hala kahiki
/ˈha.la kaˈhi.ki/
The Hawaiian word for pineapple is hala kahiki. Wiktionary also lists hala kea.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hawaiian | IPA |
|---|---|
| hala kahiki | /ˈha.la kaˈhi.ki/ |
| hala kea |
The term is used to refer to the pineapple fruit.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to foreign pandanus, reflecting that the fruit was not native to the islands.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈha.la kaˈhi.ki/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The term kahiki does not just mean 'foreign' but specifically refers to lands located to the west.
- The word hala in the name for pineapple refers to a common indigenous screwpine plant, making the fruit's name a way of describing it as a 'strange' version of a local plant.
- While hala kahiki is common, the form hala kea uses the word kea, which usually refers to the color white or a lightness of shade.
Examples in context
- He hala kahiki kēia.This is a pineapple.
- Makemake au i ka hala kahiki.I want some pineapple.
Example conversation
Keanu and Noelani are preparing a snack together.
- KeanuNoelani, aia ka hala kahiki?Noelani, is there any pineapple?
- NoelaniʻAe, aia ma ka pūloʻu.Yes, it is in the basket.
- KeanuE kōkua mai i ka huki ʻana i ka hala kahiki.Help me cut the pineapple.
- NoelaniʻAe, e hana pono kāua.Yes, let's do it carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pineapple” translations and entries hala kahiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
