Hawaiian Dictionary
This Hawaiian dictionary offers a rich collection of words, phrases, and pronunciations to help visitors connect with the language and culture of the islands. From greetings and directions to names of animals, plants, and places, this guide provides valuable insights into everyday Hawaiian expressions.
A brief Hawaiian dictionary
Here is a compilation of various Hawaiian words. They are grouped by subject matter for your browsing convenience. Included are common Hawaiian words and names that you may encounter during your vacation. We know that some of the words may seem difficult to pronounce right away. Give yourself some time while you familiarize yourself with the Hawaiian language.
Traditionally in the Hawaiian language, the “W” is pronounced like a “V.”
For example: The word “Hawai'i” is pronounced “hah-vy-ee” instead of “hah-wy-ee.”
Other pronunciation tips:
The Hawaiian language has many so-called glottal stops (‘). These are called 'okina. They indicate a very slight pause similar to when you say “uh-oh” to show concern. Vowels may also have a bar over them, like this: ā. These bars are called kahakō and are pronounced by stressing the vowel sound.
Pronunciation of vowels and consonants in the Hawaiian language:
| A | as in car |
| E | as in bet |
| I | as in city |
| O | as in for |
| U | as in moon |
| H | same as in English |
| K | same as in English |
| L | same as in English |
| M | same as in English |
| N | same as in English |
| P | same as in English |
| W | after i and e it is pronounced v after u and o it is pronounced like w at the start of a word of after an a it is pronounced like w or v |
Greetings:
Hello/Hi: Aloha – “ah-loh-hah”
Good morning: Aloha kakahiaka – “ah-loh-hah kah-kah-hee-ah-kah”
Good afternoon: Aloha awakea – “ah-loh-hah ah-vah-keh-ah”
Good evening/night: Aloha ahiahi – “ah-loh-hah ah-hee-yah-hee”
Please: Ke 'olu'olu – “keh oh-loo'oh-loo”
Thank you: Mahalo – “mah-hah-loh”
You’re welcome: 'A 'ole pilikia – “ah'oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah”
Welcome/come in: E komo mai – “eh koh-moh my-ee”
I’m sorry: E kala mai ia'u - “eh kah-lah my-ee yuh'oo”
How are you?: Pehea 'oe? – “peh-heh-ah oy”
Fine, thanks: Maika'i, mahalo – “my-ee-kah'ee mah-hah-loh”
What is your name?: 'O wai kou inoa? – “oh vy-ee koh ee-noh-ah”
My name is…: 'O … ko'u inoa – “oh … koh'oo ee-noh-ah”
Get well: E ola - “eh oh-lah”
Good luck: Pōmaika'i - “pōh-my-kah'ee”
Happy birthday: Hau’oli lā hānau - “how’oh-lee lāh hāh-now-oo”
Happy New Year: Hau'oli makahiki hou - “how'oh-lee mah-kah-hee-kee hoh”
Merry Christmas: Mele kalikimaka - “meh-leh kah-lee-kee-mah-kah”
See you later/until we meet again: A hui hou - “ah hoo-wee hoh”
Yes: ‘Ae – “eye”
No: ‘A’ole – “ah'oh-leh”
People:
Man/Husband: Kāne – “kāh-neh”
Woman/Wife: Wahine - “wah-hee-neh”
Child: Keiki - “kay-kee”
Family: ‘Ohana - “oh-hah-nah”
Friend: Hoaloha - “hoh-ah-loh-hah”
Parent: Makua - “mah-koo-ah”
Father: Makuakāne - “mah-koo-ah-kāh-neh”
Mother: Makuahine - “mah-koo-ah-hee-neh”
Son: Keikikāne - “kay-kee-kāh-neh”
Daughter: Kaikamahine - “ky-kah-mah-hee-neh”
Baby: Pēpē – “pēh-pēh”
Grandfather: Kupunakāne – “koo-poo-nah-kāh-neh”
