kumu

Local Word of the Day

is "kumu." Locals know this word to mean teacher. But in essence it is much more. It can also mean the source, like in the Hawaiian origin chant, the Kumu lipo. So if you're learning hula, your kumu hula should be given proper respect because he/she is the origin of your knowledge. Kumu (with the long sound over both "u"s) is the prized, red goatfish fishermen and divers hunt for endlessly.