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KALA

For the purpose of this project, "Kala" refers to organisms that are rough, sharp, or spiny.

Iʻa

Kala Lōlō

Kala Lōlō

Naso brevirostris

Paletail Unicornfish

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

Kala

Kala

Naso unicornis

Bluespine Unicornfish

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

Kala Holo/ʻŌpelu Kala

Kala Holo or ʻŌpelu Kala

Naso hexacanthus

Paletail Unicornfish

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

Kōkala

Kōkala

Diodon holocanthus

Spiny Porcupinefish

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

Kōkala

Kōkala

Chilomycterus reticulatus

Spotted Burrfish

Image Credit: Carlos Hernández-González

Kōkala

Kōkala

Diodon hystrix

Spotted Porcupinefish

Image Credit: David Fleetham

Leho ʻŌkala

Leho ʻŌkala

Cypraea granulata

Granulated Cowry

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

ʻŌpae Kala ʻOle

ʻŌpae Kalaʻole

Atyoida bisulcata

Mountain Shrimp

Image Credit: Cory Yap

ʻAlaʻihi Kalaloa

ʻAlaʻihi Kalaloa

Sargocentron spiniferum

Long-Jawed Squirrelfish

Image Credit: Francois Libert

Awa Kalamoho

Awa Kalamoho

Chanos chanos

Milkfish

Image Credit: Terry Lilley

Limu

Limu Kala

Kala/Kākalamoa

Sargassum polyphyllum

Variable Sargassum

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

Limu Kala

Kala/Kākalamoa

Sargassum obtusifolium

Ribbon Sargassum

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

Limu Kala

Kala/Kākalamoa

Sargassum echinocarpum

Prickly Sargassum

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

Pākalakala

Pākalakala

Galaxaura divaricata

Hairy Galaxaura

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

Pākalakala

Pākalakala

Dichotomaria marginata

Flat Galaxaura

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

Pākalakala/ʻŌkala

Pākalakala or ʻŌkala

Galaxaura rugosa

Stout Galaxaura

Image Credit: Keoki Stender

Limu Kala Wai

Kala Wai

Spirogyra spp.

Water Silks

Image Credit: Sarayuth Nutteepratoom

Lāʻau

Pua Kala

Pua Kala

Argemone glauca

Hawaiian Poppy

Image Credit: Molokai Seed Company

ʻĀkala

ʻĀkala

Rubus hawaiensis

Hawaiian Raspberry

Image Credit: Forest and Kim Starr

ʻĀkala

ʻĀkala

Rubus macraei

ʻĀkala

Image Credit: Forest and Kim Starr

ʻĀkala
ʻIlima Kū Kala
ʻUala Kala

ʻĀkala

Rubus rosifolius

Roseleaf Bramble

Image Credit: John Moss

ʻIlima Kū Kala

Sida fallax

Golden Mallow

Image Credit: David Eickhoff

ʻUala Kala

Ipomoea batatas kala

Sweet Potato

Image Credit: Aurora Kagawa-Viviani

Kalamoho Lau Liʻi

Kalamoho Lau Liʻi

Pellaea ternifolia

Trans-Pecos Cliff Brake

Image Credit: CA Clark, iNaturalist

Manu

Pākalakala

Pākalakala

Sterna lunata

Gray-Backed Tern

Image Credit: Kevin Rolle

Kaʻupuʻākala

Kaʻupuʻākala

Phoebastria albatrus

Short-Tailed Albatross (Juvenile)

Image Credit: Niegel Voaden

Māhele Kino

Kōkala Hala

Kōkala

Thorns on the edge of a Pandanus spp. leaf or an Ananas sp. leaf

Image Credit: Bawan Ari Purnawan

Kākala

Kākala

Caudal or anal horn on a caterpillar

Image Credit: Moths of India

Kākala

Kākala

Mature of a gourd, with a dry stem

Image Credit: Kalim Smith

Kākala

Kākala

The rostrum of a shrimp.