Grandmother: Kupunawahine – “koo-poo-nah-wah-hee-neh”
Elder/Ancestor: Kupuna – “koo-poo-nah”
Elder Relative: Pili mua - “pee-lee moo-ah”
Grandchild: Mo'opuna – “moh’oh-poo-nah”
Uncle: 'Anakala – “ah-nah-kah-lah”
Aunt: 'Anakē – “ah-nah-kēh”
Cousin: Hoahānau – “hoh-wah-hāh-now-oo”
Local Person: Kama'āina - “kah-mah'eye-nah”
Visitor: Mea kipa - “meh-ah kee-pah”
Newcomer: Malihini – “mah-lee-hee-nee”
Caucasian: Haole – “how-leh”
Directions:
Direction: 'Ōkuhi – “ōh-koo-hee”
Where is…?: Aia i hea…? – “ah-ee-yah ee heh-ah”
Here: Ma 'ane'i – “mah ah-neh'ee”
There: Ma 'ō – “mah ōh”
Toward the ocean: Ma kai – “mah ky-ee”
Toward the mountains: Ma uka – “mah oo-kah”
Near: Kokoke – “koh-koh-keh”
Far: Mamao – “mah-mao”
Turn left: E huli hema – “eh hoo-lee heh-mah”
Turn right: E huli 'ākau – “eh hoo-lee āh-kow-oo”
Go straight: E hele pololei – “eh heh-leh poh-loh-lay-ee”
Okay: Hiki nō – hee-kee nōh”
Environment:
Environment: Kaiapuni – “ky-yah-poo-nee”
World: Honua – “hoh-noo-ah”
Mountain: Mauna – “mau-oo-nah”
Island: Mokupuni – “moh-koo-poo-nee”
Land: 'Āina – “eye-nah”
Ocean: Moana – “moh-ah-nah”
Sea: Kai – “ky-ee”
Beach: Kahakai – “kah-hah-ky-ee”
Sand: One - “oh-neh”
Bay: Hono – “hoh-noh”
Harbor: Awa – “ah-vah”
Waterfall: Wailele - “why-leh-leh”
Water: Wai - “vy-ee”
Wind: Makani – “mah-kah-nee”
Clouds: Ao – “ow”
Sun: Lā - “lāh”
Moon: Mahina – “mah-hee-nah”
Star: Hōkū - “hōh-koo”
Sky: Lani – “lah-nee”
Rainbow: Ānuenue - “āh-noo-weh-noo-weh”
Stone: Pōhaku - “pōh-hah-koo”
Cliff: Pali – “pah-lee”
Fire: Ahi – “ah-hee”
Volcano: Lua pele – “loo-ah peh-leh”
Pond: Pūnāwai – “poo-nāh-vy-ee”
Tree: Kumulā'au – “koo-moo-lāh'ow-oo”
Soil/earth: Lepo – “leh-poh”
House: Hale - “hah-leh”
Toilet: Lua – “loo-ah”
Sunrise: Ka puka 'ana o ka lā – “kah poo-kah ah-nah oh kah lāh”
Sunset: Ka nāpo'o 'ana o ka lā – “kah nāh-poh'oh ah-nah oh kah lāh”
Ocean:
Ocean: Moana – “moh-ah-nah”
Sea: Kai - “ky-ee”
Wave: Nalu - “nah-loo”
Turtle: Honu – “hoh-noo”
Dolphin: Nai'a – “ny’ah”
Shark: Manō – “mah-nōh”
Manta ray: Hāhālua – “hāh-hāh-loo-ah”
Triggerfish: Humuhumunukunukuāpua'a – “hoo-moo-hoo-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-wāh-poo-wah'ah”
Wrasse: Hīnālea – “hee-nāh-leh-ah”
Portuguese man-o-war: Po'imalau – “poh'ee-mah-lau-oo”
Crab: Pāpa'i – “pāh-pah'ee”
Convict tang: Manini – “mah-nee-nee”
Eel: Puhi – “poo-hee”
Flying fish: Mālolo – “māh-loh-loh”
Lobster: Ula – “oo-lah”
Humpback whale: Koholā – “koh-loh-lāh”
Seaweed: Limu – “lee-moo”
Shell: Pūpū – “poo-poo”
Foods:
Food: 'Ai - “eye”
Breakfast: 'Aina kakahiaka – “eye-nah kah-kah-hee-ah-kah”
Lunch: 'Aina awakea – “eye-nah ah-vah-keh-ah”
Dinner: 'Aina Ahiahi – “eye-nah ah-hee-ah-hee”
Restaurant: Hale 'aina – “hah-leh eye-nah”
Coffee: Kope – “koh-peh”
Tea: Kī – “kee”
Appetizers: Pūpū – “poo-poo”
Chicken: Moa – “moh-ah”
Fish: I'a – “ee'ah”
Vegetables: Lau'ai – “lau-oo'eye”
Fruit: Hua'ai – “hoo-wah'eye”
Pounded taro root: Poi – “poy”
Rice: Laiki – “lye-ee-kee”
Bread: Palaoa – “pah-lah-wah”
Dessert: Monamona – “moh-nah-moh-nah”
Salt: Pa'akai – “pah'ah-ky-ee”
Pepper: Pepa – “peh-pah”
Knife: Pahī – “pah-hee”
Fork: 'Ō – “ōh”
Spoon: Puna – “poo-nah”
Chopsticks: Lā'au ‘ai – “lāh'ow eye”
Cup/Glass: Kī'aha – “kee'ah-hah”
