hiilawe
hiilawe Lexical Profile
• noun
American A towering waterfall located in the Waipiʻo Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, recognized as one of the tallest waterfalls in the state with a total drop of over 1,450 feet.
"During our hike deep into the Waipiʻo Valley, we caught a breathtaking glimpse of Hiilawe plunging down the sheer, emerald cliff face."
American A classic traditional Hawaiian song (mele) composed by Sam Liʻa Kalainaina, Sr., that celebrates the beauty of the waterfall and recounts a legendary romance associated with the valley.
"The local musician tuned his slack-key guitar and began playing a beautiful, soulful rendition of Hiilawe."
Word Nuance & Usage
Properly spelled with the Hawaiian ʻokina as 'Hiʻilawe', the term refers primarily to the geographical landmark, but in cultural contexts often invokes the celebrated traditional song of the same name.
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Hawaiian language, combining 'hiʻi' (to carry) and 'lawe' (to take). The name refers to the legendary lifting and carrying of the waters that cascade into Waipiʻo Valley.