onNiʻihau.(Neal 717)[(CE) PPN*sina-sina,a plant]
hīpuʻupewa [hī·puʻupewa]. n.bow, as ribbon or string.lit., fishtail knot.cf.leiʻāʻīpewa.
hiʻuiʻa [hiʻu·iʻa]. n.fishtail fern (Nephrolepis biserrata cv.furcans), a kind of sword fern, with forked divisions (pinnae). InKaʻū,leis are made by combining pinnae of this fern (or whole frond) with flower sprays ofwāpine (lemon verbena).(Neal 14, 15)
holehole₂ [hole·hole]. vt.to mix different feathers in alei ; mingling, as feathers.rare.
hoʻolei₂ [hoʻo·kā]. vt.to put alei on oneself or on someone else; to crownseelei, lei, garland, wreath...
hoʻoleia₂. pas/imp. ofhoʻolei to cast, throw, heave, toss, pitch; to put alei on oneself or on someone elsesee-leia.
hoʻouluulu lei. hula altar where freshleis were placed during hula instructionseeuluulu lei,
huaʻulaʻula. n.the red sandalwood tree (Adenanthera pavonina), from parts of tropical Asia and Malaysia, of moderate height and with rather widespreading branches. The tree is planted in parks, and its round, lens-shaped, red seeds are used forleis, and their long, yellow-lined pods for decorative arrangements.(Neal 414)
huluokaʻauhelemoa [hulu-o-kaʻau·hele·moa]. n.a moss said to grow only inPālolo Valley, Honolulu, named forKaʻauhelemoa, a legendary cock defeated in battle by a hen. She pulled out his feathers, which fell and became this moss. It is used inleis.
humuhumu lei [humu·humulei]. n.lei triggerfish (Sufflamen bursa).
humuhumu umauma lei [humu·humuuma·umalei]. n.a variety ofhumuhumu fish (Balistes bursa).lit.,humuhumu withleis on its chest.
I
adj.He pooieie no Hilo; a kind oflei for the head used by Hilo people.
ʻilima₁. n.small to large native shrubs (all species ofSida, especiallyS. fallax), bearing yellow, orange, greenish, or dull-red flowers; some kinds strung for leis. The flowers last only a day and are so delicate that about 500 are needed for one lei. Fruits ofmaʻo (Abutilon grandifolium), when green and soft, are used withʻilima leis, one fruit at each end of thelei ; or the pale-green, cap-like calyx of theʻilima flower is used. A mild laxative for babies is made by squeezing out the juice of flowers; this is calledkanakamaikaʻi. Theʻilima was designated in 1923 by the Territorial Legislature as the flower ofOʻahu. It is related to the hibiscus. See songs,nōweo,pue₁.cf.ʻāpiki.(Neal 552–3)
Olanōikapuaokaʻilima.There is healing in theʻilima blossoms [reference to its medicinal use].(ON 2489)
ʻilima kū kula. n.a wild form ofʻilima, not so often used forleis asʻilima lei, the cultivated form.lit.,ʻilima standing on plains.alsoʻilima papa.(Neal 553)
ʻilima mamo. n.a kind ofʻilima, probably same asʻilimalei.
ʻiʻo nui₁. nvs.meaty, fleshy, as of some fish, or as the soft part of pandanus keys that are strung forleis.
K
kāʻeʻe₁. n.a sea bean (Mucuna gigantea), native from southeast Asia, east into Polynesia, a high-growing vine, bearing greenish flowers and large pods, each pod containing two to four round and flattened seeds, black-spotted or brown. In Hawaiʻi, the seeds, known aspēkaʻa, are found on the beaches, and are used medicinally for their strong purgative effect and are also strung forleis.(Neal 462)
kāʻei. var. ofkāʻai;
• belt, sash;
• zone;
• ring for bobbin winder of sewing machine.
KāʻeikapuoLīloa, a sacred cordon, baldric, or sash, the highest symbol of authority, on display in 1976 at the Bishop Museum. It is made of a net ofolonā fibre with redʻiʻiwi feathers on the sides and alei ofʻōʻō feathers on the borders. The end, hanging in front of the body, is ornamented with human and fish teeth. The other end was brought over the shoulders and passed twice around the waist. According to tradition it was made byLīloa for his sonʻUmi in the late 15th century. A copy, without the teeth, is on the statue of Kamehameha in front of Aliʻiolani Palace, Honolulu.
kāhei₁ [kā·hei]. nvt.
• hurling, as firebrands atKamaile, Kauaʻi;
• to hurl;
• to put on alei.
PCP *taasei.
kāhele₁. nvi.decorated for a journey, as with alei.
