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

We excluded Hawaiian Airlines because of its regional focus, but its results will be included in merger partner Alaska’s ranking for 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was as clear to me as the stars in the Hawaiian night sky.

From MarketWatch

Managing the logistics and soothing the distraught women, prosecutors allege, was Jennifer Powers, 45, a former model for Hawaiian Tropic and substitute teacher who was arrested along with Rubin.

From The Wall Street Journal

Also, more Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Asian American and white first-year undergraduates enrolled than in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times

The billionaire and Sanchez picked up a 14-acre estate on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

From MarketWatch