kanaka

Definition

A person of Hawaiian descent.

Etymology

1840. From Hawaiian kanaka (“person”), ultimately from Proto-Polynesian *taŋata.

Example Sentences

• "It was considered one of the nation’s strictest bans because of the reference to Kanakas – native Hawaiians – and because Nevada was the only other state to add Chinese."
• ""Who was the call from?" "I don't know. Sound like a kanaka though.” When Erin frowned, he added, “A Hawaiian, like me.”"
• "There remains one case to be considered, that of the deportation of the Kanakas who were introduced into Queensland for the purpose of work on the sugar plantations.[…]It was, however, felt in the south that a white Australia was essential, and the Commonwealth passed in 1901 an Act (No. 16) which arranged for the deportation of all Kanakas within a few years."