These relationships were particularly cherished by aliʻi nui (chiefs) and the male and female kaukaualiʻi performing a hana lawelawe or expected service with no stigma attached.
[1] There were several Hawaiian terms to describe aikāne including hoʻokamaka and noho ai (a poetic form that translates to ‘one to lie with’).
[2] Moe aikāne were celebrated in many moʻolelo (legends and history), including the Pele and Hiʻiaka epics.
[3] The word and social category of aikāne refers to: ai or intimate sexual relationship; and kāne or male/husband.
Moe aikāne is distinct from māhū, a traditional Hawaiian term referring to individuals who have dual male and female spirit.