honu
/ˈho.nu/
The Hawaiian word for turtle is honu.
The term honu refers to a land or marine reptile with a shell, commonly known as a turtle.
Meaning: land or marine reptile with a shell (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈho.nu/.
When do people say it?
The term honu is widely used and recognized throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian culture, the honu is regarded as a 'aumakua', or ancestral guardian spirit, that guides travelers safely across the ocean.
- The ancestor of honu can be traced back to the Proto-Austronesian word *pəñu, a linguistic root that spans from Madagascar to the Pacific islands.
- In Hawaii, it is a common cultural practice to treat the honu with deep respect, and harming one is traditionally seen as bringing bad luck.
Examples in context
- Honu neʻepū ka ʻāina.The land moves like the turtle.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use honu in a comparison.
- He honu kēia.This is a turtle.
- Ua ʻike ʻia ka honu.The turtle was seen.
Example conversation
Ikaika and Malia are walking along the beach.
- IkaikaMalia, e nānā i ka honu!Malia, look at the turtle!
- MaliaHe honu nani kēlā.That is a beautiful turtle.
- IkaikaKe holo nei ʻo ia i ka kai.It is going into the sea.
- MaliaHe mea kupaianaha kēlā.That is wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “turtle” translations and entries honu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries honu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
