honu
/ˈho.nu/
honu is the Hawaiian word for sea turtle.
honu refers specifically to a sea turtle.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈho.nu/.
Did you know?
- The honu is often depicted in traditional Hawaiian art as a guide for souls returning to their ancestral homeland of Kahiki.
- The term honu descends from the Proto-Austronesian root *pəñu, showing a shift from a 'p' sound to an 'h' sound over millennia of linguistic evolution.
- Because of their sacred status, it is a deep cultural taboo to harm or disturb a honu, a sentiment that mirrors modern legal protections in Hawaii.
Examples in context
- Ua ʻike au i ka honu.I saw a sea turtle.
- He nani kēia honu.This sea turtle is beautiful.
Example conversation
Leilani and Keanu are walking along the beach.
- LeilaniKeanu, e nānā i ka honu!Keanu, look at the sea turtle!
- KeanuHe honu nui kēla!That is a big sea turtle!
- LeilaniHe nani ka honu.The sea turtle is beautiful.
- KeanuʻAe, he nani loa.Yes, it is very beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry honu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries honu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
