Hawaii and Aotearoa (New Zealand) are two island groups that anchor the Polynesian Triangle. Their connection is more than an imaginary line drawn across the Pacific Ocean; there is a cultural bond with similarities in both language and tradition.

In Hawaiian, it’s ohana and aloha. In Maori, it’s whanau and aroha.

It’s why Ashleigh Karaitiana didn’t need a translator when coming to play basketball for the Rainbow Wahine. The New Zealand-born, Austrialia-raised senior guard felt at home the instant she made her recruiting visit in 2011, the deal sealed when watching Hawaii defeat Utah State in overtime on Senior Night at the Stan Sheriff Center.

"My dad didn’t think Hawaii was a place to be serious, both for basketball and school," said Karaitiana, who is of Maori ancestry. "But we got to know the staff, got a feel for the school and the program. Watching them win in overtime on Senior Night was exciting for me and my dad. It was definitely a sealer."

Shawna-Lei Kuehu felt the connection as well. The sixth-year senior guard was a redshirt freshman when Karaitiana made her visit and "I knew from the moment I saw her that we wanted her to play here," Kuehu said. "It was her personality. It was the Hawaiian-Aotearoa connection, what ohana meant to her, what aloha meant to her.

"It translated well."

So did Karaitiana’s game. She cut her teeth on gym floors, watching her father Hoani play and coach years before officially taking up the game at age 10.

Her dual citizenship allowed her the choice — a difficult one — to play for either New Zealand or Australia. Karaitiana chose Australia for the higher level of competition. The country reciprocated by choosing her for a number of select youth teams, including the Under-19 national squad that toured Europe and China, and competed in the World Championships in Chile.

"It was a hard decision," the 22-year-old said. "I love New Zealand. That’s my home. I love my country, I love my culture.

"But Australia provides more opportunities in many areas. It’s why my family moved and it’s probably the reason I’m at the level I am."

Likely the reason for her versatility. At 6-feet, Karaitiana played small forward for Australia and, although the UH roster lists her at guard, she’s very capable of sliding down on post defense.

"What’s not to like," said Wahine coach Laura Beeman, who inherited Karaitiana when she replaced Dana Takahara-Dias three years ago. "A 6-footer with ball-handling skills, passing skills, who defends the perimeter, hits the 3, runs the floor well …

"I still think she was 5-10 when I met her. She has grown and, to me, she looks bigger every day."

Beeman might be projecting that physical growth to Karaitiana’s growth personally and on the court. Due to NCAA rules, Karaitiana had to sit out the 2011-12 season and "you could see that first year (2012-13) she was still trying to get her sea legs back underneath her," Beeman said.

"When shooters have consciences, they can hold on to that missed shot. Where I’ve seen her growth is she doesn’t have that conscience any more. She feels very comfortable about shooting and missing shots because she can forget about it and take that next shot, knowing that it will go in."

The reigning Big West Sixth Man of the Year hit a team-high 39 3-pointers last season, including going 6-for-9 from behind the arc in last year’s overtime loss to CSUN. She leads Hawaii with 25 treys heading into Thursday’s conference game with UC Santa Barbara, and also leads the Wahine in minutes (31.7 mpg), coming off the bench in all but one game this year.

Karaitiana also leads the team in drawing charges. Her quick feet allow her to establish legal guarding position and, more often than not, she has gotten the call.

"She definitely has that charge down," Beeman said.

"I’ll put my body on the line for this team, do whatever is needed on defense," Karaitiana said. "Sometimes, I’m not sure if I got there in time and it’s, ‘Please, please, give me the call.’

"Other times I know. ‘Ha, I got you.’"

Karaitiana, who is related to former Wahine Tania Brunton Tupu, is hoping to get another year of eligibility. She has applied to the NCAA to regain the year she lost sitting out as a true freshman.

"There is no guarantee so I am going to enjoy this year as long as I can," she said. "This is my favorite team I’ve played with since I’ve been here. The chemistry is really good on the court, and off the court it’s great. No drama.

"It’s a great bunch of girls and I want to go all the way with them."

Karaitiana said she misses her family but doesn’t get homesick. It’s helped that she has connected with relatives on the North Shore as well as having a permanent reminder on her foot.

It was her younger brother’s 21st birthday gift to her, a tattoo they got together. It combines the culturally significant ponga — New Zealand silver fern — with a traditional Maori design.

It keeps her connected to him and to Aotearoa always. Even an ocean away.