Pronunciation: [lˈɑːnjuːˌi] (IPA) 
The word "laanui" is a Hawaiian word that means "big avenue". Its spelling reflects the unique phonetic system of the Hawaiian language. In IPA phonetic transcription, "laanui" is pronounced as /lɑ:nu:i/. The first syllable "la" is pronounced as /lɑ:/, followed by the long vowel sound /a:/ in the second syllable. The final syllable "nui" is pronounced as /nu:i/, with the letter combination "ui" representing the diphthong sound /u:i/.
Laanui is a Hawaiian word that can be translated as "grandchild" in English. Derived from the root words "la", meaning "to possess" or "to take hold of," and "anui," meaning "great" or "large," laanui refers specifically to a grandchild, the child of one's son or daughter.
In Hawaiian culture, the concept of family and the importance of lineage and genealogy hold significant value. The term laanui acknowledges the special relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren, representing a sense of pride, love, and responsibility. It reflects the recognition of the "great" or "large" significance that grandchildren hold within the family unit.
Beyond its familial connotations, laanui also symbolizes the passing down of knowledge, traditions, and cultural values from one generation to another. As grandparents hold a revered role in Hawaiian society, they are often seen as a source of wisdom, guidance, and connection to ancestral roots. The term laanui encompasses these aspects, encapsulating the deep bond and the intergenerational exchange that takes place within Hawaiian families.
Overall, laanui is a powerful term that encapsulates the essence of grandparenthood, family ties, and the preservation of cultural heritage in Hawaiian tradition.