Heleikāhelenokeala.A lei decoration for traveling the road.
kāhili₃ [kā·hili]. n.a small tree (Grevillea banksii) from Australia, related to the silky oak,ʻoka kilika, but the leaves with fewer subdivisions and the flowers red or cream-white. This is a later application ofkāhili to a plant. Flowers not used forleis on head or around neck because of it irritating hairs, but made into leis for hats by sewing alternate rows of flower clusters and own leaves on pandanus band.seehaʻikū.(Neal 321)
kākalaioa₂ [kā·kalai·oa]. n.gray nickers (Caesalpinia major, misidentified locally asC. crista), a straggly bramble, a pantropical vine indigenous to Hawaiʻi, with thorny branches and leaf stems and with small yellow flowers. Within each large spiny pod are two or three gray marble-like seeds, which are used forleis, also powdered for medicine.alsohihikolo.(Neal 433)[PPN*tala-ʻa-moa,a bush (caesalpinia sp.): *tala(tala)-qaa-moa]
ʻOkahuakākalaioia,ʻoiakāmākoumāpala.The kakalaoia seeds were our marbles.(Kauhi 49)
Kalehuawehe [Ka-lehua-wehe]. n.name of a surf atWaikīkī.lit., the openinglehua, said to be so named when the taboo on surfing atWaikīkī was broken by a young chief fromMānoa who removed hislehua lei and gave it to the daughter of ChiefKākuhihewa, who had been the only one permitted to surf there; the taboo was broken when the princess accepted thelei.
kālī [kā·lī]. n.spine, spindle, rod; string, as used to thread things upon, as flowers for alei, or candlenuts for a torch; long vine or runner, as of sweet potato.cf.kāili.
kālīpahūpahūstring of firecrackers
kāmakahala [kā·maka·hala]. n.all species of a native genus (Labordia) of forest trees and shrubs. According to William Hillebrand, three species with orange flowers were used inleis for chiefs.seenīoi kāmakahala.
kāpenaloke [kā·pena·loke]. n.name of an introduced vine, the seeds of which are strung asleis, perhapslit., Captain Rhodes.Kauaʻi.
kaula lei. n.cord on which flowers are strung into alei; cluster of fruit or flowers growing together on a stem like a lei; streamer.
kau lei. v.to sellleis; to hangleis.
Uaheleakulaikekaulei.Having gone to sell leis.
kaunaʻoa₁. n.a native dodder (Cuscuta sandwichiana), belonging to the morning-glory family, a leafless, parasitic vine, growing densely on other plants. The numerous, slender, orange stems are used for orangeleis to represent the island ofLānaʻi, as designated by the Territorial legislature in 1923.(Neal 710–1)[(CE) PPN*tainoka,a plant (cassytha filiformis) (problematic)]
Hihikaunaʻoa,hihiMānā,alohawaleialāʻaukumuʻole.Tangled parasite vine, tangled Mānā, pity for this vine without a trunk [of parasites or helpless folk].(ON 986)
kīkā₅ [kī·kā]. n.the cigar flower (Cuphea ignea), from Mexico, a small, smooth shrub with narrow, red, tubular, odorless flowers nearly 3 cm. long. The flowers are used forleis.alsopua kīkā.(Neal 617–8)
kīkānia lei [kī·kā·nialei]. n.a kind of nightshade (Solanum aculeatissimum), the round, scarlet fruits used inleis.alsoakaaka.(Neal 742–3)
kīkepa₂ [kī·kepa]. vi.to lean over to one side, to cover one side; to turn to the side; to place in a one-sided manner; on the side, as atapa orlei worn over one shoulder and under the opposite arm.
ʻakokīkepato pluck on one side
kākīkepato strike on one side or glance off on a side; a glancing blow
Kuʻuleikīkepakaupoʻohiwi.My lei over one shoulder and down on the opposite side.
ʻokikīkepato cut the hair on one side, as formerly in mourning
kipona₄. vt.mixed, mingled; varying in color or texture, as of the sea; to add to, as something of different character, as ferns to alei .
kawaikiponamekekaiwater mixed with sea water
Kiponapaukūikalauaʻe,kapuaokaʻilimanonoikalā.Add a section of lauaʻe fern [to] the flower of the ʻilima, bright in the sunlight. (chant for Kaʻiulani)
koa haole. n.a common roadside shrub or small tree (Leucaena leucocephala), from tropical America, with pinnate leaves, round white flower treads, and long, flat, brown pods; closely related to the koa. The small brown seeds are strung forleis, purses, mats; plants used for fodder.lit., foreignkoa.alsoēkoa,lilikoa.(Neal 411–2)
kōī₃ [kō·ī]. nvt.to string, as flowers for alei or candlenuts on a coconut leaf midrib for a light; such a string.
kui₁. vt.to string pierced objects, as flowers in alei, or fish; to thread, as beads.cf.kui lima.[(AN) PPN*tui,thread pierced objects on a string; sew]
kui lei. n.v.to string flowers, beads, seeds, shells intoleis; alei stringer.
kui lei ʻula. n.v.one who decorates the chief in finest apparel; to decorate the chief thus; decorated elegantly.lit., string redleis.
kuina. n.a stringing together, as ofleis.PPN *tuinga.
kuipapa [kui·papa]. nvt.method of making a hat lei by sewing leaves and flowers to a pandanus strip; to make such alei.lit., string on a base.
kukui₁. n.
