Table of Contents
Introduction
Hawaiian culture is deeply rooted in the values of respect, harmony, and connection with nature, offering timeless wisdom that has been shared across generations.
One of the most beautiful ways this wisdom is expressed is through Hawaiian proverbs, short yet powerful sayings that teach life lessons, inspire gratitude, and encourage living in balance with the world around us.
These proverbs reflect the heart of Hawaii’s spirit: a blend of aloha (love), ‘ohana (family), and a deep respect for the land and sea.
In this blog post, I’ve compiled 30 powerful Hawaiian proverbs that offer profound insights into life, family, love, death, and strength, providing a glimpse into the soulful wisdom of the islands. Let’s explore…
10 Hawaiian Proverbs about Life
Kūlia i ka nuʻu
Strive to reach the highest, emphasizing ambition and striving for excellence.
Hawaiian Proverbs
He kāʻeʻaʻeʻa pulu ʻole no ka heʻenalu
Hawaiian Proverbs
A good surfer will not get wet.
Oi kau ka lau, E hana I ola Honua.
Live your life while the sun’s still shining.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Ua ka ua, ola ka nohona o ka ʻāina kula.
Hawaiian Proverbs
The rain pours, life comes to the plains.
Ola i ka wai a ka ʻōpua.
There is life in the water from the clouds.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Hawaiian Proverbs about Life speak to the idea of nourishment and renewal. Just as clouds bring rain that gives life to plants, animals, and people, nature provides the essentials that sustain us. It is a reminder of the deep connection between the elements and all living things.
It also carries a sense of gratitude, encouraging us to appreciate life’s sources of sustenance. Whether it is rain from the sky or kindness from others, what we receive can nurture growth, hope, and the continuation of life.
Ua ma uke ea o ka ‘āina I ka pono.
Hawaiian Proverbs
The life of the land is preserved in righteousness.
Aia ke ola i ka hana.
Life is in labor.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Also Read: 18 Inspiring Amish Proverbs About Life (Amish Wisdom Quotes)
Aia a kau ka i‘a i ka wa‘a, mana‘o ke ola.
Hawaiian Proverbs
One can think of life after the fish is in the canoe.
Ua ola no i ka pane a ke aloha.
There is life in a kindly reply.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Ka lā i ka Mauliola.
Hawaiian Proverbs
The sun at the source of life.
07 Hawaiian Proverbs about Family
Ike aku, ‘ike mai, kōkua aku kōkua mai; pela iho la ka nohona ‘ohana.
Recognize and be recognized, help and be helped; such is family life.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Aʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia
Hawaiian Proverbs
No task is too big when done together.
He ʻohana kākou i loko o ke aloha
We are a family in love.
Hawaiian Proverbs
He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauā ke kanaka
Hawaiian Proverbs
The land is chief, man is its servant.
He pūkoʻa kani ʻāina
A coral reef that grows into land.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Hawaiian Proverbs about Family illustrate how small beginnings can lead to something vast and lasting. A coral reef starts tiny, but over time it grows and transforms into solid land. In the same way, small efforts and steady persistence can create great change.
It is a reminder to value patience and consistency. Even the most significant achievements often start from humble steps. With time, dedication, and care, what seems small today can become something strong and enduring tomorrow.
Also Read: 40 Unique Korean Proverbs About Life, Love, Success, Death, and Family
E mālama i ka ʻohana
Hawaiian Proverbs
Take care of the family.
He lei poina ʻole ke keiki
A child is a legacy never forgotten.
Hawaiian Proverbs
06 Hawaiian Proverbs about Love
Aloha kekahi i kekahi
Hawaiian Proverbs
Love one another.
He ʻolina leo kā ke aloha
Love is the joy in the voice.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Ua ola loko i ke aloha
Hawaiian Proverbs
Love gives life within.
He kehau ho‘oma‘ema‘e ke aloha
Love is like a cleansing dew.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Hawaiian Proverbs about Love beautifully compare love to the morning dew that refreshes and cleanses the earth. Just as dew brings new life to plants, love has the power to heal, soothe, and renew the heart. It washes away bitterness and leaves behind clarity and warmth.
It is a reminder that genuine love is gentle yet powerful. It nurtures without force, restores without demand, and leaves everything it touches better than before. In its quiet way, love can refresh the soul like nature refreshes the land.
E ho‘okanaka
Hawaiian Proverbs
Be a person of worth.
Aloha ʻāina, aloha kanaka
Love the land, love the people.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Also Read: 28 Vietnamese Proverbs About Love, Life, Family, and Death
06 Hawaiian Proverbs about Death
Ua hala ke aloha
Hawaiian Proverbs
Love has passed.
He poʻi na kai uli, kai koʻo, ʻāina ʻau ʻole
A sea with deep and rough waters, a land without refuge.
Hawaiian Proverbs
ʻAʻohe mea e loaʻa i ka noho ʻana
Hawaiian Proverbs
Nothing is gained by just sitting.
I ka wā mamua, i ka wā mahope
The future is in the past.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Hawaiian Proverbs about Death reflect the idea that our future is shaped by what has already happened. The lessons, experiences, and traditions of the past guide the choices we make and the paths we take moving forward.
It is a reminder to value history and personal experience. By understanding where we come from, we can move ahead with wisdom and purpose. The past is not something to leave behind entirely, but a foundation that supports the future we build.
E hoʻi i ka pō
Hawaiian Proverbs
To return to the night.
He aloha ke ola, he aloha hoʻi ke make
There is love in life, and love also in death.
Hawaiian Proverbs
05 Hawaiian Proverbs about Strength
Kūlia i ka nuʻu
Hawaiian Proverbs
Strive for the summit.
ʻAʻohe ʻulu e loaʻa i ka pōkole o ka lou
No breadfruit can be reached when the picking stick is too short.
Hawaiian Proverbs
ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia
Hawaiian Proverbs
No task is too big when done together.
He paepae ke kanaka na ke aliʻi
A person is a support to the chief.
Hawaiian Proverbs
Hawaiian Proverbs about Strength highlight the relationship between leaders and their people. Just as a chief relies on a strong foundation to lead effectively, leaders depend on the support, trust, and cooperation of those they serve. Without the people, leadership loses its strength and purpose.
It is a reminder that every role matters, no matter how big or small. True leadership is built on mutual respect, where the people uphold the leader and the leader works for the well-being of the people.
E iho ana o luna, e pi‘i ana o lalo
Hawaiian Proverbs
What is above shall come down, what is below shall rise.
