Moku Sticker - ALL SALES FINAL

Concept Pride in one’s island stretches far back into our oral and written history. Letters published in Hawaiian language newspapers from folks all over the pae ʻāina would almost always begin with a welina, or greeting. Writers came out swinging with beautiful references to their islands and the things that make them famous, which can include winds, rains, chiefs, mountains, rivers, plants, and many other things. This was and still is a common practice when giving a speech or talking before an audience large or small. Welina are like lei and in them people string together beautiful words and images to honor the ʻāina and demonstrate knowledge of place.

These demonstrations of aloha ʻāina and language excellence are the inspiration behind highlighting sayings that honor each of the islands. Below are the sayings for each island (some traditional, others created). 

Dimensions: approx 2.5 in X 3 in

Background on island sayings:

Hawaiʻi Saying: Kuahiwi mākolukolu Meaning: Triple mountains - Maunakea, Mauna Loa, Hualālai Kaona: He ʻāina mauna ʻo Hawaiʻi - Hawaiʻi is a mountainous island. Its three largest kuahiwi create a rich variety of habitats and unique features, which the word mākolukolu also acknowledges. Island flower and color: Ōhiʻa Lehua; red

Maui Saying: Ka lamakū a Kamalālāwalu Meaning: The torchlight of Kamalālāwalu (son of Piʻilani) Kaona: Kamalālāwalu (Son of eight branches) was the famous son of Kihaapiʻilani. He was the aliʻi ʻaimoku of Maui and the one who gives the name Maui-a-Kama, or Maui of Kama, to the island. He was highly regarded for his leadership and resource management and although he was defeated at the hands of Hawaiʻi Island warriors, his name still remains famous. Island flower and color: Lokelani (Pink Cottage Rose); Pink

Molokai Saying: Ka heke o nā moku Meaning: The best of the islands Kaona: Maui is always bragging that it is supreme (ʻo Maui nō ka ʻoi), but Molokai proudly responds that it is the best (heke is a transliteration of “best”), and in a modern sense, they certainly have been the best at things like protecting their way of life and the closeness of their community. They also can boast an abundance of resources that are dwindling on some islands. Island flower and color: White Kukui Blossom; green

Kahoʻolawe Saying: I ka hālau loa a ka Nāulu Meaning: In the long shade of the nāulu cloud Kaona: The Nāulu cloud takes moisture from Maui and sends it out to Kahoʻolawe. Although something of the Nāulu cloud is still seen today, it used to function much better. Deforestation on leeward Haleakalā and Kahoʻolawe have caused a breakdown in this system. Efforts to restore vegetation in both places may help to restore the productivity of this famous cloud. Island flower and color: Hinahina (Beach Heliotrope); grey

Lānaʻi Saying: Lapalapa ke ahi a Kaululāʻau Meaning: The signal fires of Kaululāʻau blaze Kaona: Kaululāʻau was the young rebel chief who was banished to Lānaʻi for an act of disrespect. He cleared the island of the mean-spirited ghosts who ran it, then lit a signal fire so that his father, Kākaʻalaneo, could see he was successful. Island flower and color: Kaunaʻoa (Yellow and Orange Air Plant); orange

Oʻahu Saying: Ka ʻōnohi o nā kai Meaning: The favored center of the seas Kaona: Like a diamond in the ocean, Oʻahu’s beauty and uniqueness has always sparkled and drawn people to her. She is the center (ʻōhoni) and the place people come to first, and she is the favorite among her people. These days she is the center because the planes all land there first, but her exceptional beauty, abundance, and suitability as the piko of the aupuni (after Lahaina) is what drew folks there initially. Her expansive bays and harbors, productive valleys, and vertical pali koʻolau are just a few of the things that make her so special. Island flower and color: ʻIlima; yellow

Kauaʻi Saying: Hemolele i ka mālie Meaning: (Flawless in the calm) Kaona: This is an old Kauaʻi saying and likely refers to calm mornings or evenings in which the radiant beauty of this island shines forth. Because it is the second oldest of the main islands (8 million years of erosion), it has a feeling of peace that is the opposite of the intense fires of creation that rage on Hawaiʻi Island. Pele left this mokupuni long ago and Papa’s serene beauty dominates undisturbed. Island flower and color: Mokihana; purple

Niʻihau Saying: Ka wai huna a ka pāoʻo Meaning: (The hidden waters of the pāoʻo fish) Kaona: Another ʻōlelo noʻeau (traditional saying) about this northernmost island in our chain. It refers to a little pool of water on Lehua often mentioned in chants for Niʻihau mā. It is said to be guarded by a supernatural pāoʻo fish. When this fish rises to the surface, its back resembles the surrounding rocks, which makes the pool difficult to see. Island flower and color: Pūpū o Niʻihau (shells of Niʻihau); white