This photo of the Chinese signage at Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant, one of my favorite places to eat, reminds me of how multilingualism shapes everyday life in Hawai’i. The bright Chinese characters feel familiar and comforting, signaling a cultural presence that has long been part of our islands. Seeing this signage alongside English storefronts reflects the coexistence of immigrant histories and local identity in shared public spaces. For me, dining here is more than enjoying good food, it’s a reminder of how language preserves heritage, builds community, and keeps cultural traditions visible. It shows how multilingual spaces quietly enrich Hawai’i’s urban landscape.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
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ronaleid
United States
Honolulu
Seeing the HOKA store signage at Ala Moana reminded me of how global languages and cultural meaning flows through everyday spaces in Hawai’i. Hoka means “to fly” in Māori, and the bird embedded in the “O” symbolizes movement, freedom, and uplift, ideas that resonate strongly in an island context. Even in a commercial setting, this small linguistic detail carries cultural significance and reflects how Indigenous languages from across the Pacific appear in our public landscape. Standing in line outside the store, I became more aware of how multilingual branding connects communities, introduces shared symbolism, and adds depth to our shopping environment.
Lingscape
