Mastering the ʻOkina and Kahakō: A Guide to Proper Hawaiian Spelling
A Note from the Author: This article was written by someone who is actively learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and is not yet fluent. While I've done my best to provide accurate information, please use this as a launching pad for your own learning journey. For more nuanced and in-depth understanding, I encourage you to seek out books, courses, and resources authored by Native Hawaiian speakers and fluent Hawaiian language educators. Mahalo for your understanding!
If you're learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi or simply want to show respect when using Hawaiian words, understanding the ʻokina and kahakō is essential. These diacritical marks aren't just decorative—they completely change the meaning and pronunciation of words. Let's dive into how to use them correctly.
What is the ʻOkina?
The ʻokina (ʻ) is a glottal stop — a consonant in the Hawaiian language. It's similar to the sound in the middle of the English expression "uh-oh." The ʻokina represents a brief pause or catch in your throat between vowels.
Why the ʻOkina Matters
The ʻokina changes meaning entirely. Consider these examples:
- Hawaiʻi (the islands) vs. Hawai'i (incorrect apostrophe)
- ʻai (to eat) vs. ai (sexual intercourse)
- Koʻolau (windward) vs. koolau (not a word)
- ʻōpū (stomach/belly) vs. opu (not a word)
- kaʻa (to roll, to move) vs. kaa (not a word)
- ʻuala (sweet potato) vs. uala (not a word)
- hoʻi (to return) vs. hoi (a type of vine)
- ʻike (to see, to know) vs. ike (not a standard word)
As you can see, leaving out the ʻokina or using the wrong symbol can completely change what you're saying — sometimes in embarrassing ways!
Common ʻOkina Mistakes
The most common mistake is using an apostrophe (') instead of the proper ʻokina (ʻ). While they look similar, they're different characters:
- Wrong: Hawai'i, 'ohana (using apostrophe)
- Right: Hawaiʻi, ʻohana (using ʻokina)
What is the Kahakō?
The kahakō is a macron — a horizontal line placed over vowels (ā, ē, ī, ō, ū). It indicates that the vowel should be pronounced longer, held for about twice as long as a regular vowel. Think of it as a stress mark that elongates the sound.
Why the Kahakō Matters
Like the ʻokina, the kahakō changes meaning. Here are expanded examples to sharpen your eye:
- kau (to place) vs. kāu (yours)
- pau (finished) vs. pāʻū (skirt, sarong)
- mana (branch) vs. māna (for him/her) vs. mana (spiritual power — context-dependent)
- ono (delicious) vs. ʻono (a type of fish, also delicious!)
- ko (sugarcane) vs. kō (to fulfill, to accomplish)
- pu (conch shell) vs. pū (together, also a gun)
- ka (the) vs. kā (to dash, to hurl)
- wai (water) vs. wāī (to assign)
- hana (work) vs. hāna (a place on Maui)
- loa (long, very) vs. lōʻā (to obtain, to get)
Hawaiian Vowel Pronunciation Guide
All Hawaiian vowels are pure sounds — no diphthongs. Here's how each vowel sounds with and without the kahakō:
- a — like "ah" in "father" | ā — held longer: "aah"
- e — like "eh" in "bed" | ē — held longer: "eeh"
- i — like "ee" in "see" | ī — held longer: "eeee"
- o — like "oh" in "go" | ō — held longer: "ohh"
- u — like "oo" in "moon" | ū — held longer: "ooo"
Practice words: Lānaʻi (LAH-nah-ee), Waikīkī (why-kee-KEE), Kāneʻohe (KAH-neh-OH-heh), Mānoa (MAH-noh-ah).
Ready to Go Deeper?
Now that you understand why these marks matter, put your skills to use. Our ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi for Little Learners guide is a beautiful starting point for any age — a fun, illustrated introduction to the Hawaiian language with proper diacritical usage throughout.
