Kukini
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In the Hawaiian language, kukini means "runner, swift messenger, as employed by old chiefs, with a premium on their speed." [1] In ancient Hawaii, Kukini were an elite class of men selected to undergo strenuous physical and mental training to become swift foot runners.[2] Such runners were used in battles, as messengers, spies, and as athletes in foot racing in the Makahiki games.[3] This term has become popular to use as a label for various things. For example, the shoe corporation Nike used the name Kukini for one of the models of their running shoes.[4] Also, Hickam Air Force Base's newsletter is named "Kukini," [5] as is the newsletter for the University of Hawaii at Manoa Library named Ke Kukini.[6]
[edit] References
- ^ Definition in Hawaiian Dictionary
- ^ Kukini on Ancient Trails in Hawaii (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources)
- ^ http://crm.cr.nps.gov/archive/20-1/20-1-3.pdf Brochure on Ala Kahakai as National Historic Trail, by Helene Dunbar
- ^ Nike Air Kukini : Trifuel Product page
- ^ Hickam Air Force Base - Kukini newsletter web site
- ^ Ke Kukini web site at the University of Hawaii
