Moe aikāne facts for kids

Moe aikāne refers to special friendships between people of the same gender in ancient Hawaiʻi. These friendships were very important, especially for the aliʻi nui (chiefs) and other important people in society. These relationships were accepted and respected, and there was no shame connected to them.

Moe aikāne friendships were often talked about in many old Hawaiian stories and legends, like the famous stories of Pele and Hiʻiaka. Many important chiefs, including Kamehameha I, had these special friends. Even visitors from other lands noticed these friendships. For example, Lieutenant James King wrote that chiefs had them and that it was a great honor if a chief asked to keep a visitor as a friend. These friendships were open and accepted, not kept secret.

What Does "Aikāne" Mean?

The word aikāne helps us understand these friendships. It comes from two Hawaiian words:

• ai: meaning relationship or connection.
• kāne: meaning male or husband.

In old stories and chants, women and goddesses, and even female chiefs, called their close female friends aikāne. For example, the goddess Hiʻiaka called her friend Hōpoe her aikāne. Later, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the word aikāne often just meant "friend" in Hawaiian books and newspapers. However, it could still mean a very close friend or even a partner without any negative feelings.

Friendships Through Life

Among men, these special friendships often started when they were teenagers. They could continue throughout their lives, even if the men also had wives. These relationships were a normal and accepted part of ancient Hawaiian culture.

Some people might think of moe aikāne as a community accepting different kinds of relationships. However, author Kanalu G. Terry Young explains that these friendships were simply part of the ancient Hawaiian way of life. They were seen as a natural part of a person's ʻano (their nature or character) and were not looked down upon.

Moe Aikāne and Māhū

It is important to know that moe aikāne is different from māhū. Māhū is another traditional Hawaiian term. It refers to people who have both male and female spirits within them.

See also

• In Spanish: Moe aikāne para niños