1. River: This is the most common meaning of "kawa" in Māori. It refers to a river or stream.
2. Custom or Tradition: "Kawa" can also refer to customs, traditions, or protocols. This is a more abstract meaning and is often used in phrases like "tika" or "kawa" (right or customary).
3. Way: This meaning is similar to the second one, but it emphasizes the way things are done or the "right" way to do something.
4. Pathway: Less common, but "kawa" can also refer to a pathway or road.
To understand the correct meaning, you need to consider the context in which it is used. For example, if someone says "e hoki ana au ki te kawa" (I am returning to the river), then "kawa" clearly refers to a river. However, if someone says "e tika ana te kawa" (the custom is right), then "kawa" refers to a custom or tradition.