lua
/ˈlu.a/
The Hawaiian word for restroom is lua.
lua is used to refer to a public room containing a toilet.
Meaning: public room containing a toilet (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈlu.a/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word lua also means 'hole' or 'pit'. In ancient Hawaii, toilets were literally holes dug into the ground.
- The word lua is also the Hawaiian word for the number 'two'.
- The ancient practice of using a lua for waste was carefully managed to avoid contaminating the 'wai' or fresh water sources.
Example conversation
Noelani and Kai are visiting a museum.
- NoelaniKai, aia ka lua?Kai, where is the restroom?
- KaiAia ia ma kēlā ʻaoʻao.It is over there on that side.
- NoelaniMahalo, e hele au i ka lua.Thanks, I'll go to the restroom.
- KaiʻAe, e holo wiki wiki mai.Yes, come back quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
