Pōhaka: splotch, spot, dot; small area, as a bald spot; a spot in a design. “Koloa pōhaka” is descriptive of the Laysan duck’s white eye ring, as well as the white, splotchy coloration on the heads of both the male and female. The term “pōhaka” connotes “haka” which means to stare or gaze, and is descriptive of its eye ring making the duck appear alert, wide awake and ever vigilant. "Pō" can also refer to the region of Pō, the area of the Northwest Hawaiian islands where this species is found. Koloa translates to “Hawaiian duck” and pōhaka refers to the perceived stare they give, making the duck appear alert and vigilant, emphasized by their white eye ring. Pō could also be a reference to the region of Pō in Papahānaumokuākea.
