MAUI—Contrary to popular belief and despite the similar spelling, the island does not bear the name of the demigod. The name of the island is pronounced mow-ee. This almost rhymes with an enthusiastic “WOWIE!” especially as a Virginian might pronounce it. The au must be treated in the fashion for Hawaiian dipthongs, that is, the crisp vowels are more loosely connected than in the English, and a slight accent is imposed on the leading one. The demigod’s name has three syllables, with accent on the second, i.e., the u. Thus, Ma-u’-i.
MAUNA—Mountain.
MAUNA HINA—Gray mountain.
MOI—Mo’i(A 19th Century word), King, queen, sovereign.
NAMANA O KE AKUA—Na mana o ke akua, the miraculous power, mana, of Deity, gods, or spirits.
NA PIKO HANA—The hiding place for navel cords.
NIANIAU—Ni’ani’au, the sword fern.
OILI PUU—’O’ili pu’u, hill appearing, hill shot out.
PALIKU—Pali ku, upright cliff.
POHAKU PALAHA—Broad stone; wide stone.