haole
/ˈhao̯.le/
The Hawaiian term for 'white boy' is haole.
haole is a term used to describe a person of European descent.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈhao̯.le/.
Did you know?
- The term haole likely existed in the Hawaiian language long before any Europeans ever arrived in the islands.
- A common folk story claims haole comes from hā ('breath') and ʻole ('not') because foreigners did not know the traditional honi nose-pressing greeting.
- The word haole is often used to describe anyone who is not a native Hawaiian, regardless of whether they are actually white.
Examples in context
- He haole kēlā ke keiki.That boy is a white boy.
Example conversation
Kai and Noelani are watching people at the beach.
- KaiMai pili mai kēlā haole.That white boy is coming closer.
- NoelaniʻAe, e nānā i kona kapa.Yes, look at his hat.
- KaiUa luhi ʻo ia i ka lā.He is tired from the sun.
- NoelaniHiki iā ia ke huki i ka wai.He can go into the water.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry haole, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries haole, CC BY-SA 4.0.
