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

Asked if he could buy Spirit, Minicucci touts Alaska’s record of acquiring Virgin America and Hawaiian Airlines, but says there is a “really, really high” hurdle rate for mergers and acquisitions in aviation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Alaska Airlines announced a deal to buy Hawaiian Airlines in December 2023, and the merger was approved in the fall of 2024.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

This updated understanding may also help resolve tensions that have existed between conservation groups and Native Hawaiian communities, opening the door to more inclusive approaches.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

The island is the grip of a "Kona Low", a slow-moving area of low pressure that pulls in warm, moisture-rich air across the Hawaiian islands, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

We all wear Hawaiian shirts and leis over our costumes, and the banner I painted says Sari-Sari Store in bright blue, yellow, and red letters, the colors of the Philippine flag.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio