lani
/ˈla.ni/
The Hawaiian word for paradise is lani.
lani is used to describe a very pleasant place.
Meaning: very pleasant place (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, lani means heaven, sky or the heavens.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈla.ni/.
Did you know?
- The Malagasy word lanitra shares a common ancestor with lani, linking the Hawaiian language to Madagascar.
- The word lani is often used in Hawaiian names to signify a noble or royal lineage, as the 'heavens' were associated with the ruling class.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the concept of lani represents a vertical layer of the universe where gods and ancestral spirits reside.
Example conversation
Kiana and Keanu are looking at a beautiful beach.
- KianaHe lani Ȫ ka wahi kȪ kȪ.This place is a paradise.
- KeanuȪ'ae, he lani Ȫ nȪ.Yes, it is a paradise.
- KianaMakemake au e noho kȪ kȪ eia.I want to stay here.
- KeanuUa Ȫ'ae au, Kiana.I agree, Kiana.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lani, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lani, CC BY-SA 4.0.
