ʻuhane
The Hawaiian word for spirit is ʻuhane.
ʻuhane is the term for soul. In a more formal or specific spiritual context, other terms may be used to describe different types of spirit: Mana refers to spiritual energy, power or essence. Aumākua refers to ancestral or guardian spirits. And Kū refers to the spirit of strength and courage.
Meaning: soul (noun)
Did you know?
- An Aumākua is often not a human ghost but a spirit that manifests as a specific animal, such as a shark, an owl or a gecko.
- While ʻuhane is the soul, the word ha refers to the 'breath of life' and is central to a greeting where breath is shared.
- In Hawaiian tradition, the spiritual power known as mana can inhabit inanimate objects like tools or stones.
Examples in context
- He ʻuhane pono kona.His soul is good.
- He ʻuhane nani kēlā.That is a beautiful soul.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing spirituality in nature.
- KaiHiki pū iā ʻoe ke ʻike i ka ʻuhane?Can you also see the spirit?
- NoelaniʻAe, manaʻo au he ikaʻika ia.Yes, I think it is strong.
- KaiHe mea koʻikoʻi ka ʻuhane i ko mākou ola.The soul is important to our lives.
- NoelaniʻOia piko nō, e Kai.That is exactly right, Kai.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ʻuhane, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
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