kula
/ˈku.la/
The Hawaiian word for school is kula.
kula is a noun used to refer to an institution dedicated to teaching and learning.
Meaning: an institution dedicated to teaching and learning (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word kula can also mean 'red' or 'field' depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈku.la/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The term kula shares a common ancestor with the Tongan word tula, which means 'bald'.
Examples in context
- Ke kula nuiThe big school
- E hele i ka kula.Go to school.
- Maikaʻi ka kula hou.The new school is good.
Example conversation
Kiana and Ikaika are talking about their day.
- KianaUa hele ʻoe i ka kula ʻino?Did you go to school today?
- IkaikaʻAe, ua hele mai au.Yes, I went.
- KianaHe kula maikaʻi kʴe?Is that a good school?
- IkaikaʻAe, he kula maikaʻi kʴe.Yes, it is a good school.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “school” translations and entries kula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
