Question

There are different interpretations of the traditional name for the highest, largest mauna on Maui, but one thing they share is the incorporation of which element in the name of that mauna?

a) La, as in Sun
b) Mahina, as in Moon
c) Wai, as in Water
d) Kai, as in the Sea

Answer 1

The traditional name for the largest mauna on Maui incorporates c. 'wai,' which means water, as in its land division system called ahupua'a that emphasized the harmony of natural elements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The traditional name for the highest, largest mauna (mountain) on Maui incorporates the element 'c. wai', which means water. This is reflected in the names of many of the natural landmarks and divisions, such as the ancient ahupua'a, which integrated aspects of Hawaiian spirituality into the natural landscape, emphasizing the interrelationship of elements and beings.

The ahupua'a contained these interrelationships in the activities of daily and seasonal life. When considering the name Mauna Kea, it is actually the tallest mountain on Earth, surpassing even Mount Everest when measured from its base on the ocean floor. Mauna Kea also holds significance as a sacred site for native Hawaiians and is home to the world's largest observatory complex.