Hawaiian Word of the Day: November 18th

By Leilani Poli`ahu • Nov 18, 2020

Puʻuwai is Hawaiian for heart. And while it is often used as a center of emotions, that is probably a Western concept. The earliest reference to the heart in that context was in 1853.

Tags: 
HWOTD
hawaiian
Word

Related Content

Manu Minute: 'Akiapōlā'au, The Would-Be Woodpecker

By Savannah Harriman-Pote & Patrick Hart & Ann Tanimoto-Johnson • Nov 18, 2020
Ann Tanimoto-Johnson

'Akiapōlā'au get the most buzz about their beak, which is uniquely adapted to their insectivore diet.

First, they use their strong lower bill to peck holes in tree branches. Then, they use their decurved upper bill to forage for insects and larvae within the branch. If you happen upon this "Hawaiian woodpecker" at lunchtime, you might hear the tap-tap-tap sound of their beaks pecking at the trees as they hunt for food.