helekī
The Hawaiian word for deer is helekī.
helekī is a noun used to refer to any animal belonging to the family Cervidae.
Meaning: animal of the family Cervidae (noun)
Did you know?
- Unlike native Hawaiian animals, helekī does not appear in ancient Hawaiian chants or traditional myths because the animal arrived after the classical era.
- In contemporary Hawaiian environmental discussions, helekī is often paired with words meaning 'destruction' or 'pest' rather than 'beauty' or 'nature'.
- Deer are not native to Hawaii and were introduced by explorers and settlers, meaning there is no ancient, indigenous word for the animal.
Example conversation
Leilani and Keanu are walking in the woods.
- LeilaniKeanu, e nānā i kēlā helekī!Keanu, look at that deer!
- KeanuHe nani loa ia helekī.That deer is very beautiful.
- LeilaniE mālie, e hele mālie kākou.Be quiet, let's walk quietly.
- KeanuʻAe, e holo nei ka helekī.Yes, the deer is running away.
