Kanaka Maoli vs. Kanaka ʻŌiwi

While Kanaka is the shorthand, you will often hear two longer terms used to describe Native Hawaiians. They are often used interchangeably, but their deeper meanings differ:

1. Kanaka Maoli (The True Person): Maoli means "true," "real," or "genuine." This is the most common formal term for the Indigenous people of Hawaii, literally "The Real People."

2. Kanaka ʻŌiwi (The Bone Connection): ʻŌiwi is a more poetic term derived from the word Iwi (Bone).

• In Hawaiian culture, your iwi (bones) are your spiritual core and connection to the ancestors.
• To be Kanaka ʻŌiwi means you are "of the bones" of this land, your ancestors are buried here, and you are physically part of Hawaii.

Local Humor: You might hear playful variations in local Pidgin jokes, such as "Tanaka Maoli" (referring to locals of Japanese descent who act Hawaiian) or "Kanaka Haole" (a local white person), but most acceptable is "Native Haole". These are puns, not official terms!

Global Warning: Remember, in Australia, "Kanaka" is a derogatory slur with a painful history. In Hawaii, it is a word of pride. Context is everything.