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

The turbulence that caused dozens of injuries aboard the Hawaiian Airlines flight last December came from “an evolving thunderstorm that didn’t get reported quickly enough,” Dr. McGovern said.

From New York Times

For my version, I've gone even further afield with the supermarket classic King's Hawaiian.

From Salon

Identifying where endangered animals like Hawaiian monk seals sleep might help focus conservation efforts.

From Washington Post

"For Indigenous peoples, wellness is defined through the interconnectedness and balance of physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual health," Mattos, a Native Hawaiian, said in her speech.

From Salon