ʻīlioholoikauaua
The Hawaiian word for seal is ʻīlioholoikauaua.
This noun refers to a pinniped, such as a seal.
Meaning: pinniped (noun)
Did you know?
- The word ʻīlioholoikauaua is a compound phrase that literally translates to 'dog that hunts in the ocean waves'.
- The term uses the word ʻīlio, which means 'dog', highlighting how early observers categorized unfamiliar marine mammals.
- The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the rarest seal species in the world and is known locally as ʻīlioholoikauaua.
Examples in context
- Ua ʻike ʻia ka ʻīlioholoikauaua ma ke kai.A seal was seen in the ocean.
- He ʻīlioholoikauaua kēia.This is a seal.
- Ke ʻike nei au i ka ʻīlioholoikauaua.I see the seal.
Example conversation
Leilani and Kai are walking on the beach.
- LeilaniKai, e nānā i kēlā ʻīlioholoikauaua!Kai, look at that seal!
- KaiHe nui ia!It is huge!
- LeilaniE akala ʻoe he ʻīlio holo i ka ua.You would think it is a dog that swims in the rain.
- KaiʻAe, he ʻīlioholoikauaua maikaʻi kēlā.Yes, that is a great seal.
