hoʻomaha
/ˌho.ʔoˈma.ha/
In Hawaiian, the word for vacation is hoʻomaha.
hoʻomaha refers to a period of leisure time.
Meaning: period of leisure time (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
hoʻomaha also functions as a verb meaning to rest or to take a break.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /ˌho.ʔoˈma.ha/.
Did you know?
- The prefix hoʻo- can also be used to create 'simulative' words, meaning hoʻomaha can technically imply 'pretending to rest' or 'acting as if one is resting'.
- The glottal stop represented by the ʻokina in hoʻomaha is not just a punctuation mark but a distinct consonant that changes the rhythm of the word.
- Because the word contains the causative prefix hoʻo-, using it to describe a vacation is like saying you are 'making yourself' enter a state of rest.
Examples in context
- Ke hoʻomaka nei au i kuʻu wā hoʻomaha i Hawaiʻi.I am beginning my vacation in Hawaii.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their plans for the week.
- KaiE hoʻomaha ana ʻoe i kēia wiki?Are you taking a vacation this week?
- NoelaniʻAe, e hoʻomaha ana au i ke kai.Yes, I am vacationing at the beach.
- KaiE nanea i kou hoʻomaha!Enjoy your vacation!
- NoelaniMahalo, e Kai.Thank you, Kai.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hoʻomaha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoʻomaha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
