If You Can Pronounce These 14 Words, You’ve Lived in Hawaii Too Long

Hawaii is a paradise of stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and a language that can trip up even the most confident visitors. With its Polynesian roots and a heavy dose of vowels, pronouncing Hawaiian words correctly is an art form only true locals have mastered. If these roll off your tongue with ease, congrats—you might just be kamaʻāina.

14 Words Only True Hawaiians (or Longtime Residents) Can Pronounce

Hawai’i (Hah-vai-ee)

That glottal stop isn’t just for decoration.

O’ahu (Oh-AH-hoo)

Not “Oh-wah-hoo.” And yes, it’s where most tourists end up.

Likelike (Lee-keh-lee-keh)

If you say “Like-like,” you’re getting side-eyed.

Kaho’olawe (Kah-hoh-oh-LAH-veh)

The forgotten island, and a pronunciation challenge.

Moloka’i (Moh-loh-KAH-ee)

Don’t forget the ‘okina, or you’ll hear about it.

Lahaina (Lah-HAI-nah)

It’s more than just a tourist town, and you better say it right.

Haleakalā (Hah-leh-ah-kah-LAH)

If you can say it, you deserve to see the sunrise there.

Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (Hoo-moo-hoo-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-ah-poo-ah-ah)

If you can say this state fish’s name without hesitation, you’re officially local.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (Poo-oo-ho-noo-ah oh Ho-now-now)

More than a mouthful, it’s a sacred place of refuge.

Mauna Kea (Mau-nah KEH-ah)

It’s more than a mountain; it’s a cultural landmark.

Kaʻanapali (Kah-ah-nah-PAH-lee)

A Maui resort hotspot that tourists never say right.

Papahānaumokuākea (Papa-ha-now-mo-koo-ah-keh-ah)

If you can say it, you probably work for NOAA.

Kealakekua (Keh-ah-lah-keh-KOO-ah)

Famous for Captain Cook’s landing—and confusing mainlanders.

Waikīkī (Why-kee-KEE)

Not “Why-kick-ee.” Just… don’t.

If you nailed every one of these, you’ve definitely spent some time on the islands. You know how to properly use “pau,” avoid eye contact with wild chickens, and pronounce “poke” without rhyming it with “joke.” For everyone else, just listen, learn, and enjoy the aloha spirit—no judgment (okay, maybe just a little).

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