Image Credit: Doug Ducap 

Kākala

Kākala

Spines on fish fins

Image Credit: William Dwight Whitney 

Lalani Kalalea

Lalani Kalalea

The dorsal fin of a shark that protrudes out of the water

Image Credit: New Englad Basking Shark and Ocean Sunfish Project

Kākala

Kākala

Scalpel on the tail of surgeonfish (Acanthuridae)

Image Credit: David Fleetham

Kākala

Kākala

Horn of a fish (Surgeonfish, Cowfish, etc). 

Image Credit: Australian Museum

Hip-Bone-1024x709.webp

Kīkala

Hip, Coccyx Bone

Image Credit: Get Body Smart

Wahi Inoa (Place Names)

Anakuakala (Hawaiʻi, Puna, Keonepokonui) - Point

Kaihuakala (Maui, Hāna) - Trigonometrical Point

Kakalaoia (Hawaiʻi, Kona, Keʻei) - Point

Kakalaoia (Maui, Hāmākuapoko, Pāʻia) - ʻIli ʻĀina

Kakalaoia (Oʻahu, Kona, Honolulu) - ʻIli ʻĀina

Kakalaoia (Oʻahu, Koʻolaupoko, Waimānalo) - Islet

Kala (Oʻahu, Kona, Kalihi) - Lele

Kala (Oʻahu, Kona, Wailupe) - Kūʻula

Kala (Hawaiʻi, Kona, Keālia) - Waterhole

Kalāʻauʻōkala (Kauaʻi, Kona, Makaweli) - Kūʻula

Kalahaku (Oʻahu, Koʻolaupoko, Kahaluʻu) - Puʻu

Kalahaku Pali (Maui, Kula, Kalialinui) - Pali

Kalakiki (Oʻahu, Waialua, Kamananui) - Heiau

Kalaloa (Hawaiʻi, Puna) - Surfing Area

Kalaloa (Maui, Koʻolau, Honomanū) - Point

Kalanai (Oʻahu, Koʻolauloa, Lāʻie) - Koʻa

Kalapana (Hawaiʻi, Puna, Kalapana) - Ahupuaʻa

Kalapana (Hawaiʻi, Puna, Kalapana) - Village

Kalapueo (Oʻahu, Koʻolaupoko, Waimānalo) - Battle Site

Kalapuʻu (Lānaʻi, Kona, Kaʻā) - Puʻu

Kalawao (Hawaʻi, Kaʻū, Honuʻapo) - Boundary Point

Kalawao (Hawaiʻi, Kaʻū, Honuʻapo) - ʻIli ʻĀina

Kalawao (Hawaiʻi, Kohala, Pololū) - Boundary Point

Kalawao (Molokaʻi, Koʻolau, Kalawao) - Ahupuaʻa

Kalawao (Molokaʻi, Koʻolau, Kalawao) - Village

Kanipuakala (Molokaʻi, Koʻolau, Pelekunu) - Lele

Kaulepuakala (Molokaʻi, Kona, Kapualei) - ʻIli ʻĀina

Lāʻauʻōkala (Kauaʻi, Kona, Makaweli) - Moʻo ʻĀina

Lāʻauʻōkala (Kauaʻi, Kona, Makaweli) - Boundary Point

Mokulimukala (Hawaiʻi, Kona, Keauhou) - Rock

Nākalahale (Lānaʻi, Kona, Kamao) - Pali

Nākalaloa (Maui, Wailuku, Wailuku) - Stream

Nāpūmaiʻaʻākala (Hawaiʻi, Kaʻū, Puʻuʻeo) - Heiau

ʻŌʻōkala (Hawaiʻi. Hilo, ʻŌʻōkala) - Ahupuaʻa

ʻŌʻōkala (Hawaiʻi, Hilo, ʻŌʻōkala) - Village

Pahukīkala (Oʻahu, Kona, Kalihi) - Moʻo ʻĀina

Pākala (Maui, Kealaloloa, Olowalu) -  Beach

Pākala (Maui, Kāʻanapali, Honokahua) - ʻIli ʻĀina

Pua ʻĀkala (Hawaiʻi, Hilo, Pāpaʻikou) - Place

Puakala (Hawaiʻi, Hilo, Piʻihonua) - Stream

Puakala (Hawaiʻi, Kona, Keālia) - ʻIli ʻĀina

Puakala (Kauaʻi, Nāpali, Hāʻena) - Moʻo ʻĀina

Puakalanui (Maui, Mākena, ʻŌmaʻopio) - ʻIli ʻĀina

Puʻu Kala (Hawaiʻi, Kona, Puʻu Kala) - Point

Puʻu Kala (Hawaiʻi, Kona, Puʻu Kala) - Ahupuaʻa

Wahi (places) were very much considered as alive, with unique phenomena and characteristics encompassing the "placescape. Hence, the naming of places in Hawaiʻi was a very thoughtful, sensuous process, as are all other naming practices in Hawaiʻi. Place names were considered cultural reference points, often named for the resources present, historical events and genealogies (Louis 2011). Can you deduce why these wahi were named/partially named "Kala?"

Kakalaoia Islet (Oʻahu, Koʻolaupoko, Waimānalo)).

Image Credit: Linda Wong

Kalaloa Point (Maui, Koʻolauloa, Honomanū)

