Hawaiian words of the day for Feb. 2: hōkū welowelo

We picked today’s “Hawaiian words of the day” in honor of the rare green comet that last night flew by Earth at its closest distance in 50,000 years.

Hōkū means star. Welowelo means floating or streaming. Together, hōkū welowelo means shooting star or comet.

For a “Hawaiʻi Five-O” episode called “Hoku Welowelo,” the producers called the translation “fire in the sky.” In that Season 4 episode, which originally aired in 2017, Five-O investigates a triple homicide connected to a downed top-secret Chinese satellite.

Hōkū Welowelo also is the name of a craft fresh hop IPA that was introduced in 2020 by Pono Brewing in Portland, Ore. The company says it is made with “fresh Comet hops that impart tropical fruit, citrus and floral flavors and aromas. We hope you enjoy it as much as we loved making it.” But donʻt try to get some now. The beer flavor currently is unavailable.

“Hōkū Welowelo” also is a song released in 2016 by Kūpaoa on their “Hoʻokele” album.

Eight years earlier, “Hōkū Welowelo” also was a song released by Hema Paʻa on the album Two Voices, One Heart.

Editor’s Note: Each day in February, we have a new “Hawaiian Word of the Day” during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Language Month. Check out the other words of the day on the Big Island website by clicking here.