DCHP-1 Online
Kanaka [< Polynesian "man"] Hist. 
n. a native of the South Sea Islands, especially a Hawaiian in the service of the Hudson's Bay Co. on the Pacific Coast, most of whom settled in British Columbia.
- 1833 (1963) Our crew consisted of four Kanakas, stout fellows, who paddled lustily. . . .
- 1843 (1948) . . . and that [was] again corroborated by the deceased calling out to the Kanackas to fire on the Canadians. . . .
- 1958 The Islands have been a haven to . . . naval deserters, Kanakas, remittance men . . . and everyday fishermen.
- 1833 (1963) Our crew consisted of four Kanakas, stout fellows, who paddled lustily. . . .