• candlenut tree (Aleurites moluccana), a large tree in the spurge family bearing nuts containing while, oily kernels which were formerly used for lights;
• hence the tree is a symbol of enlightenment.
• the nuts are still cooked for a relish (ʻinamona).
• the soft wood was used for canoes,
• gum from the bark was used for paintingtapa;
• black dye was obtained from nut coats and from roots,
• (nuts were chewed and spat into the sea by men fishing with nets for parrot fish (kākā₄uhu₁) in order to calm the sea(FS 38–9): see ex.pili₁).
• polished nuts are strung inleis;
• the silvery leaves and small white flowers are strung inleis as representative ofMolokaʻi, as designated in 1923 by the Territorial legislature.
• thekukui was named the official emblem for the State of Hawaii in 1959 because of its many uses and its symbolic value.
•kukui is one of the plant forms ofKamapuaʻa that comes to help him(FS 215).
• calledkuikui onNiʻihau.
seelei kukui.(Neal 504–7)[(FJ) PPN*tui-tui,candlenut tree (aleurites moluccana)]
Healiʻinokamalukukui.A chief of the candlenut shade [chief of uncertain genealogy].(ON 539)
kukui ʻōmolemole. smooth candlenuts used inleis(EH)
kukunaokalā. n.mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorhiza); calyx of a mangrove, as used inleis.lit., ray of the sun.(Neal 626)
kupaloke [kupa·loke]. n.tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), popular inleis.Eng.(Neal 227)
kupukupu ʻala [kupu·kupuʻala]. n.rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), flowers pink, leaves fragrant, used inleis with odorless flowers. Alsokupukupu haole andlaniuma.(Neal 471)
kuʻu₃. poss.my, mine (this form may replace bothkaʻu andkoʻu; it is frequently used beforeipo andlei and kinship terms and expresses affection.(Gram. 8.4, 9.6) [(CE) PPN*taku,my (neutral category of possession)]
ĒKamalamaikikuʻupōkiʻi,ekeikanoho.O little Kamalama, my favorite younger brother, may you act with dignified pride.(FS 67)
L
lālei [lā·lei]. nvs.cluster, bunch, as of bananas; assembled together, as flowers in alei.rare.
hoʻolāleito gather together, as flowers
lalei [la-lei]. s.A bunch or cluster of things, as grapes. Seekaulalei.
lani₂. nvs.very high chief, majesty; host(Isa. 34.4); royal, exalted, high born, noble, aristocratic. This meaning is most common in personal names, asLeilani, royal child or heavenlylei;Pualani, descendant of royalty or heavenly flowers.cf.kamalani,kuhilani.
hoʻolani₁to treat as a chief; to render homage to a chief; to act as a chief; to enjoy the position and prestige of a high chief
hoʻolani₂same ashoʻolanilani
Kalanianaʻole.The incomparably exalted one. (name)
lā o ka lei. lei day(EH)
lauaʻe₁,lauwaʻe [lau·aʻe]. n.a fragrant fern (Phymatosorus scolopendria syn.Microsorium scolopendria); when crushed, its fragrance suggests that ofmaile; famous for its fragrance onKauaʻi (seelauaʻe₂). Pieces were strung in pandanusleis between the keys.see chant,punia.(Neal 27)
leholeho [le-ho-le-ho]. s.Seeleileho. A small delicate shell fish of the leho kind, whitish, mixed with yellow and gray, used forleis for the wrist or neck; a string of small lehos.v.To string lehos for leis.
leho lei. same asleho puna, sometimes used inleis.
leholei [le-ho-lei]. s.A small white shell of the leho species, used for beads.
leho nuku. n.a cowry with the extremities drawn out, a beaked cowry, such asCypraea cicercula var.tricornis; sometimes used inleis.
lehua [le-hu-a]. Flowers done up in bundles, as among foreign families; he pua lei mai kahiki mai.
lehua mau loa. n.globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa).lit., everlastinglehua, so called because its flowers when used inleis do not wilt. Alsolehua pepa andleihua.(Neal 334–5)
lei₁. n.
•lei, garland, wreath; necklace of flowers, leaves, shells, ivory, feathers, or paper, given as a symbol of affection;
• beads; any ornament worn around the head or about the neck;
• to wear alei;
• special song presenting alei; crown;
• ring around a drake's neck;
• yoke, as for joining draft animals, especially oxen.
•fig., a beloved child, wife, husband, sweetheart, younger sibling or child, so called because a beloved child was carried on the shoulders, with its legs draped down on both sides of the bearer like a lei.
cf.lei palaoa, ivory pendant, originally probably whale's tooth...PPN *lei.
hoʻoleito put a lei on oneself or on someone else; to crown
kānaleihis lei (to give away or sell)
LeilaniRoyal child, heavenly lei. (name)
ʻUheneahahanakaʻuleinaʻuia.Oh joy, oh boy, she's my darling. (song)
lei. v.To put around the neck, as a wreath; to tie on, as one's beads. See the substantive. To put on an ensign or badge, as an officer in battle; ma ka la kaua,lei no ke alii i ka niho palaoa.A crown for the head. Seeleialii.leibipi, the bow of an ox yoke; the garland for crowning a god.Any external ornamental work.Puk. 25:11. NOTE—Theleis of Hawaiians were made of a great many materials, but the lauhala nut was the most valued on account of its odoriferous qualities. Seeleihala.
