nalu
/ˈna.lu/
The Hawaiian word for "waves" is nalu.
nalu refers to the ridges of water that move across the surface of the ocean.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈna.lu/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- The Proto-Oceanic ancestor of nalu specifically meant 'mountain wave'. This suggests that early Pacific peoples visualized large swells as moving mountains of water.
- The term heʻe nalu, meaning 'wave sliding', is the traditional term for surfing. It treats the wave as a physical surface to be slid upon rather than a wall of water to be ridden.
- The word nalu is also used as a verb meaning 'to surf'. While English uses a separate word for the activity, Hawaiian uses the word for 'waves' to describe the act of riding them.
Examples in context
- Nui nā nalu i kēia lā.The waves are big today.
- Ke nānā nei au i nā nalu.I am watching the waves.
Example conversation
Kiana and Koa are standing on the beach looking at the ocean.
- KianaE nānā i nā nalu, e Koa!Look at the waves, Koa!
- KoaHe nalukiʻi wale nō lākou.They are just small waves.
- KianaHiki iā māua ke holo i ka nalu.We can ride the waves.
- KoaʻAe, e hele kākou!Yes, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nalu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nalu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
