pueo
/puˈe.o/
The Hawaiian word for owl is pueo.
pueo is a noun used to refer to the owl.
Meaning: bird (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /puˈe.o/.
Did you know?
- Some traditions hold that the pueo can take human form to communicate with people or protect a specific family line.
- While many cultures view owls as omens of bad luck, the pueo is more often regarded as a benevolent and helpful entity in Hawaii.
- The Hawaiian owl is a unique species that evolved in isolation, making the name pueo synonymous with a predator found nowhere else on Earth.
Examples in context
- He pueo kēia.This is an owl.
- Ua ʻike ʻia ka pueo.The owl was seen.
Example conversation
Leilani and Keanu are walking in the forest.
- LeilaniE nānā mai, he pueo!Look, an owl!
- KeanuAia ʻo ia i luna o ka lauʻe.It is on top of the leaf.
- LeilaniHale nani kēlā pueo.That owl is beautiful.
- KeanuʻAe, he pueo koʻikoʻi ia.Yes, it is a sharp owl.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “owl” translations and entries pueo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
