The Nomenclature Hui continues to push the agenda in resetting and reclaiming our ancestral spaces and familial relationships with the elements and species of Papahānaumokuākea. When naming, CWG members draw on their own experience from the place, research historical Hawaiian texts and taxonomic systems, or consult with kupuna. Through the Hui’s work, numerous bird, plant, limu, coral species, and wahi pana unique to PMNM now have Hawaiian names.
“Our naming process comes from our experiences in seeing, smelling, hearing, touching, and feeling with our naʻau, the relationships created from engaging with these organisms, and the realms in which they reside.”
- Nomenclature Hui
The Nomenclature Hui has given 70+ names to fish, seaweeds, corals, plants, birds, and wahi pana of PMNM. Explore this library and understand how Hawaiian language also thrives in Papahānaumokuākea through species names.
The name of the monument itself, Papahānaumokuākea, was given by CWG elder Dr. Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele, and tells the story of the union between two important primordial beings—Papa (Earth Mother) and Wākea (Sky Father). This union represents life, birth, growth, and regeneration.
