Wehewehe Wikiwiki Hawaiian language dictionaries

1. Reduplication of ʻaki #1; to nibble, as a fish; constant snapping at, attacking.

• References:
  • PPN katikati.

2. n., Seashore rush grass (Sporobolus virginicus 🌐), a coarse grass growing on sandy beaches; used to exorcise spirits.

• Related:
  • Also: mānienie ʻakiʻaki, mānienie māhikihiki, and mānienie maoli.
• References:
  • Neal 66–7.

3. n., A kind of coarse red seaweed (Ahnfeltia concinna) which because of its toughness must be eaten in little bites; a good source of carrageenin, a colloid.

• Related:
  • Called ʻeleau on Maui.
• References:
  • KL. line 41.

To nibble, snap, attack, as a fish. (CMH.)

Seashore rush grass (Sporobolus virginicus). A coarse grass growing on sandy beaches, said to have been used by exorcists. (NEAL 66.) See mahiki, mānienie ʻakiʻaki, m. haole, m. maoli.

Succulent, brittle, brownish-red alga (Ahnfeltia concinna), thus called on Hawaiʻi and Maui; perhaps called kōʻeleʻele on Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi; ʻeleau was its name on Maui. Grows on lava. A popular food with raw fish, as a relish and in soup. A good source of gelatin.

To pilfer, nibble; to bite in two; to bite again and again.