• a ~ pronounced ~ ah
  
• e ~ pronounced ~ aye
  
• i ~ pronounced ~ ee
  
• o ~ pronounced ~ oh
  
• u ~ pronounced ~ oo

In addition, the Hawaiian language uses a number of vowel combinations, or dipthongs. Using the vowel sounds listed above, say the two sounds together very quickly so they sound like one syllable. Put a slight emphasis on the first vowel.

Dipthongs: ae, ai, au, ao, ei, eu, oi, ou, iu

There are 7 consonants, named:

• he ~ pronounced and written like an English H
  
• ke ~ pronounced and written like an English K
  
• la ~ pronounced and written like an English L
  
• mu ~ pronounced and written like an English M
  
• nu ~ pronounced and written like an English N
  
• pi ~ pronounced and written like an English P
  
• we ~ pronounced like a very soft V , or, a cross between a W and a V

Try pronouncing the "we" now in the word "Hawai'i".

In addition, there are two symbols used that are considered to be a part of the alphabet, and not simply punctuation:

• The okina* looks like a backwards apostrophe. It is a glottal stop that seperates vowel sounds.
  
• The kohoka* is a line shown over vowels. It indicates that the vowel should be held longer.

*Note: These last two symbols, marked with an asterix, are not used on this site because they are generally not supported by internet browsers.

Three Rules for Accenting

• Generally, the second to last vowel receives the accent
• If the second to last vowel is part of a dipthong (au, ai, etc.) then the dipthong is accented
• Long vowels marked with a kohoka (a line over the vowel) are accented

Commonly used Hawaiian Words

Hawaiian Phrases

Hawaiian Language Overview

Understanding Hawaiian Menus

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