Plate: Pā – “pāh”
Enough: Lawa – “lah-vah”
Satisfied/full: Mā'ona – “māh'oh-nah”
Delicious: 'Ono – “oh-noh”
Let’s eat!: E pā'ina kākou! – “eh pāh'ee-nah kāh-koh”
Animals:
Animal: Holoholona – “hoh-loh-hoh-loh-nah”
Cat: Pōpoki - “pōh-poh-kee”
Dog: 'Īlio - “ee-lee-oh”
Horse: Lio - “lee-oh”
Pig: Pua'a - “poo-ah'ah”
Cow: Pipi wahine (female) pipi waiu (male) - “pee-pee wah-hee-neh” and “pee-pee why-ooh”
Bird: Manu - “mah-noo”
Fish: I'a – “ee'ah”
Lizard: Mo'o – “moh'oh”
Owl: Pueo – “poo’weh-oh”
Hawaiian hawk: 'Io – “ee-oh”
Frigate bird: 'Iwa – “ee-vah”
Plants:
Plant: Meakanu – “meh-ah-kah-noo”
Flower: Pua - “poo-ah”
Gardenia: Kiele – “kee-eh-leh”
Orchid: 'Okika – “oh-kee-kah”
Plumeria: Pua melia – “poo-ah meh-lee-ah”
Ginger: 'Awapuhi – “ah-vah-poo-hee”
Jasmine: Pīkake – “pee-kah-keh”
Rose: Loke – “loh-keh”
Taro: Kalo – “kah-loh”
Ti leaf: Lā'ī – “lāh'ee”
Breadfruit: 'Ulu – “oo-loo”
Coconut tree: Kumu niu – “koo-moo nee-oo”
Fern: Kupukupu – “koo-poo-koo-poo”
Spiritual:
Love: Aloha - “ah-loh-hah”
Happy: Hau'oli – “how'oh-lee”
Smile: Mino'aka – “mee-noh'ah-kah”
Laugh: 'Aka'aka – “ah-kah'ah-kah”
Cry: 'Uē – “oo-wēh”
Mind/Heart: Na'au – “nah'ow-oo”
Thought/Feeling: Mana'o – “mah-nah'oh”
Temple: Heiau – “hay-yow”
Prayer: Pule – “poo-leh”
Priest: Kahuna – “kah-hoo-nah”
Chief: Ali'i – “ah-lee'ee”
Divine power: Mana – “mah-nah”
God: Akua – “ah-koo-ah”
Place of learning/school: Hālau – “hāh-lau-oo”
Teacher/master: Kumu – “koo-moo”
Life: Ola – “oh-lah”
Language: ‘Ōlelo – “ōh-le-loh”
Gift: Makana – “mah-kah-nah”
Song: Mele – “meh-leh”
Forbidden/taboo: Kapu – “kah-poo”
Body:
Hands: Lima - “lee-mah”
Nose: Ihu - “ee-hoo”
Eyes: Maka - “mah-kah”
Mouth: Waha - “wah-hah”
Ears: Pepeiao - “peh-peh-ee-ow”
Tooth: Niho - “nee-hoh”
Stomach: 'Ōpū - “ōh-poo”
Colors:
Colors: Nā waiho'olu'u – “nāh vy-ee-hoh'oh-loo'oo”
Red: 'Ula'ula - “oo-lah'oo-lah”
Green: 'Ōma'oma'o - “ōh-mah'oh-ma'oh”
Yellow: Melemele – “meh-leh-meh-leh”
Blue: Uliuli - “oo-lee-yoo-lee”
Black: 'Ele'ele - “eh-leh'eh-leh”
White: Ke'oke'o – “keh'oh-keh'oh”
Purple: Poni - “poh-nee”
Pink: 'Ākala - “āh-kah-lah”
Orange: 'Alani – “ah-lah-nee”
Brown: Māku'e – “māh-koo'eh”
Gray/Silver: 'Āhinahina – “āh-hee-nah-hee-nah”
Gold: Kula – “koo-lah”
Calendar:
Calendar: 'Alemanaka – “ah-leh-mah-nah-kah”
January: Ianuali - “yah-noo-ah-lee”
February: Pepeluali - “peh-peh-loo-ah-lee’
March: Malaki - “mah-lah-kee”
April: 'Apelila - “ah-peh-lee-lah”
May: Mei - “may-ee”
June: Iune - “yoo-neh”
July: Iulai - “yoo-lye”
August: 'Aukake - “ow-kah-keh”
September: Kepakemapa - “ke-pah-keh-mah-pah”
October: 'Okakopa – “oh-kah-koh-pah”
November: Nowemapa - “noh-veh-mah-pah”
December: Kēkēmapa - “kēh-kēh-mah-pah”
Monday: Po'akahi – “poh'ah-kah-hee”
Tuesday: Po'alua – “poh'ah-loo-ah”
Wednesday: Po'akolu – “poh'ah-koh-loo”
Thursday: Po'ahā – “po’ah-hāh”
Friday: Po'alima – poh'ah-lee-mah”
Saturday: Po'aono “poh'ow-noh”
Sunday: Lāpule – “lāh-poo-leh”
Yesterday: Nehinei – “neh-hee-nay-ee”
Today: Kēia lā – “kēh-yee-ah lāh”
Tomorrow: Lā 'āpōpō – “lāh āh-pōh-pōh”
Morning: Kakahiaka – “kah-kah-hee-ah-kah”
Noon: Awakea – “ah-vah-keh-ah”
Afternoon: 'Auinalā – “ow-wee-nah-lāh”
Evening: Ahiahi – “ah-hee-ah-hee”
Night: Pō – “pōh”
Numbers:
