When you visit Hawaii, it is fun to learn at least a little of the language. Of course, English is the official language and is spoken everywhere, but the names of streets and places to visit are in Hawaiian. The language almost died out, but there is now a renewed interest in reviving the Hawaiian language.
The internet has wonderful resources available to help you learn the Hawaiian language. Like any other items found on the internet, some are better than others, but if you search around, you will find a resource that will meet your learning needs. Presented here is a list of resources that is by no means exclusive, but are helpful. Included are those sites that will just help you learn a few words, and sites that you can really get into, and be able to “get a real feel” for the lilting, almost musical spoken Hawaiian. You can even get a degree in the Hawaiian language.
Hawaiian Language Beginner Lessons This site is well laid out even though the author states she is a novice at both the language and making web pages. There is a section on the first 101 words to learn and then another section on the 101 easiest words to learn. This site allows you to pick up some unusual phrases, but also words that you can use every day. http://www.geocities.com/~olelo/hltableofcontents.html
Aloha-Hawaii.com will allow you to learn just a few useful words and also hear them at the same time. These words are ones that you will see written or hear daily as you tour the islands, so you will want to add them to your repertoire. A fun way to learn just a little Hawaiian. http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/hawaii/native+tongue/
The Kamehameha School is a distance learning program to really learn the language. It will take you far beyond learning to say mahalo and aloha stage. 30 lessons are available on the website, plus you can also purchase a DVD of the lessons and a work book. This is a great site for those who are really interested in learning the Hawaiian language. http://ksdl.ksbe.edu/kulaiwi/
Another online course in Hawaiian is offered by “Aha Punana Leo. The class is offered in conjunction with Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke’elikolani College of Hawaiian Language of the University of Hawai’i at Hilo. These classes are offered for college credit. http://www.ahapunanaleo.org/eng/learnhawaiian/learn_niuolahiki.html
If you just want to learn a word or two in Hawaiian, you might try a Hawaiian dictionary. This particular one contains about 5,000 words and it is online. Sometimes it is nice to understand the meaning of the name of a place you are off to visit. For instance Hale means house, Pali is cliff. http://hawaiiandictionary.hisurf.com/index.php
Hawaiian Dictionary &Phrasebook: Hawaiian-English/English-Hawaiian written by A. Scott Britton is much more than just a dictionary. If you are just trying to learn a few Hawaiian words and phrases, or are dedicated to learning the language, this is a great resource. You can get a preview of the book by following the link. http://books.google.com/books?id=90J5_nF9UC0C&dq=Hawaiian+Dictionary+%26+Phrasebook:+Hawaiian-English/English-Hawaiian&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=-SfQyopdCG&sig=3LK9XRjHg6NHMa2SwsccrKJPNA4&hl=en&ei=lyNESu3yM4uwNoG7tJsB&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1
Hawaiian Languages of the World is an electric Download to help you learn the language. This download allows you to hear the word as well as read them. Because it is a download, you can start learning as soon as you down load the file. http://www.shoptransparent.com/store/transpar/DisplayProductDetailsPage/...
Our last resource is a CD that you can pop into the car to listen and learn on the way to work. You might as well be using that time to learn a new language! And then go to Hawaii to practice. http://www.languagequest.com/home/product.php?prodCode=IIHA&lang=Hawaiian
It is fun to learn at least a few words of Hawaiian before you go to the Islands. Learning the language does give you an appreciation of the people and ties you forever to the enchanted, beautiful language. Enjoy and aloha hui hou (goodbye until we meet again).