leiʻāʻī. n.var. spelling oflei ʻāʻī, anylei worn on the shoulders...
lei ʻāʻī,leiʻāʻī. n.anylei worn on the shoulders, as maile; necktie, scarf, neckerchief.fig., beloved person, especially child or mate.lit., neck lei.seepōhākiʻikiʻi.
leiʻāʻī [leiʻā·ʻī]. n.necktie.alsoleiʻāʻīkalawake,leikalawake.cf.hīpuʻu pewa.
leiai [lei-a-i]. s.Lei anda-i, the neck. A wreath for the neck.
lei aliʻi. n.royallei, chief'slei, crown(Hoik. 4.4), diadem.
leialii [lei-a-lii]. s.Lei andalii, a chief. A crown, i. e., a king's lei. FIG.Pilip. 4:1. A diadem.Isa. 62:3. Seepapalealii.
leialima [lei-a-li-ma]. s.Lei with the qualifying words. Different sorts of leis, or leis made from different materials.
leiapiki [lei-a-pi-ki]. s.Lei with the qualifying words. Different sorts of leis, or leis made from different materials.
lei haku. n.braidedlei, as of ferns and flowers.
lei hala. n.lei made principally or solely of pandanus keys, sometimes considered bad luck becausehala, pandanus, also means to pass away, to fail.
leihala [lei-ha-la]. s.Lei, wreath, andhala, the pandanus. A lei made of the hala fruit, which is odoriferous; heleihala oe ma ka a-i o ka poe naauao, thou art ahala wreath on the neck of the wise.
leihala₂ [lei-hala]. n.plaiting andtapa designs consisting of a series of inverted triangles, suggestive of ahalalei.
lei hili. n.a plaitedlei, as of ferns and maile but without leaves.
leihua [lei·hua]. same aslehua mau loa;lit., fruitlei, so called because the flowers are round like a fruit.
lei hulu. n.featherlei, formerly worn by royalty.fig., dearly beloved child or choice person.
leihulu [lei-hu-lu]. s.A lei or wreath for the neck made of the feathers of the bird mamo; ka lei mamo no Laa.Children beloved of their parents.
lei humuhumu [leihumu·humu]. n.clothlei.
lei kāmoe [leikā·moe]. n.featherlei with feathers tightly folded together so that it suggests a rope, in contrast with the flatlei papa.
lei kolona,lei korona. n.rosary, prayer beads.lit., crown(Eng.)lei .
lei kui. n.a strunglei, as of plumeria.
lei kukui. n.kukui nutlei.cf.ioio,ʻōmolemole,ʻōpaka.
lei leho. n.lei of cowry shells.
leileho [lei-le-ho]. s.Lei andleho, a shell. A string of the leholeho.
leilei₁ [lei·lei]. vt.to wear alei orleis.
ʻOwaikēiaeleileimaila?Who is that wearing a lei there?
leilima [lei-li-ma]. s.A species of lei; he leiapiki. Seeleialima.
lei niho ʻīlio [leinihoʻī·lio]. n.dog-tooth necklace.
lei niho palaoa. same aslei palaoa, ivory pendant...
lei ʻoni. n.lei with spirals of several colors, as thekīkālei.
leioPele. n.ring of fire, in geology.lit.,Pele's lei.
lei ʻōpuʻu [leiʻō·puʻu]. n.whale-tooth pendant that tapers down to a point, rather than being hook-shaped, as thelei palaoa; especially worn byOʻahu chiefs.lit., budlei.
lei palaoa. n.ivory pendant, originally probably whale's tooth, rarely of stone or wood, later also of walrus tusk; necklace of beads of whale's teeth; today, any pendant shaped like the old whale-tooth pendant, such as of beef bone.lit., ivorylei.
lei pāniʻo [leipā·niʻo]. n.lei of various colors, as featherleis.lit., spotted, motleylei.
lei papa. n.flatlei, as for a hat; anylei on a flat surface, especially a featherlei.cf.lei kāmoe.
lei pāpahi [leipā·pahi]. n.leis of alternating groups of flowers and leaves, entwined leis of same or different flowers; adornment of severalleis, usually both on head and around neck.
leipapahi [lei-pa-pa-hi]. s.Lei with the qualifying words. Different sorts of leis, or leis made from different materials.s.A kind of lei. Seeleiapiki.
lei paukū [leipau·kū]. n.lei with stripes or bands of varying colors.lit., linklei.
lei poepoe [leipoe·poe]. n.lei with flowers strung on stems or sides of flowers.seelei waena.
lei poʻo. n.lei worn on the head (poʻo).
lei pūpū [leipū·pū]. n.shelllei, the most famous being fromNiʻihau, especiallykahelelani andmomi. Theseleis representNiʻihau in theleis of the islands, as designated in 1923 by the Territorial legislature.
