Basic Hawaiian Words & Phrases: A Pronunciation Guide for Visitors

This article was originally published on January 28, 2014, and was updated March 5, 2026.

The Hawaiian language, or ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is a living, vibrant part of Hawaiʻi’s cultural identity. While fluent speakers are fewer today, Hawaiian words, expressions, and pronunciation are woven into everyday life throughout the islands from place names and greetings to chants and ceremonies. Whether you’re visiting Hawaiʻi, learning for personal connection, or just curious, taking the time to learn basic Hawaiian is both respectful and enriching.

Even just understanding the basics of Hawaiian pronunciation and vocabulary can deepen your appreciation for local culture and make your experience more meaningful.

Why Learn the Hawaiian Language?

• Cultural Respect: Using Hawaiian words correctly honors the host culture.

• Connection: Knowing basic Hawaiian phrases helps you feel more connected to the people and the ʻāina, or land. 

• Fun and Enriching: The language is poetic, rhythmic and fun to learn.

Hawaiian Language Alphabet: Only 12 Letters

One of the first things to know: Hawaiian is a very vowel-rich language.

There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet:

• Vowels: A, E, I, O, U

• Consonants: H, K, L, M, N, P, W

• Tip: If you’re searching for “how to pronounce Hawaiian words,” understanding the alphabet is your first step.

How to Pronounce Hawaiian Vowels

Every vowel in Hawaiian is pronounced with a pure, long sound — similar to how vowels are spoken in many Romance languages.

• A = “ah” as in father

• E = “eh” as in bet

• I = “ee” as in see

• O = “oh” as in go

• U = “oo” as in blue

Each vowel is always pronounced, even when vowels appear together (called diphthongs). For example, in the word Aloha, every letter gets its own sound: a-lo-ha.

Quick Hawaiian Language Tips for Beginners

• Speak slowly and clearly. Don’t rush — Hawaiian is a flowing, melodic language.

• Listen to native speakers. Whether through music, video, or language apps, hearing the language helps you pronounce it better.

• Practice common words and phrases, such as aloha, mahalo and ʻohana (see below).

• Search the internet for audio recordings. Eg. “Hawaiian language pronunciation audio” or “How to pronounce Hawaiian words.”

Ready to Start Learning Hawaiian?

Learning Hawaiian is more than just picking up a few words, it’s about understanding and respecting a deep cultural heritage. You don’t need to be fluent to show aloha through your efforts.

Whether you’re preparing for a trip or simply curious about Hawaiʻi’s language, start with pronunciation and basic words and take it one step at a time. Here are some basics to get you started.

The ʻOkina: Understanding the Glottal Stop

The Hawaiian language includes a special character called the ʻokina (ʻ), which looks like a backward apostrophe. It’s an official letter in the Hawaiian alphabet and represents a glottal stop — a brief pause between sounds.

Example:

• Kaʻanapali is pronounced: kah-AH-nah-PAH-lee
  Notice the pause between “kah” and “AH.”

Other common words with an ʻokina:

• Hawaiʻi (hah-VAI-ee)

• Lānaʻi (lah-NAH-ee)

• Important: Omitting the ʻokina or mispronouncing it can completely change the meaning of a word. Respecting the ʻokina shows cultural awareness.

The Kahakō – The Hawaiian Macron

Another important pronunciation marker in the Hawaiian language is the kahakō, which is a macron or horizontal line above a vowel. It signals that the vowel should be pronounced longer and often with greater emphasis. The kahakō can change the meaning of a word entirely, so it’s essential to get it right.

What is the kahakō?

• It’s a horizontal line placed over a vowel: ā, ē, ī, ō, ū

• It lengthens the sound of that vowel

• It can change both pronunciation and meaning

Examples:

• Kāne = man or male deity
  vs.
  Kane (without kahakō) = not a word in Hawaiian

• Mākua = parent
  vs.
  Makua = a town on Oʻahu (different meaning and place)

How to Type the Kahakō and ʻOkina

If you’re learning Hawaiian online or want to write words properly:

• On Mac: Hold the vowel key and select the version with the line (e.g., hold “a” to get “ā”)

• On Windows: Use the Hawaiian keyboard layout or special character codes

• On mobile: Hold the vowel or apostrophe and select the version you need. (e.g. hold the apostrophe to get an ʻokina)

• Search phrases like “how to type kahakō” or “Hawaiian keyboard layout” to get setup tips for your device.

Words To Know

Now that you know the basics, here a few of the most popular words for you to practice.

At the beach

• Kai (KAI) — the sea or ocean

• Nalu (NAH-loo) — wave

• Honu (HOH-noo) — sea turtle

• Limu (LEE-moo) — seaweed

• Paʻakai (pah-ah-KAI) — salt

Nature & directions

• Mauka (MOW-kah) — toward the mountains

• Makai (mah-KAI) — toward the sea

• Pali (PAH-lee) — cliff

• Wai (WAI) — fresh water

• ʻĀina (AY-nah) — land

Food & drink

• ʻAi (AY) — food

• Wai (WAI) — water

• Poi (POY) — taro paste

• Poke (POH-kay) — sliced/cubed

• Lomi Lomi (LOH-mee LOH-mee) — massage/salmon and tomato dish

• Haupia (how-PEE-ah) — coconut pudding

People & family

• Makua (mah-KOO-ah) — parent

• Kūpuna (koo-POO-nah) — elder

• Wahine (wah-HEE-nay) — woman

• Kāne (KAH-nay) — man

• Keiki (KAY-kee) — child

• ʻOhana (oh-HAH-nah) — family

• Kuʻuipo (koo-OO-ee-poh) — sweetheart

On signs & in towns

• Kapu () — forbidden/keep out

• Kōkua (ko-ku-ah) — help/assistance

• Kuleana () — responsibility/privlidge

Salutations & expressions

• A hui hou (ah HOO-ee HOH) — until we meet again

• Aloha (ah-LOH-hah) — a greeting or farewell; love

• Aloha Kakahiaka (ah-LOH-hah kah-kah-hee-AH-kah) — good morning

• Aloha ʻoe (ah-LOH-hah OY) — farewell to thee

• Hauʻoli la Hanau (how-OH-lee lah hah-NOW) — happy birthday

• Mahalo (mah-HAH-loh) — thank you

• Mahalo nui loa (mah-HAH-loh NOO-ee LOH-ah) — thank you very much

Where To Learn More

• Duolingo Hawaiian: This handy app for your phone offers Hawaiian language lessons and is one of the few widely available apps that does.

• University of Hawaiʻi Hawaiian Language Program: This is the academic authority on ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, or Hawaiian language.

• Hotel cultural programs: Several hotels and resorts on Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi and Lānaʻi offer complimentary Hawaiian language lessons for guests.