When you visit Poipu, you will hear island natives speaking English, indigenous Hawaiian, and the blended language of Pidgin. Embrace the opportunity to enjoy a rich part of our island culture by speaking and listening to these languages—you will develop a deeper understanding of the islands when you do!
Interested in Learning More About Hawaii?
Hawaiian Language Versus Hawaiian Pidgin: An Overview
Native Hawaiian: An Official Language of the State of Hawaii
Deeply rooted in the rich traditions and communities of the Austronesian region, the Hawaiian language, or Ōlelo Hawai’i, is a celebration of Polynesian cultures that span from the Marquesan Islands to the peoples of Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti. While some believe it developed independently in Hawaii, its shared grammatical rules and features with other Polynesian languages help us relate to it on a larger scale.
Today, Hawaiian is still proudly spoken across the islands, though its numbers have dwindled. Only approximately 2,000 people speak it as their native language.
Hawaiian Pidgin: A Practical Langauge From the Colonial Era
Pidgin, on the other hand, is a language born out of necessity. When sugar plantations flooded the islands, and immigrants from different countries came to Hawaii, they needed a way to communicate. Without speaking the same language, new words had to be developed with very specific meanings. The community adopted these unofficial terms, allowing them to communicate effectively and work together.
Resources on Common Hawaiian Language Sayings and Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Sayings and Phrases
What is the difference between how Hawaiian and Pidgin are spoken?
The Hawaiian language contains 13 letters: A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, and W, as well as the ‘okina, which indicates a glottal stop (an interruption of the breath during speech by closing the glottis).
Vowels are pronounced differently depending on where they appear in a word or phrase, which can make it difficult for non-native speakers. Additionally, Hawaiian uses sounds that do not exist in English or other popular European languages. Lastly, vowels do not change depending on whether they’re stressed, and their words do not have capital letters.
Unlike Hawaiian, the syntax and grammar of pidgin languages follow a simple subject-verb structure, and phrases like “to be” are nonexistent. Because pidgin languages are highly nuanced depending on the communities in which they develop, no two are exactly the same.
What is the official language of Hawaii?
As an indigenous language, Hawaiian is recognized as the official language of the Islands, as well as English.
Is Hawaiian or Pidgin more commonly spoken?
Because Hawaiian Pidgin consists mostly of slang terms and phrases, it is more widely spoken than traditional Hawaiian. Its unique sayings are seamlessly intertwined with everyday speech. Compared to the low numbers of native Hawaiian speakers, upwards of 600,000 people use pidgin and other common Hawaiian phrases in their everyday lives.
Are Hawaiian and Pidgin spoken outside Hawaii?
Though the Hawaiian language is considered endangered, people both inside and outside Hawaii, particularly on the West Coast, are keeping the tradition alive. With regards to Hawaiian Pidgin, the same can be said. Native Hawaiians who move to the mainland or other parts of the world carry these words and phrases with them. In fact, nothing warms a heart faster than hearing someone use a beloved pidgin or common Hawaiian phrase when you’re feeling homesick for the islands.
When is it appropriate to speak in a Hawaiian Language?
Language is tied to location and culture, and as such, the language someone speaks can carry a lot of significance. For this reason, whenever you speak Hawaiian, you want to do so with utmost respect for the people and traditions of the native speakers.
If you find yourself in a situation with native speakers, at a cultural event, or if you’re trying to practice phrases you’ve learned, speaking Hawaiian can be both appropriate and a sign of reverence. Likewise, many stores and businesses may have Hawaiian phrasings throughout their shops, making it a reasonable place to engage in the native language.
The most important things to remember if you’re going to speak Hawaiian as a non-native speaker are to read the room and make sure everyone seems comfortable, pay attention to pronunciation and don’t try to force it into the conversation.
What is the best way to learn or practice Hawaiian sayings and phrases?
One of the best ways to learn Hawaiian sayings and phrases is through language immersion. This can mean listening to Hawaiian music, watching movies in Hawaiian, and using apps like Duolingo for phrases, vocabulary, and situational practice.
You can even join online groups and communities, such as Reddit forums or Facebook groups, to practice with other learners or native speakers. YouTube has playlists of lessons, and the Kula Hawaii Network has Hawaiian language resources for every skill level.