Can we all agree that birthday phrases in all languages are phenomenal? Especially the Hawaiian version of happy birthday. Although Hawaii is an endangered official language, It carries a pleasant sound when spoken.

From the sweet words that sound like endearment to the mind-blowing gestures and the kind of gifts that comes with celebrating birthdays in traditional Hawaii, it’s worth saying that these celebrations are truly worth every dime spent on hosting a Hawaiian Birthday party.

So, if the birthday of a loved one (crush, child, role model, or even a cherished employee or boss) is approaching, learning how to say happy birthday in Hawaiian will pass your message that you deeply appreciate their presence in your life.

Fortunately, by reading this blog post, you will know how to pronounce & speak several happy birthday phrases in Hawaii and even sing some traditional birthday songs. The pronunciations are well broken. So don’t worry; with a few tries, you will confidently show the birthday celebrant how much you value their existence.

Read Also: How to Say Happy Birthday in Japanese

How to Say Happy Birthday in Hawaiian

Before you attend a Hawaii-themed birthday party or host one, ensure that you can, at the very least, express your wishes in a Hawaiian phrase. Doing this will help enforce your actions as genuine and the birthday celebrant will surely accept your birthday wishes as extra special.

Here’s a quick tabled tutorial on how to say happy birthday in Hawaiian:

Hawaii WordPronunciationMeaning in English
Hauʻoli lā hānauhow-oh-lee lah hah-nah-ooHappy birthday
E ku ʻoe e hauʻoli lā hānauEh ku oo eh how- oh-lee lah hah-nah-ooI hope you have a happy birthday
Ke ho‘olaule‘a nei ‘oe i kou lā hānau i kēia lāKe oh-oo-la-who-le-ah niee oo ee ku lah hah-nah-oo ee key-eah lahIt’s a good day to celebrate
Hui hou ka manawa e hānau aiEoo oh ka mah-nah-wah a hah-nah-oo aheMay the time come again for celebrating your birthday
Eia kekahi la hānau lāAe-ah ka-kah-ee lah hah-nah-oo laahThis is one special birthday
E hau‘oli lā hānau maika‘i loaA how-oh-lee lah hah-nah-oo mah-ee-kah-ee loh-ahHave a very happy birthday
Hau‘oli lā hānau pōmaika‘iHow-oh-lee lah hah-nah-oo poh-mah-ee-kah-eeHappy blessed birthday
Na ke Akua i hoʻopōmaikaʻi iā ʻoe i kēia lā hānauNah kee ah-ooah ee oo-oh-pio-mah-ee-kah-ee eah oo key-eah lah lah hah-nah-ooGod blessed you with this birthday

Why Is Singing Happy Birthday So Important?

Everyone loves a little bit of rhythm. So the birthday celebrant would definitely love to hear this heavenly-sounding language in a flowing musical tone. Also, singing the Hawaii happy birthday song will make native Hawaiians feel respected and heard. After all, their language is going extinct.

If you want the birthday celebrant or the party attendant to feel happiness, singing happy birthday in Hawaiian will bring that rush of air that will embrace them in joy.

Don’t know how to sing it? Learn how to pronounce and sing the Hawaii birthday song through this Hawaiian birthday musical.

When you go as far as learning to sing Hawaiian, you encourage humanity by keeping the language (the hearts of several natives) alive. It may seem small, but every bit counts in preserving and celebrating Hawaiian culture.

Read Also: How to Wish Happy Birthday in Italian

Fun Games and Activities That Will Help Add Spice to Your Hawaiian-Themed Birthday Party

Hawaii culture is known to have several fun and eccentric activities. These nostalgic activities will add some extra excitement and Hawaiian flavor to any birthday party. He manawa maikaʻi e hoʻolauleʻa ai! (Have a nice time celebrating!)

Other Useful Words for a Hawaiian Party are in the table below:

HawaiiPronunciationMeaning
AlohaAh-low-ahHello/goodbye/love
E komo maiAir ko-moo myWelcome
Hana houAh-na hoOne more time
Hauʻoli lā hānauhow-oh-lee lah hah-nah-ooHappy Birthday
MahaloMah-ah-lohThank you
Mele KalikimakaMeh-leh Kah=-lee-key-mah–kaMerry Christmas
KeikiKey-ick-eChild
OhanaOo-ah-naFamily
Huliwho-leeTurn/flip (as in flipping a burger on the grill)
Kūlia i ka nuʻuKu-moo-leeah ee kah noo-moo Strive for the summit (or aim high)

5 Traditional Hawaiian Food Commonly Served on a Hawaiian Birthday

In these modern times, it is possible to cook traditional Hawaiian foods. Their foods are known to be organic and sustainable, so you don’t have to worry about the economic weight it will have on you. You will be good with a few modern cooking skills and a Hawaiian food idea.

Read Also: A Beginner’s Guide to Saying Happy Birthday in Korea

These foods include:

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Ways to Wish Someone a “Happy Birthday” in Hawaiian

How Do You Say Happy Birthday on Hawaiian Beach?

If you want to say happy birthday in Hawaii’s native language, say Hauʻoli Lā Piha Makahiki, which translates to happy new year in the English version and congratulates the celebrant for completing another year of their life.

What Do Hawaiians Do for Birthdays?

Hawaiians engage in fun activities such as lei-making, singing, and throwing a birthday party. They also especially celebrate the first and 30th birthdays with a mix of travel, music displays and more.

What Do Hawaiians Do for Birthdays?

Hawaiians engage in fun activities such as lei-making, singing, and throwing a birthday party. They also especially celebrate the first and 30th birthdays with a mix of travel, music displays and more.

Can You Give a Lei for Birthday?

Yes! Lei giving signifies your gratitude, love, and recognition of the celebrant’s day. The celebrant of a special event usually wears it. Ensure you smile with adoration as you give the celebrant; this way, you have reminded the celebrant how special their day is.

What Is the Hawaiian Tradition for First Birthday?

The 1st birthday of a Hawaiian baby is called the baby lūʻau. Traditionally, you should attend a baby lūʻau party with a gift such as money kept in a card, a lei for the parent, or an offer to help parents if the party becomes too busy. After all, the baby lūʻau celebrates a kid.

What Does Aloha Kaua Mean?

Aloha Kaua literally translates to “Love war” in English. It communicates the idea of peacefully sharing love between two people; most Hawaiians use it as an informal greeting.

Final Thought

One way to say “Happy Birthday” in Hawaiian is “Hauʻoli lā hānau.” In Hawaiian culture, birthdays are a time for celebration and joy. Saying this phrase to a loved one wishes them a happy birthday and acknowledges the significance of their special day.

However, it’s important to note that the Hawaiian language and culture should be respected and used appropriately. Using phrases like “Hauʻoli lā hānau” in a cultural or traditional setting is appropriate, but using it as a trendy greeting in all situations may not be appropriate. In its stead, use aloha!