How to Say “Monkey” in Hawaiian

By Leah Freya • Updated October 2, 2026

kaimuki

The Hawaiian word for monkey is kaimuki.

kaimuki is a noun used to refer to a primate.

Meaning: primate (noun)

Did you know?

The word kaimuki is actually a proper noun and the name of a specific district in Honolulu. It is not a generic term for any primate in the Hawaiian language.
In traditional Hawaiian culture, there was no native word for 'monkey' because monkeys are not indigenous to the islands.
Many words for non-native animals in Hawaiian are 'transliterations', where the English sound is forced into Hawaiian phonetics.

Example conversation

Malia and Ikaika are looking at animals at the zoo.

Malia

E nānā i ka kaimuki!
Look at the monkey!
Ikaika

He kaimuki akamai kēlā.
That is a smart monkey.
Malia

ʻAe, ke ʻinu nei ʻia.
Yes, it is drinking.
Ikaika

He mea ʻakaʻaka kēlā.
That is funny.

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About The Author

Leah Freya

Aloha! I'm Leah. My heart sings with the language of the islands every time I surf on a warm Hawaiian wave, with my pencil in one hand and my notepad in the other. I've made exploring the unique and vibrant language of Hawaii my lifelong passion. I believe, when you know the local lingo, you not only engage with the locals at a deeper level, but you also embrace the spirit of the island. Immerse yourself in my posts, and let's say "Aloha" to learning Hawaiian together!

Leah FreyaHelp 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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