palikai

Palikai is a term that can refer to several distinct things, primarily in the context of Hawaiian culture and language. One common meaning of palikai is a type of shallow, flooded taro patch, specifically one that is used for cultivating rice. These taro patches, or loʻi, are a traditional Hawaiian agricultural system. The term palikai emphasizes the waterlogged nature of these fields.

In another context, palikai can also refer to a small fish found in Hawaiian waters. This usage is less common than the agricultural one, but it is still recognized. The specific species of fish referred to by palikai can vary depending on local usage and the specific type of small fish being identified.

Furthermore, palikai can be a Hawaiian surname. As with many Hawaiian place names and terms, these often became surnames over time. The prevalence of the surname Palikai is found within families of Hawaiian descent. The meaning of the surname, if directly linked to the other definitions, is not definitively established and can carry familial significance beyond its literal translation.