How to Type the ʻOkina and Kahakō
On iPhone/iPad
Add the Hawaiian keyboard in Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard → Hawaiian. Then you can easily type all the proper characters.
On Mac
For the ʻokina: Hold down the apostrophe key and select the ʻokina from the popup menu, or add the Hawaiian keyboard. For kahakō vowels: Hold down the vowel key (a, e, i, o, u) and select the version with the macron (ā, ē, ī, ō, ū).
On Windows
Add the Hawaiian keyboard through Settings → Time & Language → Language → Add a language → Hawaiian. You can also use Alt codes or the Character Map utility.
On Android
Download the Hawaiian keyboard through Gboard settings or your keyboard app's language settings.
Common Hawaiian Words with ʻOkina and Kahakō
Here are frequently used words to practice — pay close attention to where the marks appear:
- ʻohana (family)
- mahalo (thank you) — no marks needed!
- aloha (love, hello, goodbye) — no marks needed!
- Hawaiʻi (the islands)
- ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language)
- mālama (to care for, preserve)
- kuleana (responsibility, privilege)
- pono (righteousness, balance)
- ʻāina (land)
- mauka (toward the mountain)
- makai (toward the ocean)
- hālau (school, especially for hula)
- kāne (man, male)
- wahine (woman, female)
- keiki (child)
- hōʻike (to show, to demonstrate)
- ʻāpana (section, district)
- nānā (to look, to observe)
Test Yourself: Spot the Missing Marks
Can you identify what's wrong with each of these common misspellings? Answers below.
- Hawai'i (hint: wrong character type)
- ohana (hint: missing a consonant)
- Olelo Hawaii (hint: missing two marks)
- malama (hint: missing a kahakō)
- Waikiki (hint: missing two kahakō)
Answers: 1) Should use ʻokina not apostrophe: Hawaiʻi | 2) Missing ʻokina: ʻohana | 3) Missing ʻokina and kahakō: ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi | 4) Missing kahakō on first a: mālama | 5) Missing kahakō on both i's: Waikīkī
Why Proper Usage Matters
Using the ʻokina and kahakō correctly is more than just good spelling — it's a sign of respect for the Hawaiian language and culture. When businesses, writers, and individuals take the time to use these marks properly, it shows they value accuracy and cultural sensitivity.
Remember: Hawaiian was nearly lost due to colonization and suppression. Every time we use the language correctly, we're participating in its revival and honoring the efforts of those who fought to preserve it. To understand the full weight of that history, read our deep-dive: The History of Hawaiian Language Suppression and Revival.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don't be intimidated! Start by learning the correct spelling of common words you use frequently. Set up the Hawaiian keyboard on your devices. When you see Hawaiian words, pay attention to where the ʻokina and kahakō appear.
The more you practice, the more natural it becomes. And if you make a mistake, that's okay — what matters is that you're making the effort to learn and improve. A great next step is understanding the full alphabet: read 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
- Our ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi for Little Learners digital guide — great for all ages
- Our Hawaiian Numbers & the Helu System — learn to count in Hawaiian with proper diacriticals
If you'd like to carry a piece of Hawaiian culture with you, check out our Poi Pounder Hawaiian Pendant — a beautiful reminder of the rich traditions behind the language you're learning. You might also love our Handmade Turquoise Hawaiian Sea Turtles Bracelet, or wrap yourself in aloha with our Pua Kenikeni Luxurious Hawaiian Beach Towel.
E hoʻomau! (Keep going!) Your effort to use the ʻokina and kahakō correctly makes a real difference in preserving and respecting ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
Speak the Language. Wear the Culture.
Your commitment to learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is a beautiful act of respect. Celebrate that connection with pieces that honor Hawaiian artistry and tradition.
Shop Hawaiian Flair → · ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi for Little Learners · Poi Pounder Pendant · Sea Turtles Bracelet
This is part 2 of our Hawaiian Language Series. Read part 1 about supporting the Hawaiian language revival.