How to Say “Kamehameha” in Hawaiian

By Joel Colin • Updated October 5, 2026

Kamehameha

Kamehameha is the Hawaiian name for the king who first unified the Hawaiian Islands.

Did you know?

While 'Kamehameha' is a person's name, it is also the name of a famous martial arts energy attack in popular culture. This has caused the historical name to become globally recognized through fiction.
The name derives from the words for 'the' and 'lonely' or 'solitary'. It carries a heavy connotation of 'taboo' and 'sacred silence' rather than just being a simple name.
Because ka is a definite article, the name Kamehameha literally functions as 'The' followed by the descriptive attributes of the king.

Example conversation

Koa and Leilani are visiting a historic site.

Koa

He mauhiʻa kēia no Kamehameha?
Is this a monument for Kamehameha?
Leilani

ʻAe, he mōʻīʻo ʻo ia.
Yes, he was a king.
Koa

He kanaka manaʻo ʻo Kamehameha.
Kamehameha was a thoughtful man.
Leilani

ʻAe, ua hoʻohui ʻo ia i nā mokupuni.
Yes, he unified the islands.

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kamehameha, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Joel Colin

Aloha everyone! I'm Joel, a polu Hawaiian language enthusiast and an island-Hawaiian at heart. Surfing through linguistic waves, I enjoy teaching others about this beautiful 'ōlelo, whether it's the formal or informal translation of everyday words or complex phrases. I also indulge in māka ia (fishing) and paniolo (horse riding) activities that add to the spirit of the islands. My passion for cooking lets me savor 'ono loa (delicious food). My posts, I hope, can deliver some tropical warmth and aloha spirit to you, just like saying 'Mahalo nui loa' (Thank you very much)!

Joel ColinHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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