Molokai is a noun referring to one of Hawaii’s Leeward Islands, often called Moloka‘i in Hawaiian orthography. It denotes both the island itself and its residents or something associated with the island. In pronunciation and usage, it’s treated as a proper noun with native Hawaiian phonology influencing its articulation.
"We visited Molokai last summer and hiked along the island’s lush interior."
"The Molokai community festival celebrated local culture and music."
"Researchers conducted fieldwork on Molokai’s reefs and traditional farming sites."
"Many travelers fly to Molokai to experience its slower pace and landscapes."
Molokai derives from the Hawaiian language. The word is often presented as Moloka‘i with the ʻokina representing a glottal stop after o, yielding a pronunciation close to mo-lo-KA-ee with a glottal stop after the second syllable in native speech. Historically, Hawaiian place names describe geographic features or ancestral connections, and Moloka‘i likely combines elements from older Polynesian toponyms. First known uses appear in early Hawaiian maps and navigational records, where islands were identified for settlement and voyaging routes. In modern times, Molokai’s name has been preserved in both English and Hawaiian contexts, reflecting a broader Hawaiian renaissance of language and culture while retaining the authentic glottal stop and vowel qualities of the native pronunciation. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, anglophone transcription often renders it as Molokai, conventionally stressing the third syllable, but authentic Hawaiian usage emphasizes the long a and the glottal stop after the second syllable. Today, “Moloka‘i” is widely used in Hawaiian-language signage and in cultural materials, ensuring the pronunciation remains faithful to its origins even as it becomes common in international travel discourse.
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Words that rhyme with "Molokai"
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Say MOH-loh-KY with emphasis on the final syllable. In Hawaiian-influenced speech, it’s closer to MOH-loh-KY-ee with a subtle glottal stop after the second syllable. IPA guidance: US /ˌmoʊ.ləˈkaɪ/; Hawaiian-influenced /ˌmoː.lɔˈkaːi/, with final i as a long e in careful speech. For precise articulation, start with an open-mid back rounded vowel in the first syllable, then a light schwa in the second, and a clear /aɪ/ or /aɪ/ in the final syllable. You’ll hear a brief pause or stop between syllables in strong enunciation.”,
Common errors include over-anglicizing the middle syllable to /loʊ/ instead of a shorter /lə/; confusing the final /kaɪ/ with /kaɪ/ as in ‘kai’ without the proper Hawaiian vowel length. Also, speakers may misplace the stress on the first or second syllable rather than the final syllable. Correction: aim for MOH-loh-KY with stress on the final syllable; consider pronouncing the middle as a light schwa (ə) and maintain the final diphthong /aɪ/ clearly.”,
In US English, you’ll typically hear /ˌmoʊ.ləˈkaɪ/ with final /aɪ/ and a light middle vowel. UK English may emphasize /ˌmɒ.ləˈkaɪ/ with a slightly shorter first syllable and non-rhoticity, while Australian English often shows /ˌmɒ.ləˈkaɪ/ with a broader vowel in the first syllable and a non-rhotic ending. The Hawaiian-influenced form preserves the glottal stop and Hawaiian vowels, producing a more sonorous middle syllable and a lengthened final vowel in careful speech.”,
The difficulty stems from the two syllable cluster and the final stress on -kaɪ, plus the subtle Hawaiian vowels and possible glottal stop. The middle syllable often reduces to a schwa in English; the final /aɪ/ should not be conflated with /iː/ or /ɪ/. Practicing with careful attention to the Hawaiian orthography (ʻokina and macron) helps maintain authentic pronunciation and reduces anglicized mispronunciations.”,
Molokai carries a Hawaiian phonological footprint that includes a glottal stop after the second syllable and a distinct final /aɪ/ vowel, which is not always present in anglicized island names. Emphasizing native vowels, careful intonation, and a brief halt between syllables produces a more authentic render. Using the Hawaiian spelling Moloka‘i with macron and ʻokina reminds you to preserve these features in speech.”]},
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