Mastering the ʻOkina and Kahakō: A Guide to Proper Hawaiian Spelling
Language note: This article is a respectful starting point for learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. For deeper understanding, please learn from Native Hawaiian speakers and fluent Hawaiian language educators, books, courses, and community resources.
If you're learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi or want to use Hawaiian words respectfully, understanding the ʻokina and kahakō is essential. These marks are part of the language itself, shaping pronunciation and sometimes meaning.
Looking for a guided way to keep learning?
Our ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi for Little Learners guide turns these ideas into approachable practice with proper diacritical usage throughout.
What is the ʻOkina?
The ʻokina (ʻ) is a glottal stop, a consonant in the Hawaiian language. It is similar to the brief catch in “uh-oh.” The ʻokina represents a pause or catch between vowels.
Why the ʻOkina Matters
The ʻokina can distinguish words and is part of correct Hawaiian spelling:
- Hawaiʻi versus Hawai'i (an incorrect apostrophe)
- ʻai (to eat) versus ai
- Koʻolau versus koolau
- ʻōpū versus opu
- kaʻa versus kaa
- ʻuala versus uala
- hoʻi versus hoi
- ʻike versus ike
Common ʻOkina Mistakes
The most common mistake is using a straight apostrophe (') instead of the proper ʻokina (ʻ): Wrong: Hawai'i, 'ohana. Right: Hawaiʻi, ʻohana.
What is the Kahakō?
The kahakō is a macron, a horizontal line placed over vowels: ā, ē, ī, ō, and ū. It indicates that the vowel is held longer than a regular vowel.
Why the Kahakō Matters
The kahakō is part of correct spelling and can distinguish words:
- kau versus kāu
- pau versus pāʻū
- mana versus māna
- ono versus ʻono
- ko versus kō
- pu versus pū
- ka versus kā
- wai versus wāī
- hana versus hāna
- loa versus lōʻā
Hawaiian Vowel Pronunciation Guide
- a — “ah” | ā — held longer
- e — “eh” | ē — held longer
- i — “ee” | ī — held longer
- o — “oh” | ō — held longer
- u — “oo” | ū — held longer
Practice words: Lānaʻi, Waikīkī, Kāneʻohe, and Mānoa.
How to Type the ʻOkina and Kahakō
On iPhone or iPad
Add the Hawaiian keyboard in Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard → Hawaiian.
On Mac
Hold down the apostrophe or vowel key and select the proper ʻokina or kahakō, or add the Hawaiian keyboard.
On Windows
Add Hawaiian through Settings → Time & Language → Language → Add a language → Hawaiian. Character Map is another option.
On Android
Add Hawaiian through Gboard settings or your keyboard app’s language settings.
Common Hawaiian Words with ʻOkina and Kahakō
- ʻohana (family)
- mahalo (thank you)
- aloha (love, hello, goodbye)
- Hawaiʻi
- ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
- mālama
- kuleana
- pono
- ʻāina
- mauka
- makai
- hālau
- hōʻike
- ʻāpana
- nānā
Test Yourself: Spot the Missing Marks
- Hawai'i
- ohana
- Olelo Hawaii
- malama
- Waikiki
Answers: Hawaiʻi, ʻohana, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, mālama, and Waikīkī.
Why Proper Usage Matters
Using the ʻokina and kahakō correctly is more than good spelling. It shows care for the Hawaiian language and culture. Hawaiian language was suppressed through colonization, and its revitalization has been carried forward by Native Hawaiian communities, educators, and language advocates.
To learn more, read The History of Hawaiian Language Suppression and Revival.
Practice Makes Progress
Start by learning the correct spelling of words you use frequently. Set up the Hawaiian keyboard on your devices, and pay attention to where the ʻokina and kahakō appear. A great next step is The Hawaiian Alphabet: A Gateway to Island Language and Culture.
Resources for Learning More
- Hawaiian Dictionary by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert
- Online Hawaiian dictionaries with audio pronunciation
- Hawaiian language courses and apps
- Local Hawaiian language organizations and cultural centers
E hoʻomau! (Keep going.)
Keep Learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Ready for a guided next step? Explore our approachable language resources and keep practicing with proper diacriticals.
This is part 2 of our Hawaiian Language Series. Read Part 1 about supporting the Hawaiian language revival.