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 hard Hawaiian words with ease, you’re either from the islands, or have lived here long enough to be considered a true local.

1. Perhaps the most common difficult Hawaiian word to pronounce is the name of our unofficial state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.
Brad Hagan/Flickr
2. But that’s not the only fish name that’s difficult. Try Lauwiliwilinukunukuʻoiʻoi.
Brian Gratwicke/Flickr
3. Likelike may seem easy to most locals, but it’s a hard Hawaiian word for tourists.
Joshua Stearns/Flickr
4. Hawai’inuikuauli translates to "Hawaii of the long, large, dark-backed mountains."
Thomas Shahan/Flickr
And that's not even one of the longest Hawaiian words!
5. Can you pronounce the word for rainbow in Hawaii, Ānuenue?
Waikiki Natatorium/Flickr
6. No one I know ever pronounced Ewa correctly the first time they read it.
karmacamilleeon/Flickr
7. If we’re being honest, "W" used in the middle of a word can be tricky at first, such as Kaho’olawe.
Justin De La Ornellas/Flickr

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8. A heiau is a pre-Christian shrine, temple, or place of worship.
Jasperdo/Flickr
9 Want to tell someone you love them? "Aloha wau iā ‘oe"
Photonomus/Flickr
10. Kalākaua is often mispronounced, though that might be just because it’s the main thoroughfare in Waikiki.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
There are so many difficult Hawaiian street names and parks, it gets tricky!
11. Though one million people visit Haleakala National Park each year, most of them likely pronounce it incorrectly.
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
12. Ke’alakupaoaikawelo, meaning "the fragrance that reminds you of your legacy."
Bill Sodeman/Flickr
13. Another one that seems silly to true locals, Kamehameha can trip up some.
Edmund Garman/Flickr
14. It might take a few tries to properly pronounce Papahānaumokuākea, the largest contiguous fully protected conservation area in the United States.
USFWS - Pacific Region/Flickr
It's always the longest Hawaiian words that are the hardest. Keep trying!

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.

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Jackie Ann | August 12, 2022

What unique words and phrases do people in Hawaii say?

Every state has its own unique words and phrases, but Hawaii really takes this to new levels when you factor in the beautiful Hawaiian language. When you meet someone, your normal go-to phrase on the mainland might be “what’s up,” but in Hawaii, you’ll often hear “howzit.” You’ll also need to know the Hawaiian words for men and women, especially if you plan on using the restrooms: wahine and kane are the Hawaiian words for men and women, and you’ll often see these to designate bathrooms throughout the islands.

What are the weirdest things about Hawaii?

Hawaii has a quirky side, and we love it. One of the weirdest things about Hawaii you’ll run into is when asking for directions. Typically, Hawaiians don’t use the usual cardinal directions when explaining how to get somewhere. Instead, “mauka” or “makai” are used, which means towards the mountains or towards the sea. Even further, don’t expect to be given the distance in miles. We prefer to go by the time it’ll take to reach our destination. 10 miles? With traffic, 30 minutes.

What stereotypes are there about Hawaii?

Just like the mainland, Hawaii has plenty of stereotypes. One of the most popular stereotypes in Hawaii, besides the beach, is Spam. It’s true, Hawaiians love this canned ham and have loved it ever since it was introduced to the islands in the 1940s. The only thing Hawaiians love more than Spam is Ohana. Ohana means family, and Hawaiians value family above everything else. And when you visit, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and you’ll feel just like one of the family.

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