malu
/ˈma.lu/
The Hawaiian word for peace is malu.
malu is used to express a state of being free from war, but it also describes physical shade or a sense of privacy and seclusion.
Meaning: state of being free from war (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word literally refers to shade or shelter, implying that peace is a state of being protected or sheltered from harm.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈma.lu/.
Did you know?
- Because 'malu' can mean 'privacy', asking for 'malu' in a social setting might be interpreted as a request for personal space rather than a political statement of peace.
- The term can describe a sense of emotional tranquility. Just as shade cools the skin, 'malu' provides a cooling, calming effect on the spirit.
- In some contexts, malu can describe a feeling of being hidden or obscured, linking the idea of peace to the ability to remain unseen by enemies.
Example conversation
Noelani and Ikaika are talking about world events.
- NoelaniMakemake au i ka malu.I want peace.
- IkaikaʻAe, he mea pono kēlā.Yes, that is necessary.
- NoelaniHiki paha ke loaʻa ka malu?Is it possible to find peace?
- IkaikaManaʻo au e hiki kēlā.I think that is possible.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry malu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
