kanaka

noun

Etymology: 1840. From Hawaiian kanaka (“person”), ultimately from Proto-Polynesian *taŋata.

1. A person of Hawaiian descent.

   “It was considered one of the nation’s strictest bans because of the reference to Kanakas – native Hawaiians – and because Nevada was the only other state to add Chinese.”

   “"Who was the call from?" "I don't know. Sound like a kanaka though.” When Erin frowned, he added, “A Hawaiian, like me.””

2. A South Pacific Islander, especially a labourer in Australia or Canada.

   “There remains one case to be considered, that of the deportation of the Kanakas who were introduced into Queensland for the purpose of work on the sugar plantations.[…]It was, however, felt in the south that a white Australia was essential, and the Commonwealth passed in 1901 an Act (No. 16) which arranged for the deportation of all Kanakas within a few years.”

   “The Kanaka at the wheel gave him a glance, but did not speak.”