hāʻulelau
The Hawaiian word for autumn is hāʻulelau.
hāʻulelau is used to refer to the autumn season.
Meaning: season (noun)
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, there is no direct seasonal equivalent to the temperate 'autumn' because the islands experience a tropical climate without a distinct fall foliage cycle.
- The word 'lau' inside the term can also refer to 'leaf' or 'many', creating a poetic connection to the falling of leaves even if the trees are evergreen.
- Traditional Hawaiian timekeeping relied more on the lunar calendar and ecological signs, such as the ripening of specific fruits, rather than a fixed seasonal name like 'autumn'.
Example conversation
Kiana and Keanu are talking about their favorite seasons.
- KianaHe wā favorite pū ka hāʻulelau?Is autumn also a favorite time?
- KeanuʻAe, makemake au i ka hāʻulelau.Yes, I like autumn.
- KianaNani nā kumu lani i kēia wā.The colors of the sky are beautiful during this time.
- KeanuʻOia piko nō.That is exactly right.
