The two official languages of Hawai‘i are ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian) and English. The Hawaiian language is a Polynesian dialect with 13 letters in its alphabet: A, E, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, P, U, W and the ‘okina (‘). The ‘okina is a glottal stop, like the sound between the ohs in oh-oh, and is a consonant. The ‘okina and kahakō (ˉ), or macron, change the pronunciation and meaning of a word. The Hawaiian language has 18 sounds: • a like a in above • ā like a in far • e like e in bet • ē like ay in pay • i like y in city • ī like ee in see • o like o in low • ō like o in sole • u like oo in hoot • ū like oo in moon • he, ke, la, mu, nu, pi, we and w with a v sound Some vowels are diphthongs, forming a single sound as in “ai” in Wailuku. In general, the consonants are pronounced as in English with the exception of w. W can be either a v or a w sound, but it’s best to take direction from locals. A few words you should know: ‘Āina: land; that which feeds us Aloha: a reciprocal greeting of affection; hello, good-bye and so much more Hele or holoholo: travel Kahuna: priest, minister, expert in any traditional practice Kama‘āina: native-born, resident Kāne: man Kapu: prohibited; no trespassing; sacred Keiki: child; children Kōkua: help Kuleana: responsibility, privilege Kupuna: ancestor, grandparent or elder Lei: a garland given for any occasion; traditionally flowers, seeds, shells, nuts, feathers and various forms of foliage Mahalo: thank you; respect Ma kai: toward the ocean Ma uka: toward the mountains Mālama: to take care of; protect; preserve ‘Ohana: family ‘Ono: delicious Pau: finished Wahine: woman Wikiwiki or ‘āwīwī: fast Hawaiian Dictionary: hilo.hawaii.edu/wehe The Language of Hawai‘i respectfully shows appreciation for both the dancers and the culture. Though part of a larger Pacific family of dance traditions, hula is uniquely Hawaiian. Wherever you experience hula ‘auana, you may hear the joyful request “Hana hou!” meaning “Encore!” — one of the best compliments to give the dancers. MATHIEU DUCHIER BEN ONO Experience Maui • Moloka‘i • Lāna‘i 103
