akua
/aˈku.a/
akua is the Hawaiian word for god or deity.
The term akua is used to refer to a god or a deity.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /aˈku.a/.
Did you know?
- While akua refers to deities, the word aumākua specifically denotes a family guardian who may appear in the form of a shark, owl or other animal.
- The term akua was adapted by missionaries to translate the English word 'God' into Hawaiian to introduce Christianity.
- The word akua is a cognate shared across many Pacific islands, appearing as atua in Māori, Samoan, Tahitian and Tuvaluan.
Example conversation
Koa and Kiana are looking at an ancient carving in a museum.
- KoaHe akua kēia?Is this a god?
- KianaʻAe, he akua kēia.Yes, this is a god.
- KoaHe mea nui kēia.This is an important thing.
- KianaʻOiaʻiʻi, Koa.You are right, Koa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry akua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries akua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
