What is the Hawaiian word for race?

There isn't a direct equivalent to the English word "race" in Hawaiian. The concept of race as a rigid, biological classification is not a part of traditional Hawaiian culture.

Instead, Hawaiians have always focused on ancestry, lineage, and kinship. These are key concepts in their cultural identity. They have specific terms to denote different family lines, such as:

* ʻohana: family, extended family

* kūpuna: ancestor, elder

* kaʻāina: native, belonging to a specific place

* hui: group, association

In modern Hawaiian, you might use terms like:

* lāhui: nation, people

* ʻohana: family, community

* hui: group, association

These terms reflect a more fluid and inclusive understanding of identity, rather than a fixed categorization based on external features.

It's important to remember that language reflects cultural understanding. While "race" might be a common term in English, it doesn't neatly translate to Hawaiian. The Hawaiian language and culture emphasize connection and belonging, rather than rigid classifications.