Image Credit: Bandit-One, Trip Advisor

Kalapana (Hawaiʻi, Puna, Kalapana)

Image Credit: Eden Zang

*Map Coming Soon*

EZDerYBUcAAjTJ2.jpeg

Kala

To loosen, release, absolve, free, and more!

Cultural Uses

Limu Kala/Kakalamoa

Limu Kala was used in a variety of ways, one of the most notable being in Hoʻoponopono, a process of prayer, self-scrutiny, repentance, restitution, forgiveness, and healing. It was a common belief for spiritual displeasure, jealousy, or even "sins." There are different versions of hoʻoponopono, but several of them involve the use of limu kala. As an example, one version, participants would each be given a piece of limu, prayers would be said, and each person would eat their limu following these prayers. In another version, the limu was used more symbolically. Participants would sit together in a circle, and during the ho'oponopono process, a piece of limu kala might be passed around. As it was passed from person to person, each individual would symbolically release their grievances and negative emotions, transferring them to the limu kala. The seaweed would then be thrown into the ocean, carrying away the accumulated negative energy and cleansing the participants of their conflicts and resentments In another version, participants would wear a lei of limu kala in the ocean and symbolically release their negative emotions when the currents took the limu lei, releasing the transferred emotions into the sea (Ornelas 2022, Paglinawan 2023, . This is also where the term "E kala mai" is derived from, releasing negative energy, which is translated as "Excuse me," or "Iʻm sorry."

Limu Kala was also edible, and was typically eaten with fattier meats. Some moʻolelo detail the use of limu kala as a form of sun protection.

Pua Kala/Pōkalakala

The Pua Kala, the Hawaiian Poppy, is in the Opioum family, though does not contain opioids like others in its genus. It does however offer similar medicinal benefits, such as the seeds and sap of the stalk being used as a narcotic and analgesic for toothaches, neuralgia and ulcers. The sap was also used to treat warts (Krauss 1993).

ʻĀkala

 Medicinally, the ash of dried ‘ākala stem and naupaka (Scaevola spp.) is used to treat kepia (dandruff). Further, the ashes of ‘akala stem and ripe he‘i (Carica papaya) were ingested as a treatment for umauma naha (burning effect in the chest) and hoaoa lua‘i (stomach ailment with vomiting) (Chun 1994). Non-medicinally, ʻĀkala was used primarily for its edible fruit (Handy et al 1972), and the rosy/pink colored dye obtained from the ripe fruit (Abbott 1992). ʻĀkala is also the term for "pink," emphasizing its significance as a dye plant. In a similar process to limu kala, ʻĀkala was also invoked by kahuna as a symbol of freeing during rituals. It was common for organisms that shared the same names to be used for similar functions, hence limu kala and ʻākala (Chun 1994)

ʻUala Kala

For pā‘ao‘ao (sickness or weakness in children) in babies, ‘uala kala leaves and leaf buds are mixed with pork and fed to the baby. To treat a similar illness in adults, one would add lū‘au leaves (Colocasia esculenta) and kukui nut sap (Aleurites moluccana). This mixture would then become a purgative for older children and adults (Chun 1994). 

