Translation guide
The U.S. state of Hawaii is referred to in Japanese by its katakana name. This guide covers how to say Hawaii, refer to things from Hawaii, and use it naturally in conversation.
ハワイ
Hawaii
Referring to the state or island of Hawaii
The standard Japanese name for Hawaii. Used for the state, the island, or as a general reference.
来年ハワイに行きます。
I'm going to Hawaii next year.
ハワイはアメリカの州です。
Hawaii is a U.S. state.
Explicitly means 'the state of Hawaii'. Used in formal or official contexts.
ハワイ州は観光業が盛んです。
The state of Hawaii has a thriving tourism industry.
Refers specifically to the Big Island of Hawaii, not the whole state. Use only when distinguishing islands.
ハワイ島は火山で有名です。
The Big Island is famous for its volcanoes.
Saying something is from or related to Hawaii
The most common way to say 'Hawaiian [something]'. Simply attach の to ハワイ.
ハワイの音楽が好きです。
I like Hawaiian music.
これはハワイのお土産です。
This is a Hawaiian souvenir.
Loanword from English 'Hawaiian'. Often used in compound nouns like ハワイアンミュージック or ハワイアンキルト.
ハワイアンフードが食べたい。
I want to eat Hawaiian food.
Referring to a person from Hawaii
The standard, neutral way to say 'a Hawaiian person' or 'people from Hawaii'.
ハワイの人は親切ですね。
Hawaiian people are kind, aren't they?
Emphasizes that the person is from Hawaii (origin).
彼はハワイ出身の人です。
He is a person from Hawaii.
去年の夏、ハワイに行きました。
I went to Hawaii last summer.
これはハワイのシャツです。
This is a Hawaiian shirt.