Hawaiian Term For Mainlander Today

If you are writing about this, it’s wise to explain the cultural and historical weight of the word, rather than using it without context.

The most common Hawaiian term for a mainlander is (pronounced how-lee ). hawaiian term for mainlander

While haole is often translated simply as “foreigner” or “white person,” its traditional meaning in the Hawaiian language is more nuanced: it can mean “one who is different,” “without breath” (referring to the Western custom of not exchanging the hā —the breath of life—when greeting), or “outsider.” In modern usage, the term is frequently applied to anyone from the U.S. mainland, especially those of European ancestry. If you are writing about this, it’s wise