When I took this picture at Pho Saigon in Wailuku, I noticed how the sign and menu include Vietnamese words that I usually don’t pay attention to. Being there made me realize how many languages are around us in Maui without us even thinking about it. The Vietnamese writing shows how important this restaurant is for the local Vietnamese community and anyone who enjoys their food. It also made me think about how language connects people to their culture, even far from home. Seeing Vietnamese used so naturally in public helped me understand how multilingual Hawaiʻi really is.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
38975
United States
Wailuku
—
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
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.
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
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
Lingscape
