Hawaiian

American  

[huh-wahy-uhn, -wah-yuhn] / həˈwaɪ ən, -ˈwɑ yən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Hawaii or the Hawaiian Islands.

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Hawaii or the Hawaiian Islands.

2. the aboriginal language of Hawaii, a Polynesian language.

Hawaiian British  

/ həˈwaɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Hawaii, its people, or their language

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Hawaii, esp one descended from Melanesian or Tahitian immigrants

2. a language of Hawaii belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family

Etymology

Origin of Hawaiian

First recorded in 1815–25; Hawaii + -an

Compare meaning

How does hawaiian compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Polynesian vs. Hawaiian

Example Sentences

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can attempt something like the Parker House roll or a Hawaiian roll.

From Salon

Similar vocal patterns were detected across the Hawaiian Archipelago, and calling rates increased in areas with larger seal populations.

From Science Daily

He and his colleagues set out to determine exactly how much squid Hawaiian short-finned pilot whales rely on.

From Science Daily

Kilauea is one of six active volcanoes located in the Hawaiian Islands.

From Barron's

Maybe that bin of Beanie Babies isn’t going to pay for your next Hawaiian vacation.

From The Wall Street Journal