Introduction & History

Hawaiian, or ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is the indigenous language of the Hawaiian Islands and one of the few Polynesian languages native to the United States. Deeply rooted in the oral traditions and spirituality of the Hawaiian people, the language expresses a worldview shaped by nature, genealogy, and community.

Before Western contact, Hawaiian was spoken throughout the islands as a vibrant and living language. It developed from earlier Austronesian languages that arrived with the first Polynesian settlers, likely between 300 and 800 AD. Over centuries, Hawaiian evolved into a distinct language, complete with its own grammar, poetic forms, and place-based vocabulary that reflects the islands’ unique geography and culture.

By the early 1800s, Hawaiian was a written language, using a 12-letter Latin-based alphabet developed by Christian missionaries. For decades, Hawaiian was used in newspapers, books, legal documents, and even taught in schools.

However, in 1896, following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, the Hawaiian language was forced out of public education and government. This led to a dramatic decline in fluent speakers over the 20th century, with only a few native speakers remaining by the 1970s.

A powerful resurgence occurred in the 1980s, led by Native Hawaiian activists, educators, and families. Immersion schools (Nā Pūnana Leo), university programs, and cultural initiatives have helped restore pride in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and grow a new generation of speakers. In 1978, Hawaiian was declared an official language of the state of Hawaiʻi alongside English.

Today, Hawaiian is still considered an endangered language, but its revitalization efforts are among the most successful in the world. The language continues to grow in classrooms, homes, media, and government, serving as a symbol of cultural renewal and identity.