a sounds like [ah] as in above [ah buv]
e sounds like [eh] as in bet [beht]
i sounds like [ee] as in be [bee]
o sounds like [oh] as in obey [oh bei]
u sounds like [oo] as in rule [rool]
ai sounds like the “i” in ice
ae sounds like I or eye
ao sounds like “ow” in how, but without a nasal twang
au sounds like the “ou” in house or out.
ei sounds like “ei” in chow mein or in eight
eu has no equivalent English; “eu” sounds like “eh-oo,” run together, as in a single syllable
iu sounds like “ew” in few
oi sounds like the “oi” in voice
ou sounds like the “ow” in bowl
ui is an unusual sound for English-speakers, sort of like the “ooey” in gooey, but pronounced as a single syllable
`okina glottal stop. Pronounced as a brief pause where it occurs in the word.
kahako macron. Elongates the sound of the vowel to which it is attached.
Common Hawaiian Words
`aina (EYE-nah) land
akamai (ah-kah-MYE) wise, smart
ali`i (ah-LEE-ee) a Hawaiian chief or member of the chiefly class
aloha (ah-LOH-hah) hello, goodbye, welcome
hale (HAH-leh) house
`ike (EE-keh) small
kahuna (kah-HOO-nah) priest or minister; someone who is an expert in their profession
kai (KAI) salt water
kane (KAH-neh) boy or man
kaukau (COW-cow) food
keiki (KAY-kee) child or children
kokua (KOH-koo-ah) help
lanai (lah-nigh) porch, veranda, patio
Lana`i (LAH-NAH-ee) the island of L?na`i
lei (lay) traditional necklace of flowers, shells or feathers
makai (ma-KAI) toward the ocean
malihini (mah-lee-HEE-nee) newcomer, visitor, or guest
Maui (MOW-ee) the island of
mauka (MOW-kah) toward the mountain
Molokai (MOH-lo-kai) the island of
mo`o (MOH-oh) lizard, gecko
mu`umu`u (MOO-oo-MOO-oo) Hawaiian free-flowing dress
nui (NOO-ee) big
`ohana (oh-HAH-nah) family
`ono (oh-noh) delicious, tastes good, the best
paniolo (pah-nee-OH-loh) cowboy
pau (pow) finish, end
poi (poy) pounded kalo (taro) root that forms a paste
pono (POH-no) goodness, excellence, correct, proper
pua (poo-ah) flower
puka (poo-kah) hole, door
pupu (poo-poo) hors d’oeuvre, appetizer, snack or finger food
wahine (wah-HEE-neh) female, girl, woman
wai (why) fresh water
wikiwiki (WEE-kee-WEE-kee) hurry up, very quick
Mahalo!
