Seeing place names like Waikele, really emphasizes how important the Hawaiian language is to our culture. As you grow up, the norm becomes something that can be hidden in plain sight, or something that most people overlook, despite it being in our everyday language. However, as we think about multilingualism and think about the connection of the Hawaiian language and how it can shift our culture and communication, we can then use our town names as markers for history, culture, and diversity. We can view this public language as a way to honor the past and encourage language revitalization everyday.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
47080
United States
Waipahu
(SK) (#3) This photo is located in Waipahu and is a local Acai Bowl place. This sign is located outside of the business and is the menu of what they serve. It’s multiple colors and pictures makes it stand out and allows customers to view it. Pidgin is found in this photo by the label of the establishment “Wicked Bowlz” with the emphasis on the spelling of bowlz. Some think that acai bowls are a local delicacy of Hawaii and are local, however they are not. The intended audience is those looking for a tasty acai bowl to eat and looking over the menu.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
24810
United States
Waipahu
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10582
Belgium
Waimes
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10663
Belgium
Waimes
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39973
United States
Waimea
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Multilingual Hawaiʻi
3447
United States
Waimea
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44126
United States
Waimanalo
This is the name of a Karaoke bar up in Waimanalo. The use of “Ohana” in this is most likely to catch the eyes of locals and incorporate a more welcoming feel for the business. The intended audience is also the locals of the community. AJR
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
46187
United States
Waimānalo
N.L This has the pidgin word Ono next to the word Ahi. I got this photo from Yelp. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ono-steaks-and-shrimp-shack-waimanalo?select=Eozc5XhMXbRUBCb7L5tiPw
39026
United States
Waimanalo
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Multilingual Hawaiʻi
41345
United States
Waimanalo
Translation: Children of the Land of Righteousness, Come, come here, Restore the sovereignty of Waimānalo, "The Language of the Menu" by Richard lliwa'alami
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
41346
United States
Waimānalo
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Multilingual Hawaiʻi
41347
United States
Waimanalo
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Multilingual Hawaiʻi
41348
United States
Waimanalo
Ono is delicious in Hawaiian. Advertises to tourists and locals that there is delicious steak and other food at the restaurant.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
41349
United States
Waimanalo
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Multilingual Hawaiʻi
41350
United States
Waimanalo
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Multilingual Hawaiʻi
41351
United States
Waimanalo
Ice Cream Flavour Label at Dave’s Ice Cream
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
41352
United States
Waimanalo
Ice Cream Flavour Label - Dave’s Ice Cream
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
134337
United States
Waimanalo
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148858
ronaleid
United States
Waimalu
The newly opened Kalauao, Pearlridge rail station represents how multilingualism is woven into everyday life in Hawai’i. Seeing Hawaiian place names displayed prominently alongside English reminds me that movement through the islands is also movement through layered histories and languages. As I commute from Kalauao to Lagoon Drive (Āhua) and transfer to the bus to reach school, I am constantly navigating these linguistic landscapes and becoming more conscious of the stories they carry. This daily journey makes me more aware of how public infrastructure can honor Indigenous language, promote accessibility, and reinforce the cultural identity of Hawai’i’s communities in meaningful, visible ways.
Lingscape