ʻIlima Kū Kala

There are numerous forms of ʻIlima; ʻIlima Kū Kala is a taller form that grows on plains, typically between the kula uka and kula waena (upland to middle plains). Medicinally, to treat pū‘ao hā‘ule or pūʻao pelu (both of which refer to a fallen womb), the flowers are combined with leaf buds and flowers of the Pōpolo (Solanum nigrum), and dried Niu (Cocos nucifera). For the treatment of ‘ea (thrush/general term for sickness) and pā‘ao‘ao (sickness and weakness in children), the root bark was used with the flowers and leaf buds of ‘Uhaloa (Waltheria indica), flowers leaf buds, and stems of ‘Ala‘ala Wai Nui Pehu (Peperomia spp.), flowers, leaf buds, and leaves of Pōpolo (Solanum nigrum), Noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia), and Kō Kea (Saccharum officinarum). For nae (shortness of breath) and hano nae (asthma) the leaf buds, flowers and root bark are mixed with the root bark of the Pūkāmole (Lythrum maritimum), and Kō Honua‘ula (Saccharum officinarum) (Chun 1994:106–108). Non-medicinally, the buds of ʻIlima Kū Kala fed to very young babies. ʻIlima was also commonly used in lei, with some sources indicating these flowers were used in lei that were for the ali‘i (Degener 1930, but others asserting that this was not strictly true (Handy et al. 1972). Materialistically, the stems were used in house frames, and lashed together to encircle kalo mounds (hilled taro patches). The vines were made into rough basketry and floor covering under sleeping mats (Handy et al. 1972) and additionally placed on kuahu (hula alters) (Emerson 1909).

Iʻa Kala

All forms of kala as an iʻa (any marine animal, terrestrial animals with flesh, or any food eaten as a relish with poi) were considered edible, though some were known to make you sick if prepared incorrectly. These included: Awa Kalamoho, ʻAlaʻihi Kalaloa, ʻŌpae Kalaʻole, Kala, Kala Palaholo, Kōkala, Kala Uli, Kala Niau, Kala Pala, Leho ʻŌkala, and Limu Kala. For a full list of edible fishes, click on this link! Click here and here for specific moʻolelo that mention iʻa kala as a food source. 

 

Iʻa Kala was one of the fishes that did not have kapus (taboo, sanctions) placed on them. This was because during their spawning seasons, they went into hiding holes and did not emerge until their young had grown. For a brief description on the need for sustainable fishing practices, please see here. For a detailed description of fishing practices, please see here (note that this source is in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi). 

While Iʻa Kala can be found virtually anywhere in Hawaiʻi, some areas were more well-known for their kala than others. According to this source, Waihī, Kauaʻi was known for "nā ʻōpae kala kuahauli" (the dark, hard-shelled shrimps), and Keawaau (sp.?), Kauaʻi, was known for Kala Ihuloa (Naso brevirostris). Iʻa Kala is also mentioned in the story of Pahulu and Kaululāʻau, which takes place in Lānaʻi. The exact location is unclear, but can be assumed to be near Kuʻunaakoakua. Another moʻolelo details Kala being found in Makapuʻu on Oʻahu. 

In some moʻolelo, iʻa kala was seen as a sign/omen. In a moʻolelo about Kaiakea, a kuhikuhipuʻuone (soothsayer) to Kamehameha I, Kaiakea looked to the clouds to foresee the outcome of an upcoming battle. When he saw a cloud in the shape of a Kala fish, Kaiakea interpreted this as a victorious battle that would end quickly. Kaiakea would then pass this message onto Kamehameha I, who would go on to quickly defeat Kiwalaʻō. In a moʻolelo about Kinilau, a supernatural child of Kū and Kāneikapāpalahoʻomau, two forms of iʻa kala are mentioned. Kinilau can also refer to a large school of fish; in this moʻolelo a chant is composed in which many iʻa are mentioned, including kala and kōkala.

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau

34. Aia a wini kakala, a 'ula ka lepe o ka moa, alaila kau i ka haka.

Hoʻopukakū: When the spur is sharp and the comb red, then shall the cock rest on a perch.

Kaona: When a boy becomes a man, then shall he take a mate.

222. ʻAʻole e ʻike ia ke kākala o ka moa ma kāna ʻoʻō ʻana.

Hoʻopukakū: One cannot tell by his crowing what the cockʻs spur can do.

