Koku'a (help) Hawaiian Phrases

Kona J

I am looking for traditional Hawaiian phrases or sayings in regards to "ocean currents," as well as "white caps"

Also I am open to phrases from Tahitian, New Zealand, or other nationalities.

I had Holmes' book The Hawaiian Canoe, but I loaned it out many years ago and
you know how that goes. As I remember there are some items in there. I also did a couple of searches on-line but didn't find much. I looked on Polynesian Voyaging Society's website as well. Many great things, but didn't see anything in relation to the specific terms I am looking for.

If you have a link, resource, or can post here or send me private message, that would be great.

Mahalo

Submitted by Kona J on Fri, 08/07/2009 - 7:06am

Shynoa

This is a really good resource.

http://ulukau.org/index.php?l=en

#1 Fri, 08/07/2009 - 9:17am

EddieHayward

Kona J-

Ke au nui: strong current
Ke au kai: sea current
Ke au moana: ocean current

Here on the North side of Hawai?i, in Kohala, where the wind blows best there is a place that is named Ke?eka. The meaning is " the sound of white caps." Kai Opua has a canoe named after the place since it was a regular raining ground for the Kai Opua womens, under Beanie in the early 2000, and won channels in that canoe
Kuakea: Kua meaning back and kea meaning white. I like this term because when steering you are always keeping a look out for the best back swell to hopefully get into the trough to get the extra push when paddling/racing. When incoorporated by wind ( kea, white caps ), it only makes the ride more enjoyable.

#2 Fri, 08/07/2009 - 9:29am

Kona J

Mahalo

#3 Fri, 08/07/2009 - 5:15pm

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