shaka n.— «They speak pidgin English by choice and eagerly flash the “shaka sign” (thumb and little finger up) as a symbol of their Hawaiian coolness.» —“The quiet side of Big Island is just one of many Hawaiis” by Gerry Wingenbach Globe and...
soul’s leap n.— «There are points on each of the main islands that are referred to as “soul’s leaps”—where spirits leave that island after death.» —“Mokumanamana may hold Hawaiian secrets” by Diana Leone Honolulu Star-Bulletin (Hawaii) Aug. 15...
stink eye n. a facial expression of doubt, distrust, or dislike; a dirty look; skunk eye, the hairy eyeball. Etymological Note: There is inconclusive evidence that this term originated in Hawaii and spread through beach sports such as surfing and...
papa holua n.— «Papa Holua is not the father of the hula hoop. It’s the name of an ancient Hawaiian sport that literally means “to slide into the pit” in Hawaiian.» —“Hawaii’s Insane and Ancient Downhill Sport, Papa Holua” Khalsa News Network Apr...
vog n.— «The island of Hawaii does have a monitoring system and a Vog index, the researchers point out, but it is measured only along the Kona Coast, not in Kau. This “volcano-smog” index—Vog is a locally coined term—also is based on aerosol...
hapa adj. racially mixed, esp. with an Asian racial background. Editorial Note: This is “Asian” in the North American sense, where it usually refers to East Asians from China, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. Etymological Note: Hawaiian hapa ‘half.’...