Ohana facts for kids

Ohana is a special idea from Hawaii. The word ʻohana means family in the Hawaiian language. But it's a much bigger idea than just your close relatives. It includes your cousins, in-laws, friends, and even neighbours. The main idea is that everyone in your ʻohana is connected. They should work together and always remember each other.

Where the Word Ohana Comes From

The word ʻohana has interesting roots. It is similar to the word whānau, which means the same thing to the Maori in New Zealand.

The Hawaiian word ʻohana also comes from ʻohā. This word means the root of the taro plant. The taro plant is very important in Hawaiian culture. It has been a main food source for a long time.

Ohana in Popular Culture

The idea of ʻohana became very famous because of the Disney animated movie, Lilo & Stitch. In the movie, a famous line says: "ʻOhana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten.".

The movie's director, Dean DeBlois, shared how they learned about ʻohana. When the movie makers visited Hawaii to get ideas, their tour guide explained it to them. The guide seemed to know everyone they met. He told them that this connection was part of ʻohana. The movie creators loved this idea so much that it became a main part of the story. It even helped change Stitch, a character who was made to destroy things.

See also

In Spanish: Ohana para niños