ohana

Definition

An extended Hawaiian family unit.

Etymology

Borrowed from Hawaiian ʻohana (“family, kin”).

Example Sentences

• "[U]nder the leadership of Ka Lahui Hawai'i headed by attorney Mililani Trask, various Native Hawaiian organizations, ohanas, and individuals formed a loose coalition that some refer to as the Hawaiian Nation within a Nation."
• "The ancient Hawaiian society that began around the sixth century and lasted until around 1000 A.D. was based on the extended family group, the ʻohana, living and working cooperatively on the ahupuaʻa under the leadership of the most respected person in the group, the haku. Most members of the ohana were engaged in agriculture, some in fishing, and some were artisans who probably devoted most of their time to their crafts; undoubtedly others were all three."
• "Perhaps that is why Mr. Family celebrates the Hawaiian concept of ohana—not just family, but extended family. Through the characters of Mr. Family—Kal, Erika (who first appeared in The Third Christmas), Hiialo and their ohana—are purely imaginary, perhaps you can feel in these pages the love I've been fortunate to know."