haole
/ˈhao̯.le/
In Hawaiian, the term for white person is haole.
haole refers to a person with light skin, typically of European descent. However, it is often used more broadly in a colloquial sense to mean a foreigner or an outsider.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word is considered informal. Depending on the tone and the context in which it is used, haole can range from a neutral descriptor to a derogatory slur.
How does it change in a sentence?
haole is an adjective that can also function as a noun. It does not change its form to indicate plurality.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈhao̯.le/.
When do people say it?
A white person who has become deeply ingrained in the local culture may be referred to as a haole kama'āina.
Did you know?
- The term haole actually predates the arrival of Europeans in the islands.
Examples in context
- He haole kēia.This is a white person.
- Ua haole ka wahine.The woman is white.
Example conversation
Kiana and Ikaika are talking about a new neighbor.
- KianaHe aha ka mea i ʻōlelo ʻia e ka mea hou?What did the new person say?
- IkaikaʻO ia he haole mai nā ʻāina ʻē aʻe.He is a white person from other lands.
- KianaHiki iā ia ke ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi?Can he speak Hawaiian?
- IkaikaʻEhē, ʻaʻoleNo, he cannot.
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.
