Wehewehe Wikiwiki Hawaiian language dictionaries

v., To take care, as the kahu or nurse of a chief's child; applied only to chiefs. NOTE.—This is said to be a word peculiar to Oahu.

1. s., A nurse of a king's or a chief's child; e na haumana, ame na kumu, ame na hookapuhi, ame na kahu.

2. s., The kahu of an animal, as the master or owner of a dog; e imi ma ka hanuhanu ana ka ka ilio e loaa'i ka hookapuhi, to seek like the dog's smelling to find the master.

[From the old custom of feeding a species of puhi or eel—puhi uha or omole.]

1. n., A nurse of a king's or a chief's child; e na haumana, ame na kumu, ame na hookapuhi, ame na kahu.

2. n., The kahu of an animal, as the master or owner of a dog; e imi ma ka hanuhanu ana ka ka ilio e loaai ka hookapuhi, to seek as a dog seeks by smelling to find his master. See kahu.

v., [Hoo and kapuhi, a master, provider or guardian.] To feed a species of eel (puhi omole) an industry said to be practiced chiefly on Oahu.