Wehewehe Wikiwiki Hawaiian language dictionaries

1. n., A native twining shrub, Alyxia olivaeformis. St. John, 1975a, described four forms of maile based on leaf size and shape. They are believed to be sisters with human and plant forms and are listed below. They were considered minor goddesses of the hula. Maile kaluhea is also believed by some to be a sister. The maile vine has shiny fragrant leaves and is used for decorations and leis, especially on important occasions. It is a member of the periwinkle family. Laka, goddess of the hula, was invoked as the goddess of the maile, which was one of five standard plants used in her altar.

• References:
  • See moekahi, māpu, palai #1, and chants, līhau and ʻū #1.
  • Neal 690–1.
  • PPN maile.

2. n., Maile sticks attached to the end of the ʻaukuʻu (pole) used for catching birds (the maile was gummed with lime, and birds perching on it were caught); name of a snare used in catching plovers around the leg; rod or wand used in the games of pūhenehene and ʻume; piece securing an ox's neck to the yoke.

Straggling, climbing vine noted for the fragrance of its leaves. The scent from its crushed leaves is used for kapa.

A favorite native plant (Alyxia olivaeformis). The fragrant bark of its stems and the fragrant, oval, pointed leaves with their vanilla-like odor are more or less indispensable at festive times for decorations and leis. It grows as a straggly, twining shrub in native forests of the lower and middle mountain regions. Much used in songs, hulas, chants, and dirges. Laka, goddess of the hula, was invoked as the goddess of the maile. (NEAL 690.)

Shrub (Alyxia olivaeformis), a favorite native vine noted for its vanilla-like odor and popular as a special lei for special people. (NEAL 690.) See Plants: Odoriferous for several compounds of maile.

perfumed vine.