Hawai'i

Hawaii has two official languages; Hawai'i is the correct spelling in the Hawaiian language. Because "Hawaiian" is an English word, it has no "`okina" (glottal stop), thus Hawai'ian is incorrect. Hawaiian words are pluralized by what comes before them; therefore do not add an "s" to hula, lei, mahalo, or other Hawaiian words. The University of Hawaii website has a helpful style guide. Ethnic Hawaiians are descendants of the original Polynesian inhabitants of the islands, and are also called Native Hawaiians. Hawaiian can also be used to refer to those of Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Puerto Rican ancestry in Hawaii. Or use Hawaii resident or islander for anyone living in the state.