Numbers: Nā helu – “nāh heh-loo”
Zero: 'Ole – “oh-leh”
One: 'Ekahi - “eh-kah-hee”
Two: 'Elua - “eh-loo-ah”
Three: 'Ekolu - “eh-koh-loo”
Four: 'Ehā - “eh-hāh”
Five: 'Elima - “eh-lee-mah”
Six: 'Eono - “eh-oh-noh”
Seven: 'Ehiku - “eh-hee-koo”
Eight: 'Ewalu - “eh-vah-loo”
Nine: 'Eiwa - “eh-ee-vah”
Ten: 'Umi - “oo-mee”
How many?: 'Ehia? – “eh-hee-ah”
Places:
Wailuku - “vy-loo-koo” - waters of destruction
Makawao - “mah-kah-vao” - beginning of the forest
Pukalani - “poo-kah-lah-nee” - heavenly gate
Lāhaina - “lah-high-nah” - cruel sun
Waikiki - “wy-kee-kee” - spouting water
Haleākalā - “ha-leh-ah-kah-lah” house by the sun
Honolulu - “ho-no-loo-loo” - protected bay
Waimea - “vy-me-ah” - reddish water
Kailua - “ky-loo-ah” - two seas
Makaha - “mah-kah-hah” - fierce
Kona - “koh-nah” - leeward
Mauna Kea - “maow-nah-ke-ah” - white mountain
Nu'uanu – “noo’oo-ah-noo” – chilly heights
Pali – “pah-lee” – cliff
Waipi'o – “wy-pee'oh” – curving waters
Kealakekua – “keh-ah-lah-keh-koo-ah” – pathway of the gods
Famous People:
Kalākaua: Pronounced “Kah-lah-cow-ah.” Meaning “the day of battle.” Kalakaua was considered the “Merry Monarch” of Hawai'i. He lived from 1836-1891. It is also the name of an avenue in Waikiki on the island of O'ahu, as well as an intermediate school, recreation center and golf course.
Kamehameha: Pronounced “Kah-meh-ha-meh-hah.” Meaning “the lonely one.” King Kamehameha the First unified the Hawaiian Islands. It is also the name of a school for Hawaiian children, a military reservation, a highway and a field.
Ka'ahumanu: Pronounced “Ka-ah-hoo-mah-noo.” Meaning “bird cloak.” Queen Ka'ahumanu was the favorite wife of Kamehameha the First. It is also the name of a church, elementary school and shopping center.
Lili'uokalani: Pronounced “lee-lee-oo-oh-kah-lah-nee.” Meaning “the smarting of the high born one.” Lili'uokalani was the last queen of O'ahu. It is also the name of a park, state government building, elementary school and Hilo waterfront.
Pele: Pronounced “peh-leh.” Meaning ‘lava.’ Pele is the name of the Volcano Goddess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hawaiian language alphabet?
The Hawaiian alphabet consists of 13 letters: five vowels (A, E, I, O, U), seven consonants (H, K, L, M, N, P, W), and one glottal stop (‘okina). The ‘okina is considered a consonant because it changes word meanings and pronunciation.
How do you pronounce Hawaiian vowels?
Vowels are pronounced as follows: A = “ah,” E = “eh,” I = “ee,” O = “oh,” and U = “oo.” The W is often pronounced like a V depending on its placement in the word.
What is an ʻokina and why is it important?
The ʻokina (ʻ) represents a glottal stop - a brief pause between syllables. It can change the meaning of a word, such as "kai" (sea) versus "kaʻi" (to lead).
What is a kahakō in Hawaiian?
The kahakō is a macron - a line over a vowel that indicates it should be elongated. It affects pronunciation and sometimes the meaning of a word.
Can this dictionary help me learn to speak Hawaiian?
Yes! This guide introduces key Hawaiian words, greetings, family terms, and nature vocabulary along with pronunciation tips. It's a great place to start learning basic Hawaiian expressions.