noun. A percussion instrument made from hollowed gourds, often used to provide a beat for hula dancing.

"Yes, and careless that all should see his extended favour, I must dip into his pa paakai for my pinches of red salt, and limu, and kukui nut and chili pepper; and into his ipu kai "(fish sauce dish)" of kou wood that the great Kamehameha himself had eaten from on many a similar progress."