So I'm Hawaiian Polynesian right, but only on my dads side (im a hapa haoli). But my dad isn't around, so I know nothing about the culture, and as I've gotten older I've wanted to learn more about it.

So I'll watch YouTube videos and read mythology and history books. So I was watching this YouTube video about every mythical inaccuracy in moana and the host said Moana means Ocean in Olelo. (also idk if I should use the accent marks when spelling this please tell me if i should next time I write it down) Which I knew that, I've know that for a while, but I don't know I just now know asked myself "Wait a second my name is Kai and that means Sea or Ocean but so does Moana?"

So what's the difference in the words Kai and Moana in the language? And as names too?

Please go as in depth as you can for this question, the more information I can get about anything Polynesian the better, thank you.

Youtube vid I was talking about : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvjeXN_BWkE

Hello! My brother wanted to get his first tattoo, and when he looked for ideas, he really liked the style of these tattoos, I've put some pictures as reference. We found out they're Polynesian armband tattoos, and we're not Polynesian, and doing a bit of research, it seems like they hold a lot of meaning and cultural significance. He wanted to know if it would be disrespectful of him to get this kinda tattoo. Not these exact ones, but this style, and inspiration, and elements. He looked into the meanings of some elements and symbols, and there's some that really resonate with him, but again, he's not sure if it would be disrespectful, so he wanted to ask actual Polynesians who know more about it. Please let me know, thank you so much! \(*＞∇＜)ﾉ

About 4 or 5 times a week I try and get out and walk from 4am to 6am. I’m (61m) and I can feel that I have strength to still get going. I can testify that just walking will help you with your stamina to do things thru the day.

I am planning a trip to Samoa in October. I've never been to Samoa and would like some tips on what to wear and how the weather would be and places to visits. I'm going to Apia, I wanted to visits the island and experience the culture and see how people are in happy Samoa. Any help would be appreciated.

So, like the title says, im a writer. Ive created a world where humans live alongside Creatures. It takes place in modern times, on earth. So, like some of the locations I have are NYC, Seattle, Paris, a remote part of the Honduras rainforest, but those are in other books. And, because im making a post about it, a fictional island chain within the Polynesian islands.

I didnt want to use a real one without being there, so I decided to create a new one. It is owned by an organization that acts as a "police force" for the Creatures, existing separately from regular police (because humans cant really contain the power of creatures).

To give a bit more background before I actually say what this post is about: ive taken Creatures from all sorts of lore from around the world. Ive got your standard witch, vampire, and werewolves. But ive also got lycans, banshees, and Pixies. Ive got Jorogumo and kitsunes, Naga and Nagual. Ive got kappas and centaurs and dhampirs. If it exists in lore, it exists (or used to, but is extinct) in this world.

So, with this island ive created, I wanted to take direct inspiration from other polynesian islands and cultures. But, I want to be as true to your culture as possible, so as not to risk disrespect or cultural appropriation. I want to display this culture as one to be respected and honored, but bringing in traditions that these people could have, dances, legends, anything you could possibly tell me.

I have done some research into the legends of the goddesses Namakaokahai and Pele, but i dont want to distort the story when incorporating it into my story.

Admittedly, the majority of this story will be told in the POV of an individual who is not polynesian.

If you have any insights, please send them my way!

Edit: just so I dont confuse anyone, the natives on the island will be taking their island back from the company that owns it.

Cause a lot of them sure do use the same tribal pattern tattoos like we do lol.

Just got these guys today and need help naming em. Definitely brother's. Any ideas?

I've been very interested in Polynesian culture for many years and am lucky enough to get to teach about it as a social studies teacher in the US. (I would love to talk through my lesson with another teacher from polynesia sometime to get some honest feedback but that's a separate thing.)

Someday I'd love to make it to the Pacific and explore the Polynesian triangle in one way or another.

The thing is I have zero interest in resorty, "sit in the sun and drink expensive cocktails" type vacations. What are the can't miss natural wonders, archeological sites, museums, cultural festivals that I should turn my attention to as I think about venturing out this way? Specifically anything related to wayfinding.

Been seeing some controversial businesses on tiktok lately and wanted to know what people thought about it! I saw a tiktok about a "Pasifika owned" Samoan clothing company for kids that was being promoted by two palagi women who co-own it with their Samoan husband(s?). The women said they were white but had Samoan partners/kids, and that the Samoans were the ones who designed everything, but it still kind of reminded me of Aroha clothing...

How do people feel? On the one hand, I love that pasifika culture is being platformed & accessible for people to buy. On the other hand, it feels wrong to have two white women profit off/be the face of our culture 😂 Am I crazy?

My family is pieced together of chosen, non blood family and kids that were raised in the foster care system. The concept of Ohana is dear to my heart. I would love a tattoo but do not share the culture. I wanted to see if this is acceptable. Thank you for your time. Please be blessed.

Sup

My dad was from Aotearoa and was genetically quarter Maori, but had no real connection to Maori culture (his dad was born from an extramarital affair). I grew up in Europe, after he moved there and met my mum. He ​​died a while ago and I've been thinking about having a tattoo that's tied to nz, and the only thing I can think of is a moko on like a shoulder or something. I feel a little weird about it, given how deeply it's tied to specific Maori practices that I don't have any plan on taking part in, ​​​but idk how much of the stuff that I've read about is still true today

So my actual question, what relationship do y'all (as in Maori) have with the tattoos nowadays, and how do you feel about people getting them to tie them to nz rather than specific Maori practices

Hi!

I’m writing lyrics for a prog-metal song, and need help with the pronunciation of an indigenous Polynesian phrase.

The phrase is “Ana-tahua-taata-metua-te-tupu-mavae”, which stands for the star Arcturus as well as “the pillar to stand by”. (From Makemson 1941.  The Morning Star Rises: an account of Polynesian astronomy)

The song I’m writing depicts an interstellar pilgrimage of sorts, so I felt that the phrase would be a perfect fit semantically. I’d very much love to include it in the lyrics.

In my understanding, the phrase originates from the Society Islands, and I believe it is Tahitian – please correct me if I’m wrong here!

I’d wish to use it as respectfully as possible, so it would be great if someone more experienced in Polynesian languages, or perhaps even a native speaker, could help me with the correct pronunciation.

What I’m looking for is an explanation of the correct pronunciation (syllable breakdown) or an audio example, which would be absolutely amazing!

Thanks for any guidance – I really appreciate it!

Kia Orana!

Hoping any Cook Islanders have some insight for a book I'm writing! One of my main characters is named Metua. She was born in the US, and her parents are from Cook Islands.

I'm curious if there are any common diminutives or nicknames for Metua that might be used by close family and friends? Also, are there common mispronunciations you might hear from non native speakers?

Any cultural insight or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!