Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Of or relating to Hawaii: Pertaining to the U.S. state of Hawaii, its islands, or its geographical features.
   • Characteristic of Hawaii's people or culture: Describing the customs, traditions, or way of life associated with Hawaii.
   • Relating to the Hawaiian language: Pertaining to the Polynesian language historically and officially spoken in Hawaii.

2. Noun:

   • A native or resident of Hawaii: A person who was born in or lives in the state of Hawaii.
   • The Hawaiian language: The Austronesian language of the Hawaiian people.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • We enjoyed a traditional Hawaiian luau. (We enjoyed a traditional feast characteristic of Hawaii.)
  • She studies Hawaiian history and geology. (She studies the history and geology relating to Hawaii.)
  • The Hawaiian alphabet has only 13 letters. (The alphabet of the Hawaiian language has only 13 letters.)

• Noun:

  • My neighbor is a Hawaiian who moved to the mainland. (My neighbor is a native of Hawaii who moved to the continental U.S.)
  • He is trying to learn Hawaiian. (He is trying to learn the Hawaiian language.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hawaiian" vs. "Hawai'ian": The standard modern spelling is "Hawaiian". The apostrophe form ("Hawai'ian") is an older or less common variant sometimes used to reflect the glottal stop in pronunciation.
• Cultural Context: When used as a noun for a person, "Hawaiian" often specifically refers to individuals of Native Hawaiian ancestry, not just any resident of the state. The broader term "Hawaii resident" may be used for others.

Variants and Related Words

• Hawaii: (Proper noun) The name of the U.S. state comprising a chain of islands.
• Hawaiiana: (Noun) Objects, artifacts, or materials related to Hawaiian culture and history.

Synonyms

• Adjective: (None are perfect synonyms, but contextually) Island, Polynesian (when referring to broader cultural/linguistic family).
• Noun (person): Islander, Hawaii resident, Native Hawaiian (for indigenous people).
• Noun (language): 'Ōlelo Hawai'i (the Hawaiian name for the language).

Related Phrases

• Hawaiian shirt: A brightly colored casual shirt with a distinctive print, often featuring floral or Polynesian motifs.
• Hawaiian pizza: A pizza topped with tomato sauce, cheese, ham, and pineapple.

Related Idioms

• "Hawaiian time": A humorous or informal expression referring to a relaxed, unhurried approach to schedules, stereotypically associated with Hawaiian culture.
  • Don't worry about being exactly on time; we're operating on Hawaiian time.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or characteristic of the state or island of Hawaii or to the people or culture or language

Noun

1. a native or resident of Hawaii
2. the Oceanic languages spoken on Hawaii