How to Say “Reef” in Hawaiian

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papa
The Hawaiian word for reef is papa.
The term refers to rocks located at or near the surface of the water.
Meaning: rocks at or near surface of the water (noun)

Did you know?

  • The word papa appears in the name of the primordial Earth Mother Papa in some Polynesian traditions.
  • The word papa can function as a verb meaning 'to slap' or 'to strike' a flat surface.
  • In a social context papa can refer to a 'class' or a 'grade' in a school setting.

Examples in context

  • Ke ala i mua o ka papa.
    The path is in front of the reef.
  • Hiki ke ʻike i ka papa ma luna o ka wai.
    The reef can be seen above the water.

Example conversation

Noelani and Ikaika are looking at the ocean from the beach.

  1. Noelani

    E nānā i ka papa!
    Look at the reef!
  2. Ikaika

    He nani ia papa.
    That reef is beautiful.
  3. Noelani

    Hiki pū iā kākou ke ʻike i nā iʻa.
    We can also see the fish.
  4. Ikaika

    ʻAe, he nui nā iʻa ma luna o ka papa.
    Yes, there are many fish on the reef.

Sources

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Leanne Judith
Leanne JudithHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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