Posted in Hawaii April 22, 2018 by Megan Shute

If You Can Pronounce These 14 Words, You’ve Lived In Hawaii For Far Too Long

The Hawaiian Islands are unique in more ways than anyone can count — and that includes our language, vocabulary, and local diction. The Hawaiian language is notoriously difficult for outsiders to understand, and chances are if you can pronounce these 14 words with ease, you’re either from the islands, or have lived here long enough to be considered a true local.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

1. Perhaps the most common difficult Hawaiian word to pronounce is the name of our unofficial state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.

2. But that’s not the only fish name that’s difficult. Try Lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi.

3. Likelike may seem easy to most locals, but it’s a tough one for tourists.

4. Hawai’inuikuauli translates to "Hawaii of the long, large, dark-backed mountains."

5. Can you pronounce the word for rainbow in Hawaii, Ānuenue?

6. No one I know ever pronounced Ewa correctly the first time they read it.

7. If we’re being honest, "W" used in the middle of a word can be tricky at first, such as Kaho’olawe.

8. A heiau is a pre-Christian shrine, temple, or place of worship.

9 Want to tell someone you love them? "Aloha wau iā ‘oe"

10. Kalākaua is often mispronounced, though that might be just because it’s the main thoroughfare in Waikiki.

11. Though one million people visit Haleakala National Park each year, most of them likely pronounce it incorrectly.

12. Ke’alakupaoaikawelo, meaning "the fragrance that reminds you of your legacy."

13. Another one that seems silly to true locals, Kamehameha can trip up some

14. It might take a few tries to properly pronounce Papahānaumokuākea, the largest contiguous fully protected conservation area in the United States.

Who are we kidding? Most Hawaiian words are difficult to pronounce if you haven’t lived in the beautiful Aloha State for long. Even our most common words and phrases can be tricky to learn.