Kaona: One cannot judge by his bragging what a person can really do.

299. E hume i ka malo, e hoʻokala i ka ihe.

Hoʻopukakū: Gird the loincloth, sharpen the spear

Kaona: A call to prepare for war or to prepare for the project at hand.

417. Haki kākala o Piʻilani, ʻike pono o luna ia lalo.

Hoʻopukakū: Roughness breaks in Piʻilani, those above recognize those below.

Kaona: A storm breaks loose and those above-rain, lightning, thunder, wind-show their effects to the people below.

419. Hala i Kauaʻi i Kalalau.

Hoʻopukakū: Gone to Kalalau, on Kauaʻi.

Kaona: Said of one who is off-course mentally or is off gadding somewhere; a blunderer. A play on lalau (to go astray)

463. Hananeʻe ke kīkala o ko Hilo kini; hoʻi luʻuluʻu i ke one o Hanakahi.

Hoʻopukakū: The hips of Hiloʻs multitude were sagging as they returned, laden, to Hanakahi.

Kaona: Used to express the weight of grief, or to mean that a person has a heavy load to carry. Lines from a chant entitled, “Hoe Puna i ka waʻa.”

490. Hāʻulelau i o Kalalau, o Lūaliʻi la i Kauliʻiliʻi.

Hoʻopukakū: Hāʻulelau is at Kalalau, and Lūaliʻi is at Kauliʻiliʻi.

Kaona: Such a scattering all over the place, like fallen leaves with bits and pieces all strewn about. A play on hāʻule-lau (fallen leaves), kalalau (wander around), lūʻaliʻi (scatter in pieces), and kau-liʻiliʻi (a little here and a little there).

525. He ʻalaʻihi kalaloa e pau ai na lima i ke ʻekeʻeke.

Hoʻopukakū: An ʻalaʻihi kalaloa fish that makes one draw back his hands.

Kaona: A person that is not to be trifled with. The ʻalaʻihi have spiny fins that can pierce the hands.

555. Hea wawalo ke kai o ʻOʻokala.

Hoʻopukakū: The sea of ʻOʻokala sends forth an echoing call.

Kaona: Said in humor of any loud call. A play on ʻO (hail) and kala (proclaim).

663. He kākalaioa.

Hoʻopukakū: A kākalaoia plant.

Kaona: An unpleasant person. The kākalaoia (gray nickers) is a thorny plant.

706. He kui nao hemo ʻole i ke kala.

Hoʻopukakū: A screw that a screwdriver can not remove.

Kaona: A fixed idea in a stubborn mind; something that nothing can undo.

832. He naho manini mai kēia e loaʻa ai ka lima i kōkala.

Hoʻopukakū: There is a ledge under which the manini hides (and one should not be hasty lest) the land be poked by the sharp points on the dorsal fin.

Kaona: A boast. Also, a warning not to make trouble.

871. He ʻōpuʻu ʻoe, he kākala kēlā.

Hoʻopukakū: You are a bud, he is spurred.

Kaona: You are a cock whose spurs are just budding; he is a cock with spurs that are already strong. Said as a warning to a youngster not to challenge one stronger than he.

1080. Hoʻokāhi no makani ʻino o ke Kalakalaʻihi Kalaloa he hoʻonuinui ʻōlelo.

Hoʻopukakū: There is only one bad wind, the Kalakalaʻihi Kalaloa, which creates too much talk.

Kaona: Said of nasty words that start with dissension and argument. A play on kalakala (rough) and kala loa (very rough). First uttered by the lizard goddess Kilioe, who was trying to stir Pele to wrath by her insults.

1135. Huki ku i luna ka lae o Kalaʻau.

Hoʻopukakū: The point of Kalaʻau holds itself high.

Kaona: Said of an uncooperative person who wants his own way or of an egotistic, self-centered person. A Molokaʻi expression.

1193. I ka pali no ka hoa a hele, kalakala ke kua i ka ʻopeʻope.

Hoʻopukakū: The companion stays up on the hill and then goes, the back roughened by the load.

Kaona: Said of one who keeps at a distance and departs. Also said of luck that stays away like a disinterested friend, carrying its load of fortune away with it. This was first uttered by Lohiʻau in a chant when he failed to make a score in kilu.

