🌺 Hawaiian phrases

How to Say "Help" in Hawaiian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Kōkua
"Help" in Hawaiian · say it like koh-koo-ah

The most natural way to say "Help" in Hawaiian is Kōkua. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Kōkua mai
used when asking for help directly
Kōkua aku
used when offering help to someone

When to use it

You can use 'Kōkua' when you need assistance or want to help someone. It is appropriate in both casual and formal situations. When asking someone for help, you can say 'Kōkua mai'. When offering help, use 'Kōkua aku'.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Help" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Hawaiian

HawaiianEnglish
E kōkua mai i ka poʻe e noho ana i ka hale.Please help the people who are at home.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'kōkua' with 'help' in a more casual context, but it is suitable for both formal and informal situations.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Kōkua, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Hawaiian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'Kōkua mai'?

Use 'Kōkua mai' when you are directly asking someone for help.

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