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aei
Tens of thousands of people speak or are learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) today, and thanks to schools and families the number is growing again after it was once close to disappearing. · 1 writing systems
Language of Hawaii
Discover the Hawaiian language, full of special sounds and rich history! This beautiful way of speaking is much more than just words; it’s a treasure that connects the people of Hawaii to their past and each other. By learning about the Hawaiian language, you can see how it helps to shape the culture of these stunning islands, keeping traditions alive and vibrant.
Test Your Knowledge
About the Script
Hawaiian has lots of vowels and only a few consonants, which makes it sound smooth and flowing. Watch for the ʻokina (a mark like a backwards apostrophe): it is a real letter that adds a tiny catch in your voice, like the pause in 'uh-oh', and it can change what a word means.
Script Explorer
The Hawaiian Alphabet
Hawaiian is written with the Latin alphabet, but it uses only 13 letters: 5 vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and 8 consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w, and the ʻokina). The ʻokina is a real letter! It marks a tiny catch in your voice, like the pause in the middle of 'uh-oh'. A little bar over a vowel (called a kahakō, as in ā) means you hold that sound a beat longer.
Phrase Cards
Fun Fact
The word 'wiki' in 'Wikipedia' comes from the Hawaiian word 'wikiwiki', meaning 'quick'. It was named after the Wiki Wiki shuttle buses at the Honolulu airport!
Fun Fact
Hawaii is the only U.S. state with two official languages: Hawaiian and English.
Cultural Note
Hawaiian culture deeply values respect, love, and family ties.
Vocabulary
Did you know? The Hawaiian alphabet has fewer letters than any other American state!
