Expert: Malia - 9/5/2008

Question
Aloha Malia,

What does Mahea mean.....???   I am an artist wanting to know how to write (Full Moon) in the Hawaiian language.

Warmest Alohas'

Clint

Answer
Aloha Clint,
the name for moon is "mahina" that is the most common name even though Hawaiians have a different name for the moon every night of the month.
"Mahea" means "what" as in "what's happening"?
Now as for full moon "Hilo" just as the town on the Big Island is the name for the first night of the full moon but that name is mostly associated with the town whereas mahina is moon.
Hope this helps
Malia