lei pūpū puka [leipū·pūpuka]. n.lei of white sea-perforated shells worn by men and women about the neck, popular in Hawaiʻi since the late 1960s.lit., perforated shelllei.
lei waena. n.lei strung in the center of flowers.seelei poepoe.
lei wili,leiwili. n.alei that is not strung (kui): the leaves or flowers are entwined about each other, asmaileleis.
lei wiliwili [leiwili·wili]. n.pendant carved ofwiliwili wood;lei ofwiliwili seeds.
lelo₂. nvs.yellowish, especially the hue imparted to a whaletooth pendant (lei palaoa) by smoking.
lepelepeamoa [lepe·lepe-a-moa]. n.Selaginella arbusculla, small club mosses; used forleis, braided with rosebuds.(Neal 3–5)
lie [li-e]. s.A goddess of the mountain whose business it was to braid leis; ke ano o (Lia)Lei wahine.
liko lehua. n.lehua bud; redlehua leaves as used forleis or medicine; such alei, as made in theKīlauea volcano area.see ex.kohu₁, (the reference here is probably to a young and pretty girl)
lōkālio,rosario [lō·kā·lio,rosario]. n.rosary. Less common thanlei kolona.Probably Latin rosarium or Spanish or Portuguese rosario..
lūlō [lū·lō]. n.lei of braided leaves or ferns. cf.(And).
lulo [lu-lo]. s.Thick leaves of a tree wreathed or twisted into an ornament for the neck; a wreath for the neck.
luluʻu. same asluʻuluʻu₁, bent or bowed down, as with weight, sorrow, or trouble...; said also of a tree laden with fruit, a person laden withleis.
hoʻoluluʻusame ashoʻoluʻuluʻu; to cause to bend down, to load heavily
pākaukauihoʻoluluʻupūmenāmeaʻaitables laden down with food
M
maiʻa mālei ʻula [maiʻamā·leiʻula]. n.a Hawaiian variety of banana, common both cultivated and wild in the uplands. Fibers of the stalk are used for stringing flowers forleis with a coconut-leaf needle (mānai). Ripening fruit changes from maroon (ʻula) to green to yellow; the flesh is orange, edible only when cooked.alsomaiʻa mālai ʻula,maiʻamānei ʻula,maiʻa mānai ʻula.(HP 176)
maile₁. n.a native twining shrub,Alyxia olivaeformis. St-John, 1975a, described four forms ofmaile based on leaf size and shape. They are believed to be sisters with human and plant forms and are listed below. They were considered minor goddesses of thehula.maile kaluhea is also believed by some to be a sister.seemoekahi,māpu,palai₁, and chants,līhau andʻū₁. Themaile vine has shiny fragrant leaves and is used for decorations andleis, especially on important occasions. It is a member of the periwinkle family.Laka, goddess of thehula, was invoked as the goddess of themaile, which was one of five standard plants used in her altar.(Neal 690–1)[PPN*maile,a fragrant vine or shrub (alyxia sp.)]
maile haole. n.the myrtle (Myrtus communis), an aromatic shrub from the Mediterranean region and western Asia, a favorite garden plant in many countries, and formerly used in Rome for wreaths to crown the victor. The leaves look like those ofmaile and formerly were used by Hawaiian forleis likemaile, the bark being stripped from the stems in the same way, with teeth holding one end.(Neal 631)
mākila [mā·kila]. nvt.Maui name formānai, needle; to string, asleis.
maleiʻia. vi.to be decked withleis.
mali₂. nvt.to tie, as bait to a hook, hook to a line, feathers to alei, or the end of a rope so that it will not unravel; a string used for such purposes.
mānai [mā·nai]. nvt.needle for stringingleis, formerly of coconut midrib, now of wire; to stringleis. Also calledhānai onHawaiʻi,mākila onMaui, andmōkila onKauaʻi.
Mānaipuaanakākou.We are stringing flowers.
manai [ma-nai]. s.An instrument used anciently as a needle in stringing flowers for wreaths; e ake no lakou e hookuikui i kamanai, a uo i ke kaula i lawa; a sharp instrument to make leis with.
mānewanewa₄ [mā·newa·newa]. n.name given for a beach grass; used inleis onLānaʻi.
