The Hawaiian language is a beautiful, melodious, version related to other Polynesian languages. Although spoken infrequently, except on the island of Ni’ihau, Hawaiian words are present everywhere and can be intimidating to visitors. When we first moved to Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island from the mainland USA, we were embarrassed to attempt to speak many of the words and found we had difficulty in everyday conversations. We made ourselves (Haole) students of the language and listened carefully to each of the place names and words as spoken by others and on TV. We quickly discovered that there seem to be many variations on how certain words are pronounced. For many of the words, including the names of most of the islands, two or more forms are considered acceptable. Additionally, even many of the local Hawaiians do not always correctly pronounce the words. As happens in all cultures, people tend to take shortcuts and slur over many words.

The Hawaiian people tend to be very forgiving and accepting of all outsiders. Anyone who shows an interest in learning the language and culture tends to be embraced. In general, if you speak a Hawaiian word with a smile and Aloha, it’s OK you can’t be wrong.

This website was started with the idea that visitors would like to hear the words spoken out loud. There are many Hawaiian language sites but I was only able to find one or two that actually gave examples where the words could be heard out loud. I do not profess to be an expert, by any means. What I hope to provide is a site that will enable visitors to, at least, get a close proximity to how each word should be pronounced. I offer this site from one who loves Hawaii, it’s culture, people, and language. Although I will never have Hawaiian blood, I am proud to be Kama’aina and a student of the language.

First, some basics of the Hawaiian language. The 5 vowels a,e,i,o and u as well as the 7 consonants h,k,l,m,n,p, and w make up the entire Hawaiian alphabet. In the Hawaiian language a consonant is always followed by a vowel which also means all Hawaiian words end in a vowel.

Names and words are more easily pronounced when they are broken down into single syllable chunks. Sometimes the letter W is pronounced the same as V as in the traditional pronunciation of Hawai’i which is phonetically pronounced huh-vi-ee rather than huh-why-ee. Both versions are considered acceptable.

Vowel Pronunciation:
a    ”ah”
i    ”ee”
u     “oo”
e      ”eh”
o    ”oh”

Stressed vowels:
a – ah, as in car: aloha
e – a, as in may: nene
i – ee, as in bee: honi
o – oh, as in so: mahalo
u – oo, as in spoon: kapu

Unstressed vowels
a – a, as in about: ali`i
e – eh, as in met: kane

In the Hawaiian language a symbol directly over a vowel called a kahakô indicates that the vowel sound is to be elongated. A apostrophe like symbol called an `okina indicates a quick pause in the word, as in “ah-ah” for the word a`a. Note: These Hawaiian vocabulary words have not been written with the use of the correct kahakô markings due to the absence of a Hawaiian font.

Essential Hawaiian Words:

Anyone coming to Hawaii should know the following words used frequently:

• Aloha–Love, affection, hello, goodbye
• Mahalo–Thank You
• Makai–towards the sea
• Mauka–towards the mountain
• E Komo Mai–Welcome
• Pau–done, finished
• Aina–Land
• Akamai–Smart, clever
• Ali’i–Chief
• Hana–work
• Hana hou–Encore, do it again
• Pau Hana–Work is done
• Hale–House
• Haole–person of Caucasian ancestry
• Honu–turtle
• Hula–Hawaiian dance
• Kahuna–Expert, a priest or minister.
• Kane–Man
• Kama’aina–”one of the land”. Native-born. Often used to refer to anyone who lives in Hawaii.
• Keiki–Child, children
• Kupuna–Grandparent, ancestor
• Tutu–Grandmother or Grandfather
• Ku’uipo–sweetheart
• Kapu–forbidden. Do not enter.
• Ke’aloha–Love is all around.
• Kokua–Help, aid, provide assistance.
• Kuleana–Responsibility
• Lanai–porch
• Lei–A necklace of flowers
• Luau–Hawaiian feast or party
• Malama–To take care of, to tend.
• Maika’i–Excellent, goodness. Sack and Save grocery has a Maika’i discount card.
• Malihini – newcomer, visitor
• Ohana–Family, kin, relative
• Ono–Good or tasty
• Paniolo–Hawaiian cowboy
• Poi–A paste made from Taro root. One of the mainstays of the Hawaiian diet.
• Pokalolo–Slang for Marijuana
• Pupu–Snacks or appetizers
• Wahine–Woman, female
• Pupule–Crazy
• Uku–fleas (as in ‘undesired little critters in your hair’)
• Wikiwiki–speedy or fast