1202. I ke alo no o ka lawaiʻa la a pūkē hewa na leho, haki wale na kakala.

Hoʻopukakū: It was right in front of the fishermen that the cowry shells came together violently and the spikes broke off.

Kaona: In spite of watchfulness, trouble occurs. The leho is a cowry-shell octopus lure fashioned with a spike on it.

1290. Ka hala lau kalakala o Wakiu.

Hoʻopukakū: The thorny-leaved hala tree of Wakiu.

Kaona: A boast about one who is not to be tampered with.

1421. Kalaʻihi ka lani, kūpilikiʻi ka honua.

Hoʻopukakū: When the day is stormy, the earth is distressed.

Kaona: When the chief is angry, the people are unhappy.

1427. Kala kahiko i au wale ai ka lā.

Hoʻopukakū: The sun has gone down long since.

Kaona: A reply to one who asks about something that took place a long time ago.

1432. Kalaoa ʻai pōʻeleʻele.

Hoʻopukakū: Kalaoa eats in the dark.

Kaona: The people of Kalaoa in East Hilo were noted for their lack of hospitality. To avoid having to ask visitors or passers-by to partake of food with them, they ate in the dark where they could not be seen.

1433. Ka lauaʻe ʻala o Kalalau.

Hoʻopukakū: Fragrant lauaʻe ferns of Kalalau.

Kaona: Makana and Kalalau, on Kauaʻi, were noted for the growth and fragrance of lauaʻe ferns.

1575. Ka ua Kukalahale o Honolulu.

Hoʻopukakū: The Kukalahale rain of Honolulu.

Kaona: The rain that announces itself to the homes by the pattering it makes on the roof as it falls. Often mentioned in songs.

1733. Ke kai piʻi kākala niho puaʻa.

Hoʻopukakū: The sea rises like a pointed hogʻs tusk.

1825. Kokolo no o pipipi, o kalamoe me ālealea a ke alo o Kuhaimoana.

Hoʻopukakū: Pipipi, Kalamoe, and ālealea crept to the presence of Kahaimoana.

Kaona: Kuhaimoana is an important shark god, and pipipi, kalamoe, and ālealea are shellfish. Said of hangers-on who gather around an important person for favors.

1903. Kukū a kākalaioa.

Hoʻopukakū: Thorny like the kākalaioa plant.

Kaona: Said of any unpleasant condition.

1908. Kūkulu kalaʻihi ka lā in Mānā.

Hoʻopukakū: The sun sets up mirages at Mānā.

Kaona: Said of a boastful person who exaggerates.

2117. Mālama i ke kala ka iʻa hiʻu ʻoi.

Hoʻopukakū: Watch out for the kala, the fish with a sharp tail.

Kaona: A warning to beware of a person who is well equipped to defend himself. The kala, a surgeonfish, has a spike near the caudal fin which it uses in defense.

2124: Mālia Hāna ke ahuwale nei Kaihuokala.

Hoʻopukakū: Hāna is calm, for Kaihuokala is clearly seen.

Kaona: Kaihuokala is a hill on the Hāna side of Haleakala. When no cloud rests upon it, it is a sign of clear weather. Also expressed Mālie Maui, ke waiho mai la Kaihuokala

2148. Mauna Loa kīkala nui.

Hoʻopukakū: Big-sterned Mauna Loa.

Kaona: The Mauna Loa was a ship that plied between the islands. The expression is applied in derision to a woman who is large in the rear. Also expressed, Mauna Loa Kīkala ʻŪpehupehu: swollen-sterned Mauna Loa.

2161. Moa kākala ʻole.

Hoʻopukakū: A spurless cock.

Kaona: A weakling.

2190. Molale loa no kumupali o Kalalau

Hoʻopukakū: Clearly seen is the base of Kalalau cliff.

Kaona: It is obvious that one is way off the subject. A play on lalau (to wander, err).

2287. Nāpelepele na pali o Kalalau i ka wili a ka makani.

Hoʻopukakū: Weakened are the cliffs of Kalalau in being buffeted by the wind.

Kaona: Said of one who is worn out.

