hau
/ˈhau̯/
The Hawaiian word for snow is hau.
The word hau refers to snow, describing the crystalline state of frozen water that falls from the sky as flakes or the accumulation of these flakes on the ground.
Meaning: partly frozen, crystalline state of water that falls from the atmosphere as precipitation in flakes, falling of such flakes, accumulation of them as a white layer (noun)
Which one should you use?
The form haukea is also used to specifically mean "white snow".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhau̯/
Did you know?
- The word hau is a homonym in Hawaiian, as it also refers to the native hibiscus tree and a feeling of pride or vitality.
- The word hau is etymologically connected to the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *baʀu, which is a root found in many different words across the Pacific.
- In traditional Hawaiian chants, the term haukea (white snow) is used as a metaphor for extreme purity and sanctity.
Examples in context
- Ua nui ka haukea ma luna o Mauna Kea.There is a lot of snow on Mauna Kea.
- He 'ano kaona ke ʻike i ka ua kea.There is hidden meaning in the white rain (snow).
Example conversation
Malia and Kai are looking at a photo of a cold country.
- MaliaHe mea nani ka hau!The snow is a beautiful thing!
- KaiʻAe, akā he mea huhū ia.Yes, but it is a cold thing.
- MaliaHiki paha iā kākou ke hele i ka hau?Can we perhaps go to the snow?
- KaiHe huakaʻi lōʻihi kēlā, Malia.That is a long trip, Malia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snow” translations and entries hau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