maʻo₄. n.the hairy abutilon (Abutilon grandifolium), a weedy, hairy, South American shrub, with large, broad leaves, orange,ʻilima-like flowers, and ten-parted, black, dry fruits. When green and soft, these fruits are used in makingʻilimaleis, one for each end of thelei.(Neal 550)
maunaloa₁ [mauna·loa]. n.a sea bean,Dioclea wilsonii, a vine from Brazil growing wild in Hawaiʻi, the blue or white flowers used forleis, the beans for medicine.(Neal 463)
maunaloa₂ [mauna·loa]. n.Canavalia cathartica, a vine from the Mascarene Islands, the white, lavender, pink, or reddish flowers commonly used forleis.(Neal 464)
mauʻu Kaleponi [mauʻukale·poni]. n.the yellow foxtail (Setaria geniculata), a weedy tropical American grass. The yellow or brownish, cylindrical flower heads are smooth and soft, and in Hawaiʻi are used forleis on hats.lit., California grass.(Neal 75)
mauʻu lei. n.the swollen finger grass (Chloris inflata), an annual weedy grass from tropical America, 30 to 60 cm high. Two to eleven feathery, purplish flower spikes radiate from the top of the stem; they are used for hatleis.(Neal 69)
mea kau lei. lei seller(EH)
melia. n.all species and varieties of plumeria (Plumeria) or frangipani, small, broad-topped trees, from tropical America, grown ornamentally, the flowers being one of the commonest kinds forleis. The thick, stiff branches bear long leaves and many five-parted, tubular, fragrant flowers, which are white and yellow, pink to rose.cf.pua mēlia, plumeria...probably Eng..(Neal 688)
mikilana,misilana [miki·lana]. n.the Chinese rice flower (Aglaia odorata), a shrub or small tree in the mahogany family, from south China and Indo-China, grown ornamentally for the handsome leaves and fragrant flowers, which are tiny, round, and yellow; clusters of them are used forleis.(Gram. 2.9) perhaps Chinese mei-sui-lan.(Neal 493)
mokihana₁ [moki·hana]. n.a native tree (Pelea anisata), found only onKauaʻi, belonging to the citrus family. The small, leathery, cube-shaped, anise-scented fruits, which change from green to brown, are strung inleis; they representKauaʻi in theleis of the islands, as designated in 1923 by the Territorial legislature. The large leaves are also fragrant.(Neal 478)
mōkila₁ [mō·kila]. Kauaʻi name formānai, needle; to string, asleis.
momi₂. n.Niʻihau name forpūpū Niʻihau, aNiʻihau shell used inleis. alsomomiokai.
N
nani ahiahi [naniahi·ahi]. n.the four o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa), from tropical America, a shrubby herb with fragrant, red, white, yellow, or striped flowers, opening in late afternoon, and used by Hawaiians forleis in the evening. The plants have medicinal properties.lit., evening beauty.alsopua ahiahi.(Neal 335–6)
nanioolaʻa [nani-o-Olaʻa]. n.a kind of Torenia (T. asiatica), a blue-flowered ornamental annual, belonging to the snapdragon family, used inleis.(Neal 759)
nīoi lei [nī·oilei]. n.a kind of red pepper, with red, cherryshaped fruits, used forleis. Possibly some kind of cherry pepper (Capsicum annuum cv. 'cerasiforme').(Neal 742)
nuʻa₁. nvs.
• thick; lush, thick-growing;
• heaped; piled one on top of the other, asleis, mats, or ocean swells;
• much traveled, as a road;
• multitude, as of people, mass.
alsohānuʻa.[(CE) PPN*nuka,??]
Hakinuʻakauahiikekai.The spray breaks in masses in the sea.
hoʻonuʻato heap up; to give generously and continuously; to indulge, as a child; surging, rising in swells, as the sea
kanuʻaokapalaithe thick clump of palai ferns
moenakumunuʻaa sleeping mat made thick at one end to serve as a head rest; lit., mat piled beginning
O
ʻōʻā. vs.mixed, as of colors in alei or as blood.
HeHawaiʻiʻoiaakāuaʻōʻāʻiamekekokoPākē.He's Hawaiian, but there is a little strain of Chinese also.
Heleikolohalauliuliiʻōʻāʻiamekekeʻokeʻo.A dark pheasant feather lei mixed with white.
hoʻōʻāto mix
ʻohu. nvs.
• mist, fog, vapor, light cloud on a mountain;
• adorned as withleis
[(FJ) PPN*kofu,mist and other forms of water vapor; envelop (as mist)]
hōʻohuto form mist; misty, etc
Huiʻiakeʻalamekeonaonaileiʻohunou,ēKalani.Combined are fragrance and sweetness into a lei to adorn you, O Queen. (name song for Liliʻuoka-lani)
ʻoni₂. n.spirals of several colors in compositeleis.
ʻōpaka₁ [ʻō·paka]. nvs.cut in evenly matched vertical facets, often eight, as of a bowl, spittoon,kukui shell in alei; facet, prism.seeʻumeke ʻōpaka.
hoʻōpakato cut inʻōpaka fashion
ʻōpelu kākala lei [ʻō·pelukā·kalalei]. n.a variety of small deep-waterʻōpelu.lit., roughʻōpelu withleis.
ʻōpuʻu₂ [ʻō·puʻu]. n.a whale-tooth pendant, not tongue-shaped like thelei palaoa.
Kaʻōpuʻukaimanaehulalineilā.Diamond pendant sparkling here. (song)
Kalaniʻōpuʻu.The whale-tooth pendant high chief. (name of a chief)
ʻōʻū₃. n.a finch-like Hawaiian honey creeper (Psittirostra psittacea), with an almost parrot-like bill, endemic to the main Hawaiian Islands, but becoming very rare. Its green feathers were used for making cloaks andleis.see ex.,kuaola.cf.ʻōʻū lae oʻo,ʻōʻū poʻo lapalapa.rare.
