is a Hawaiian term meaning "family" (in an extended sense of the term, including blood-related, adoptive or intentional). The term is cognate with the Māori word , meaning "nest".

The root word refers to the root or corm of the (taro) plant, the staple "staff of life" in Hawaii, which Kanaka Maoli consider their cosmological ancestor.

Usage

In Hawaii

  • In contemporary Hawaiian real estate jargon, an " unit" is a type of secondary suite. It may be part of a house or a separate structure on the same lot, and is intended to house a relative; it may not be rented to the general public.
  • The Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu's Office for Social Ministry runs a food and housing program for vulnerable individuals and families called "ONE ʻOHANA: Food and Housing for All".

The word was popularised by Disney's 2002 film Lilo & Stitch and serves as the central theme throughout its franchise: "Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind—or forgotten."

ʻOhana is used again in the 2025 live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. In this film, the concept extends beyond biological family to include supporting characters David Kawena and his grandmother Tūtū, who eventually adopt Lilo themselves. Their adoption is referred to as "hānai" or "hānai-ohana", a form of adoptive relationship in Hawaiian tradition, as referenced by the character Mrs. Kekoa.

See also

  • (social support groups)
  • bar

References

  • City & County of Honolulu 2003, Land Use Ordinance

Citations