The Basics

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’āina 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”
e “eh”
i “ee”
o “oh”
u “oo”

Stressed vowels:
a – ah, as in father: 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

In the Hawaiian language a symbol directly over a vowel called a kahakō indicates that the vowel sound is to be elongated. A apostrophe like symbol called an `okina indicates a quick break in the word, like in English when we say “oh-oh”.  So, for the Hawaiian word ka‘a, which is the word for “car” it would be pronounced: “Kah-ah”

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
‘Āina—Land especially, Homeland
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.
Kāne—Man
Kama’āina—one of the land”. Native-born. A long-term resident of Hawai’i.
Keiki—Child , children
Ku’uipo—sweetheart
Kapu—forbidden. Do not enter.
Kōkua—Help, aid, provide assistance.
Kuleana—Responsibility
Lanai—porch, patio, or balcony.
Lei—A necklace, usually, of flowers. Also, shells or kūkui nuts.
Lū’au—Hawaiian feast or party
Mālama—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. A mainstay of the Hawaiian diet.
Pakalolo—Slang for Marijuana
Pūpū—Snacks or appetizers
Wahine—Woman, female
Pupule—Crazy (especially referring to a mentally deranged person)
Tūtū—Grandparent (affectionate)
‘Uku—fleas (as in ‘undesired’ little critters in your hair’)
Wikiwiki—speedy or fast