2348. Nui kalakalai, manumanu ka loaʻa.

Hoʻopukakū: Too much whittling leaves only a little wood.

2414. ʻŌkala ka hulu o Hilo i ka wai.

Hoʻopukakū: The fur of Hilo bristles in the water.

Kaona: Sexual passion is rising.

2415. ʻŌkalakala heu pānini, ke piʻi nei koʻu maneʻo.

Hoʻopukakū: It is unpleasant here with fine cactus spines; I am beginning to itch.

Kaona: A taunt when someone loses his temper.

2416. ʻŌkalakala na hulu ʻauwae.

Hoʻopukakū: The hairs on his chin bristle.

Kaona: Said of an angry person who raves and rants.

2520. ʻOni kalalea ke ku a ka lāʻau loa.

Hoʻopukakū: A tall tree stands above the others.

Kaona: Said of a person of outstanding achievements.

2683. Pōʻina na lāʻau aʻa liʻiliʻi i ka ulu pū me ka puakala aʻa loloa.

Hoʻopukakū: Plants with fine roots are harmed when left to grow with the rough, long-rotted thorny ones.

Kaona: Weak-willed persons are often over-come and influenced by the wicked.

2729. Puka mai la ʻoe, ua kala kahiko i Lehua.

Hoʻopukakū: Now that you have come (what we had) has long departed to Lehua.

Kaona: Said to one who comes too late to share what his friends have had.

2748. Puna maka kōkala.

Hoʻopukakū: Puna of the eyelashes that curve upwards like the thorns of the pandanus leaves.

Kaona: The placenta of a newborn was buried under a pandanus tree so the childʻs eyelashes would grow long like the pandanus thorns.

Mele and Oli

There are several mele and oli that incorporates lyrics such as kīkala, mostly in regards to a woman or a hula dancer. Most of the mele that mention kīkala will be omitted. The mele and oli featured below are specific to the species and wahi mentioned on this website. 

ʻAi Kākou Me Ke Aloha

ʻAi Kākou Me Ke Aloha is an upbeat song, with the title translating to "Letʻs All Eat Together with Love." The lyrics speak of a talking story over a shared meal of fish, poi, limu, and beef stew. 

Aloha Ka Manini

Aloha Ka Manini is a song popularized by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. The song mentions several reef fish, such as the Kala, and demonstrates the great reverence, love, and gratitude Hawaiians had for their food. 

Anahola

Anahola is a homestead land on Kauaʻi, and Kalaea is a hill located in Anahola. Legends speak of a spear that was thrown at Kalalea, which pierced it, and created a hole, which was named "Konanaʻe." This spear was unfortunately dislodged by Hurricane ʻIniki, but can supposedly be found in a nearby stream.

Other songs that mention Kalalea include:

Kalalea

He Aloha Nō ʻO Honolulu

This song was composed by the renowned musician, Lot Kauwe, and is one of his most well-known compositions. In this song, Kauwe speaks of several wind, rain, and place names, in expressing his desire to return home from Honolulu to Kona. One of the names mentioned is "Kūkalahale," which is both a wind and rain in Honolulu. Kūkalahale is described as a rain that announces itself, and has very large, loud rain droplets.

Other songs that mention Kūkalahale include:

He Makana

Ka Lei Hoʻohie

Ka Pilina

Kamakahala

Kuʻu Lei Kiele

Nā Moku Kaulana

Nalaniʻehā

Nani Oʻahu

Pauoa Liko Lehua

Hole Waimea

Hole Waimea is a mele inoa (name chant) for Kamehameha I, and later was set to music by John Spencer. In this song, kala is used in the form of "kalaʻihi," referring to the hard, rigid trees that were made brittle from the cold winds of Mauna a Wākea. 

Kōkeʻe

Kōkeʻe is a song written by Dennis Kamakahi, a revered Hawaiian musician, songwriter, and slack-key guitar player. The song pays homage to the Kōkeʻe area, which is a region on the island of Kauaʻi. Here, kala is used in reference to "Kalalau," a valley at the base of Mauna Waiʻaleʻale. It is also presumed that Kalo Kalalau, a kupuna cultivar of kalo, is named after this valley.

Other songs that mention Kalalau include:

Nani Kauaʻi

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