Learn Hawaiian!

To learn Hawaiian is to learn what is widely believed to be one of the most beautiful languages in the world. Many Hawaiian words are used in popular culture in Hawaii, but few people actually speak the language. At present there are only a few thousand fluent speakers of the language, but thankfully that is changing. Due to a recent revival of interest in the Hawaiian language and a lot of public support, Hawaiian is once again being taught in schools. For those outside of Hawaii, there are very few resources to learn Hawaiian.

Internet/Free The Hawaiian Language Website. This is the place to go if you want to start to learn Hawaiian. Lots of history, cultural information and the largest collection of relevant links on the internet. The Hawaiian Lessons page is the place to begin learning Hawaiian. Phrases, vocabulary, pronunciation guides, song lyrics and everything else you could want to get a great start.

Internet/Free Kulaiwi
This educational site has a fantastic resource - 30 1-hour video lessons on the Hawaiian language. The videos can be seen on the internet for free and are also available for purchase on DVD. The first 6 videos have transcripts and there is a workbook for the first 12 lessons.

Internet/Free Wehewehe
This is an online Hawaiian dictionary. It actually links to several dictionaries, so you get a varity of sources. The page is in Hawaiian, so click on the English link if you need to!

Internet/Free http://alter-native-tongue.podomatic.com/
This is the only podcast I know of on learning Hawaiian. There are not many episodes yet, but I am hopeful for more.


Software/Inexpensive
Talk Now! Learn Hawaiian
This CD-Rom mostly uses games and interactive exercises to develop a beginning understanding of the language. The focus is on basic pronunciation and vocabulary. For some this would make a good supplement to a more comprehensive book or audio course, and add a little fun to the learning process.

Audio/Inexpensive
Instant Immersion Hawaiian
This is an 8-cd set which includes audio from 2 native speakers of the language. It is probably the most comprehensive audio course for Hawaiian. There are narratives and a good deal of vocabulary, but it may be more for an intermediate student of Hawaiian, since there are no written materials that come with the audio, and it is not as interactive as some other all-audio courses. Perhaps get your feet wet with some of the online resources first, but be prepared for an excellent audio course when you're ready!


Software/Inexpensive

This inexpensive downloadable software program to learn Hawaiian is a great tool to have in your arsenal. Lots of vocabulary and phrases, dialogues, audio from native speakers, games and activities and much more to get you started.

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"One who speaks a foreign language just a little takes more pleasure in it than one who speaks it well. Enjoyment belongs to those who know things halfway."

- Friedrich Nietzsche