Glossary of Terms
ʻAhupuaʻa
Land Division usually extending from the uplands to the sea.
Aliʻi
Chief, chiefess, king, queen, noble, royal.
ʻAumakua
Personal family god.
ʻAuwai Kai
A saltwater ditch or channel used to manage flow within a fishpond system.
Hale
A house, building, or institution; traditionally built using thatched materials and stones.
Kai
Sea, sea water; area near the sea, seaside, lowlands; tide, current in the sea
Kiaʻi Loko
Guard or caretaker specifically responsible for the protection and management of a fishpond.
Koʻa
Coral or coral head. Also a shrine along the shore used in ceremonies to encourage fish to multiply.
Konohiki
The headman of an ahupuaʻa land division; a steward who manages land and water resources.
Kuapā
The characteristic stone wall of a Hawaiian fishpond that separates it from the outer sea.
Loko Iʻa
An advanced system of aquaculture unique to Hawaiʻi, managed for sustainable fish cultivation.
Makai
A directional term meaning toward the sea or ocean from wherever one is standing.
Mālama
The act of taking care of, preserving, or protecting natural resources for future generations.
Mauka
A directional term meaning inland or toward the mountains from one's current position.
Muliwai
The brackish water area where a stream meets the sea, serving as a critical nursery.
Puʻuhonua
A sanctuary or place of refuge; at Loko Ea, this refers to the floating islands that protect fish.
Puʻuone
Sand dune or heap.
Wai
Fresh water - Regarded as the source of all life, representing wealth and prosperity in Hawaiian culture.
