1. Hawaiian priests, healers, or experts in traditional practices
Usage: Hawaiian
2. important or influential people
Usage: informal

Examples

• The kahunas performed traditional healing ceremonies.
• Ancient Hawaiian kahunas were respected for their spiritual knowledge.
• The village kahunas guided important community decisions.
• He consulted with the local kahunas about the blessing ritual.
• The corporate kahunas made all the major decisions.
• She’s one of the big kahunas in the tech industry.