Molokaʻi
1. n. name of a Hawaiian island. see song, hapenuia. 2. placename. island, 38 miles long, 10 miles wide, 261 square miles in area, and having a 1970 population of 5,261. District, forest reserve, lighthouse, high school, airport, and hospital. Poetic names are Molokaʻi nuiaHina (great Molokaʻi, child of Hina) and Molokaʻi puleoʻo (Molokaʻi, powerful prayer). In legends Hina was the mother of Molokaʻi. The island was noted for sorcery and sports. (Elbert and Mahoe 78-79.) 3. n. a variety of sweet potato.
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1676
Ke ala pūpū i Molokaʻi.
The path of seashells of Molokaʻi.
[Among the noted things made by Kihaapiʻilani, ruler of Maui, was a paved road lined with seashells at Kaluakoʻi, Molokaʻi.]
1763
Ke kū nō a Maui; ke kiʻei nō a Lānaʻi; ka moe nō a Molokaʻi; ka noho nō a Oʻahu.
[Said of people who stand about, look on, go to sleep and sit around, but who do not lend a hand with work.]
2191
Molokaʻi ʻāina o ka ʻehaʻeha.
Molokaʻi, island of distress.
[This expression came about after the establishment of the leper colony there. It refers to the separation of loved ones, the ravages of the disease, and the sad life in the early days at Kalawao, when so much was lacking for the comfort of the patients.]
2192
Molokaʻi koʻo lāʻau.
Molokaʻi of the canoe-poler.
[The reef at the southern shore of Molokaʻi extends out as far as one-half mile in some places. At low tide the water is no more than eight feet deep. Because it is so shallow, the people could propel their canoes with poles.]
2193
Molokaʻi kuʻi lāʻau.
Molokai, pounder of medicine.
[The kāhuna of Molokaʻi were said to be experts in compounding medicines and poisonous potions. Also, a stick dance bore this name.]
2194
Molokaʻi nui a Hina.
Great Molokaʻi, land of Hina.
[The goddess Hina is said to be the mother of Molokaʻi.]
2195
Molokaʻi pule oʻo.
Molokaʻi of the potent prayers.
[Molokaʻi is noted for its sorcery, which can heal or destroy.]
2315
Niniu Molokaʻi, poahi Lānaʻi.
Molokaʻi revolves, Lānaʻi sways.
[A description of the revolving of the hips and the swaying movements in hula.]
