When we think about preserving language and culture, it’s often the smallest marks that make the biggest difference. In the Hawaiian language, diacritical marks — the ʻokina (glottal stop) and the kahakō (macron) — aren’t just decorative. They carry meaning, shape pronunciation, and reflect deep respect for a living, breathing culture.
At O-WOW, where we work closely with local businesses and creatives, we believe in honoring culture through design, language, and storytelling—starting with getting the little things right.
What Are Diacriticals?
Diacriticals are small marks added to letters to change how they sound or are understood. In Hawaiian, there are two:
- ʻOkina (ʻ): Represents a glottal stop, similar to the pause you hear between the syllables in ‘uh-oh.
- Kahakō (¯): A macron placed over a vowel to show it should be held longer.
Without these, Hawaiian words can lose their meaning—or worse, mean something completely different.
Why They Matter
- They Change the Meaning: Take the word “pau” (finished) vs. “paʻu” (soot). One small mark makes a big difference. Misusing diacriticals can lead to confusion, or change the tone and intent of what you’re trying to say.
- They Honor the Language and Culture: Using diacriticals shows respect for the Hawaiian people and their language. It reflects a commitment to accuracy and cultural integrity—especially important in public signage, education, websites, and media.
- They Preserve Proper Pronunciation: Hawaiian is a phonetic language. Each vowel and symbol provides clear guidance on how the word should be pronounced. Using diacriticals correctly helps everyone—locals, learners, and visitors—say words the way they were meant to be said.
Common Hawaiian Words with Correct Diacriticals
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ʻAloha | Love, compassion, hello, goodbye |
| ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi | Hawaiian language |
| Hawaiʻi | Hawaii (with ʻokina before the final “i”) |
| Mālama | To care for, preserve |
| Moʻokūʻauhau | Genealogy |
| Lūʻau | Traditional Hawaiian feast |
| Pūʻolo | Bundle, package |
| Hoʻoponopono | To make right, correct, reconcile |
| ʻIke | To see, to know |
| Wahine | Woman |
| Kāne | Man |
Final Thought
Respecting diacriticals is more than just typographical correctness—it’s cultural responsibility. Whether you’re creating content, signs, or digital experiences, getting the Hawaiian language right is a small but powerful way to show respect and care.
At O-WOW, Inc. , we take cultural accuracy seriously in every project we do—from websites to branding and beyond. If you’re working on something special and want to make sure it’s aligned with local values and voices, let’s connect.