honu
/ˈho.nu/
The Hawaiian word for tortoise is honu.
honu refers to a land-dwelling reptile. While 'honu' is the most common word for a turtle, it is frequently used to refer specifically to the sea turtle rather than a land-dwelling tortoise.
Meaning: land-dwelling reptile (noun)
Which one should you use?
In Hawaiian, honu is frequently used to refer specifically to the sea turtle rather than a land-dwelling tortoise.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈho.nu/. The first of the two syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, the honu is regarded as a 'aumakua', or a family guardian spirit, that guides travelers safely across the ocean.
- The evolution of honu from the Proto-Oceanic *poñu shows how a single ancient word traveled across the ocean to become the Hawaiian term we use today.
- Because the honu is considered a symbol of longevity and good luck, it is a common motif in Hawaiian art and traditional tattoos.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Noelani are looking at an animal in a garden.
- IkaikaHe honu kēlā?Is that a tortoise?
- NoelaniʻAe, he honu kēlā.Yes, that is a tortoise.
- IkaikaHāmau loa ka honu!The tortoise is very quiet!
- NoelaniHiki ia e holo akaka.It can walk slowly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry honu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries honu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
