The Hawaiian Language

Learning fun words and phrases

When a "w" is immediately preceded by a vowel that begins a word (such as 'Ewa), it is pronounced as a "v." A "w" can also sometimes be pronounced as a "v" if it appears in the middle or toward the end of a word (such as in ka'a'awa).

To clarify pronunciation in Hawaiian words, several diacritical marks are used. The glottal stop (called an 'okina) is written as an open single quote mark
( ' ) and signifies a brief pause between letters (such as in Ka'ahumanu). The macron (called a kahako) is a solid line written over the top of a vowel and signifies an extended vowel sound (such as in Waikiki; the last two "i"s would each be pronounced as "eee" instead of "ee").

Fun Words to Learn

Although you won't meet many residents who will speak to you in Hawaiian, you will encounter a few words of this beautiful language in everyday conversation — and on the doors of many public restrooms. Have fun learning these popular words before visiting Hawai'i: