|
ID |
Nickname |
Country / City |
Languages |
Taxonomies |
Comment |
Project / Group |
Map |
|
43895
|
|
United States
Aiea
|
|
|
EL-S Domain: Pearlridge Center Uptown
Purpose: It’s a local owned store, and the owner makes these Hawaiian designs herself.
Audience: Mostly attracts tourists as well as lots of locals as well and mostly Japanese people.
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
51319
|
|
United States
Kapaʻa
|
|
|
Graffiti in chalk behind a map of the ke ala hele makalae path in Kapaʻa. The graffiti says “everythin mayjah”
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
24952
|
|
United States
Waipahu
|
|
|
This is a shirt that says rajah on it. Rajah (hwc) means “roger” in English. So the word rajah is a term used to confirm something. The “Jah” is in all caps because it comes from Bob Marley’s song Jah live, which is why the letters are in red, yellow, and green. Most locals likes Bob Marley and we commonly use the word rajah. This is symbolic-authentic. R.N.
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
39032
|
|
United States
Honolulu
|
|
|
—
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
43896
|
|
United States
Aiea
|
|
|
EL-S Domain : Pearlridge Downtown Longs Drugs
Purpose: Ali’i means chief, this is just another delicious snack that lots of people enjoy
Audience: Those who shop and decide that they want something they want to snack on and decide on a local treat.
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
51320
|
|
United States
Kapaʻa
|
|
|
This graffiti says “fuck da system” as some sort of transgressive political message
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
24953
|
|
United States
Waipahu
|
|
|
This is a cooler bag that says “Malama Da ‘Aina” on it. Malama and ‘Aina is in Hawaiian. Malama means “respect”, Da is suppose to be ka in Hawaiian but it is a linker which means “the” and ‘Aina means “land”. This commonly used amongst locals and some non-locals when someone litters or probably one the few things that is taught to tourist when they fly down for vacation. This is symbolic-authentic. R.N.
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
39033
|
|
United States
Honolulu
|
|
|
—
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
43897
|
|
United States
Aiea
|
|
|
EL-S Doamin: Longs Drugs Pearlridge downtown
Purpose: For someone to give or to treat themselves to an island treat they might not have had before
Audience: Those who are looking to get something for the family as a gift and share with them.
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
47225
|
|
United States
Honolulu
|
|
|
GM - I saw this sign at a Starbucks. This locations Starbucks manager was leaving and they made some notes for him. They used the word ke’eaumoku which was the name of the location of the Starbucks.
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
51321
|
|
United States
Kapaʻa
|
|
|
Lots of graffiti on the back of this informational sign in English, pidgin, and Hawaiian.
|
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
|
|
|
24954
|
|
United States
Kapolei
|
|
|
This is a card that says “ey! Dis card no stay late” (hwc). In English this says wait! This card is not late. In other words the person is saying that they are not giving the card, after your birthday is passed. This is symbolic-authentic. R.N.
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
39034
|
|
United States
Honolulu
|
|
|
—
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
43898
|
|
United States
Aiea
|
|
|
EL-S Domain: Pearlridge Longs Drugs
Purpose : To give to your family or friends, for a birthday or gathering
Audience; Family members or friends who might be local and want their members to have a fun time while reading the card.
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
47226
|
|
United States
Honolulu
|
|
|
GM - I saw this while walking down to Waikiki. The intended audience is tourist / visitors. It had drink Aloha all over the posters with Pepsi on it. Just because it has a Aloha on it, I feel like it could attract visitors to drink the “aloha”
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
51322
|
|
United States
Kapaʻa
|
|
|
The sticker on this car parked in the side of the road says “can,” which is most likely from the phrase “if can, can; if no can, no can”. It is not referring to a soda can, but to possibility.
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
148859
|
ronaleid
|
United States
Honolulu
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
24955
|
|
United States
Kapolei
|
|
|
This is a card that says “Minahs brah”, “Shaka, brah”, “laydahs, brah”, and “What, brah” (hwc). This is a card that is using humor. Because brah does not mean bra it is short for braddah which means “brother” in English. Minahs is minor; to locals it also means “it is not a big deal”. Laydahs is later. This is symbolic-authentic. R.N.
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
|
39035
|
|
United States
Honolulu
|
|
|
—
|
Multilingual Hawaiʻi
|
|
Lingscape