ʻAuheawaleʻoe,ēkamanuʻōʻūʻoeokanahele.Listen, O bird, you honey creeper of the forest. (song)
P
pahapahaopolihale [paha·paha-o-poli·hale]. n.a kind ofpahapaha said to be found only atPolihale, Kauaʻi; after drying it was believed to revive when immersed in sea water; it was made intoleis.(FS 103)
paikauleia [pai-kau-lei-a]. s.Paikau andlei, a wreath, and a foria, passive, wreathed. A woman that puts on alei so as to signify that she is for sale; an abandoned woman going from place to place; a tattler.
paʻiniu [paʻi·niu]. n.some native Hawaiian lilies (Astelia spp) with long, narrow, silvery or tan leaves forming rosette-shaped plants growing either on the ground or perching on trees. Small yellow or greenish flowers develop in a panicle on a stalk shorter than the leaves. Formerly, Hawaiians braided hatleis out of the shiny outer layer of the leaves and wore them as a sign that they had visitedKīlauea Volcano, where one species is common. Also used, rarely, for house thatch(For. 5:655).(Neal 192)
pala₇. n.a native fern (Marattia douglasii), with a short trunk and large, long-stemmed, much divided, dark-green fronds. In time of famine, the thick, starchy, hoof-shaped bases of the frond stems, which cover the short trunk, were eaten after being baked in animu over night. The mucilaginous water resulting from slicing and soaking the raw stems in water was used medicinally. Pieces of the fronds mixed with maileleis enhanced their fragrance. The fern was used also inheiau ceremonies.(Neal 6, 7)[(EO) PPN*pala,tree-fern sp]
palaoa₁. n.
• sperm whale;
• ivory, especially whale tusks as used for the highly prizedlei palaoa;
• whale-tooth pendant.
[(EP) PPN*paraaoa,whale]
makaupalaoafishhook made of whale ivory
papahi [pa-pa-hi]. adj.Of or belonging to a kind of lei; as, leipapahi.
paukū₁ [pau·kū]. nvs.
• section, link, piece; jointed, linked.
• stanza, verse, as in the Bible; canto; article, as of law; paragraph;
• to section off, cut in sections, slice in sections;
• to make alei with sections of different colors, as feathers, or roses and begonias;
• land section smaller than amoʻo (Thrum, p. 68);
• a unit of measurement;
• a squad (military;seemokuna);
Epaukūananōkahalamekalehua.Pandanus and lehua sections being made into a lei.(PH 27)
pepa lei. n.crepe paper, as used inlei making.lit.,lei paper.
pīkake₁ [pī·kake]. n.the Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac), introduced from India, a shrub or climber, with rounded, dark-green leaves and small, white, very fragrant flowers used forleis. Since PrincessKaʻiulani was fond of both these flowers and her peacocks (pīkake), the same name was given the flowers.(Neal 680)
pīpā₂ [pī·pā]. n.kāʻeʻe bean and purgative made from it; the bean is also strung inleis.
pipa [pi-pa]. The fruit of thekae, a fruit like a bean. Seekaee.The name of a medicine given to mad-men. Seekipa.
ponimōʻī [poni·mōʻī]. n.the introduced carnation or pink (Dianthus caryophyllus), a plant widely cultivated for its attractive and spicy-fragrant flowers, one of the commonest flowers used forleis. The Hawaiian name resulted from confusing the English name with "coronation".(Neal 345–6)
pōniu₃ [pō·niu]. n.the balloon vine or heartseed (Cardiospermum halicacabum), a slender, herbaceous, tropical vine, with finely subdivided leaves, small white flowers, and 2.5 cm-wide balloon-like fruiting capsules, each with three seeds (black with a white heart-shaped scar). Hawaiians formerly used the whole plant as a magic remedy for dizziness, wearing it as alei and eating a little, before throwing it away into the ocean.alsohaleakaiʻa,ʻinalua,pōhuehue uka.(Neal 532)[(FJ) PPN*pooniu,a plant (cardiospermum halicacabum)]
pōpōlehua [pō·pō·lehua]. n.an ixora (Ixora casei) from Kosrae (Kusaie Island), a shrub ornamentally for its large round clusters of red flowers, which are used forleis. Each flower has a narrow red tube about 5 cm long, tipped with four short lobes.(Neal 802)
pua hala,puahala. n.bright yellow base of a pandanus (hala) key that may be used forleis.
pua hōkū hihi [puahō·kūhihi]. n.the waxflower (Hoya bicarinata), an ornamental vine from Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, in the milkweed family. Leaves are thick, broad-oval, paired, at their bases bearing short clusters of waxy, fragrant, white and pink, star-shaped flowers used forleis.lit., entangled star flower.(Neal 700)
pua kalaunu. n.the crown flower (Calotropis gigantea), a large shrub, native from India to the East Indies, belonging to the milkweed family. The crown-shaped flowers, white or lavender, are commonly used forleis, and the plants for hedges in dry areas. calledliliʻu onNiʻihau.(Neal 698–9)
pua kenikeni,puakenikeni [puakeni·keni]. n.a shrub or small tree (Fagraea berteriana), from the South Pacific, grown ornamentally for foliage, flowers, fruit. The flowers are 5 cm long, white, changing to orange, fragrant, and used forleis. The 2.5 cm-wide berry is orange or red.lit., ten-cent flower, so-called because at one time the flowers are said to have sold for ten cents each.(Neal 682)
pua lei. n.flowers forleis; cherished blossom or child.
