kanaka

[ kuh-nak-uh, -nah-kuh, kan-uh-kuh ]

noun

, (sometimes initial capital letter)

1. a Native Hawaiian.
2. a South Sea islander.

Kanaka

/ ˈkænəkə; kəˈnækə /

noun

1. (esp in Hawaii) a native Hawaiian
2. often not capital any native of the South Pacific islands, esp (formerly) one abducted to work in Australia

Word History and Origins

Origin of kanaka¹

From Hawaiian: “person”

Word History and Origins

Origin of kanaka¹

C19: from Hawaiian: man, human being

Example Sentences

With a regular and plentiful supply of Indian coolies, the recruiting of kanaka labourers practically ceased.

From Project Gutenberg

The Kanaka in the prow gave the signal, and the boat backed into the monster wave just as it was about to break.

From Project Gutenberg

"The last boat that went out capsized," cried Bobby, gleefully taking her place behind the second Kanaka.

From Project Gutenberg

"New York," whispered a voice in the Kanaka's ear, and he repeated the word stammeringly.

From Project Gutenberg

At the polling desk Benito found himself behind a burly Kanaka sailor, dark as an African.

From Project Gutenberg