ahu ‘ula

A cloak made from a woven netting decorated with the colorful feathers of Hawaiian birds, many of which are now extinct. In Hawaiian culture, ‘ahu ‘ula (pl.) were symbols of rank and status, reserved for men of the chiefly class. The most valuable capes and cloaks were decorated entirely with yellow and red feathers. Pronunciation here. Video here.

cape‘Ahu ‘ula. Before 1861. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii.