Being born and raised on Maui, I don’t know how many times I’ve heard Maui town names pronounced incorrectly by visitors. This, of course, is not done maliciously but just due to lack of education on the correct way to say them. And like other islands in Hawai’i, the town names are usually Hawaiian words.
Thus, I decided to make the video below on how to properly pronounce popular Maui town names along with a helpful “hack” on how to pronounce Hawaiian vowels, which will help you properly pronounce other Hawaiian words as well.
Video: How to Pronounce Maui Town Names
In this video, I walk through how to correctly pronounce popular Maui town names — from Lahaina to Haʻikū — and share a simple Hawaiian vowel trick to help you say other Hawaiian words with confidence. As I always say, I’m not a Hawaiian language expert, but I have a general knowledge from growing up here on the islands. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me!
Why Maui Town Names Are Hard to Pronounce
For visitors, Hawaiian pronunciation can seem tricky at first. Each vowel is pronounced clearly, and ʻokina (the glottal stop) can change a word’s meaning. Once you learn the rhythm of the language, though, the words start to flow naturally.
Learn More About Hawaiian Language and Culture
If you’re visiting or planning a move to Maui, understanding local language and culture helps you connect more deeply with the island. Read about Hawaii place name meanings, more about ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi, and learn about communities on Maui.
Connect With Me
Have questions about homes for sale on Maui or want to learn more about the island’s towns and neighborhoods? Feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help you find your place (and pronounce it!) in paradise.
Beth Robinson
August 9, 2023
Well done video. And hopefully all the newscasters are getting these place names right today.