* "Place of the whenua" - This is the most common interpretation, where "whenua" refers to land or soil. This meaning implies a location with a specific type of land or soil, or a place where land is particularly important.
* "Land of the pā" - "Pā" can refer to a fortified village or settlement. This meaning could refer to a place where a pā once stood, or where the land is connected to a specific pā.
* "Place of the bird" - "Whenua" can also refer to a bird. This meaning is less common, but it could imply a place where a particular type of bird was common, or where the land is associated with birds.
It's important to note that the specific meaning of "Whenuapai" can vary depending on the context. It's often used as a place name, particularly referring to a suburb in Auckland, New Zealand.