pūʻaliʻali. redup. ofpūʻali₂;of varying thickness, as a cord orʻilimalei not carefully woven.
puhi lei hala. n.a variety of eel. Its coloring suggests alei of pandanus keys.lit., pandanus-lei eel.
pūkāmole [pū·kā·mole]. n.a low, shrubby plant (Lythrum maritimum) native to Peru, with slender branches and small narrow leaves. Sometimes the bark is stripped off and wound aroundleis for its mild fragrance and small pink flowers. It belongs to the crape myrtle family. Some persons qualify the name bylau liʻi andlau nui.alsonīnika.(Neal 617)
pūkiawe₁ [pū·kiawe]. n.the black-eyed Susan (Abrus precatorius), a slender climbing legume, long known in the tropics, especially for its small round red and black seeds, which are used forleis, rosaries, and costume jewelry. Though the seeds are edible when cooked, when raw and broken they are poisonous. Flowers are small, light-colored; leaves small, compound. Alsopūpūkiawe,pūkiawelei, to distinguish frompūkiawe₂ andpūkiaweʻulaʻula onNiʻihau.(Neal 455–6)
pūleho [pū·leho]. n.an elongated type of cowry (Luria isabella); worn inleis.rare. [(OC) PPN*pule,cowrie shell]
pūʻoheʻohe. n.Job's-tears (Coix lachryma-jobi), a coarse, branched grass closely related to corn, growing in many tropical regions, either wild or cultivated. It is an annual, .3 to 1.8 m high, with long, pointed leaves, and, at stem tips, hard, round, beadlike seeds—black, gray, or white—which are used forleis, mats, food, medicine.alsokūkaekōlea,ʻoheʻohe,pūpū kōlea.(Neal 80–1)
pūpū lei hala [pū·pūleihala]. n.a marine shell (Hydatina amplustre,Bursa granularis).lit., pandanus-lei shell.
pūpū Niʻihau [pū·pūniʻi·hau]. n.small shells, especiallyColumbella andLeptothyra used inNiʻihau shellleis; known asmomi ormomi-o-kai onNiʻihau.
U
uilo. n.square-shaped braid, as inlei palaoa cord.
uina [u-i-na]. To crack, as a rope or string of a lei.Laieik. 145.
uluulu lei. n.leis offered to the gods.
hoʻouluululeihula altar where fresh leis were placed during hula instruction
umaumalei [uma·uma·lei]. n.a fish similar to but darker than thepalani orpualu. It has bright orange-red spots around the gills and side fins and at the base of the caudal fin where the spike is set.lit.,lei [for the] chest.
ʻuo₁,ʻuwo. nvt.a group of feathers tied together in a small bunch, to be made into a featherlei or cloak; to tie thus; to tie into alei; to string on a needle; to splice, interweave, as strands of a rope; seizing turns in lashing.PCP *kuo.
Keʻuolāikamānaithreading [flowers] on the needle(PH 191)
ʻUoʻiaikamānaihoʻokahistrung on the same lei needle [married](ON 2881)
uo [u-o]. v.Kauo ana i ka lei, ke kui ana me ka manai, auo aku i ke kaula; to fasten by tying or braiding for a certain purpose; to splice two ends of rope.
ʻuoʻuo₂. vt.to string, asleis.
W
wahine kau lei. lei seller (female)(EH)
wāpine,vabine [wā·pine]. n.the lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla), a South American shrub, with rough lemonscented, narrow leaves, and small white or lavender flowers in spikes. Formerly the plant was a favorite in Hawaiian gardens, and was used inleis.Eng.(Neal 724)
wilelaiki [wile·laiki]. n.the Christmas-berry tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), a rather small tree, from Brazil, the leaves compound, each leaf having about seven leaflets, the flowers whitish, small, in large bunches, the small red fruits of the female tree abundant, resembling those of thepūkiawe. Named for Willie Rice
wili₃. n.spirals of several colors in compositeleis, as of the cigar flower (kīkā).
wili oho. n.coil or strand of hair, as in alei palaoa necklace.
Kawiliohookalaninui.The hair dresser of the great chief.(For. 6:413)
wiliwili₂ [wili·wili]. n.a Hawaiian leguminous tree (Erythrina sandwicensis, formerly calledE. monosperma), found on dry coral plains and on lava flows, somewhat spiny, with short thick trunk. Each leaf has three ovate leaflets; flowers are clustered near branch ends and range in color from red to orange, yellow, white; pods contain red, oblong seeds, used forleis. The wood is very light and formerly was used for surfboards, canoe outriggers, net floats.see ex.pua₁.(Neal 458–60)