heʻe
/ˈhe.ʔe/
The Hawaiian word for octopus is heʻe.
heʻe is the noun used to refer to the mollusc known as an octopus.
Meaning: mollusc (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from a verb meaning to crawl, slip or glide, which describes the way an octopus moves.
How do you pronounce it?
Two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈhe.ʔe/.
Did you know?
- In some Polynesian contexts, the concept of 'descending' or 'dripping', seen in the Māori heke, shares the same ancient root as the Hawaiian word for octopus.
- The word heʻe is an example of how Hawaiian describes animals by their most distinct action rather than their appearance.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the heʻe is often viewed as a creature of intelligence and stealth, reflecting the 'gliding' motion implied by the word's roots.
Examples in context
- He heʻe kēia.This is an octopus.
- Ua ʻike au i kahi heʻe.I saw an octopus.
- He nui nā heʻe i loko o ka wai.There are many octopuses in the water.
Example conversation
Malia and Ikaika are snorkeling in the ocean.
- MaliaIkaika, e nānā i ka heʻe!Ikaika, look at the octopus!
- IkaikaHe nani loa ia.It is very beautiful.
- MaliaKe holo nei ka heʻe.The octopus is moving.
- IkaikaUluʻu ia i loko o ka pili.It is hiding in the coral.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “octopus” translations and entries heʻe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries heʻe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
