Learn How to Pronounce Honolulu | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Honolulu

Quick Answer: In English, the name Honolulu is pronounced [ˌhɒnəˈluːluː], while in Hawaiian it is pronounced [honoˈlulu].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Honolulu, the vibrant capital city and principal port of the U.S. state of Hawaii, is situated on the southeastern coast of the island of Oahu. Renowned globally as a premier tourist destination, it masterfully blends metropolitan energy with breathtaking natural beauty, from the iconic shores of Waikiki Beach to the dramatic backdrop of the Diamond Head crater. The city serves as the cultural, economic, and political heart of the archipelago, housing historic landmarks such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Iolani Palace (the only royal palace on American soil), and the bustling Chinatown district. As a major hub for transpacific travel and commerce, Honolulu offers a unique urban experience framed by world-class surfing, rich Polynesian heritage, and a tropical climate that defines the allure of the Hawaiian Islands for visitors and residents alike.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The spelling of "Honolulu" is generally consistent, though common errors arise from its phonetic pronunciation. The most frequent misspelling is "Honululu," mistakenly doubling the 'l' in the second syllable instead of the third. Others include "Honololu" (transposing the 'u' and 'o') or "Honalulu." It is also sometimes incorrectly abbreviated or conflated in writing with "Hon" or "HNL," the latter being its International Air Transport Association (IATA) airport code for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Writers should take care to use the correct spelling, especially in formal or travel-related contexts, to ensure clarity and accuracy in referencing Hawaii's capital city.

Example Sentences

After a morning hike up the Diamond Head trail, we enjoyed panoramic views of the entire Honolulu skyline.

Many historians emphasize that the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 fundamentally altered the course of World War II and thrust Honolulu into the center of global conflict.

The annual Honolulu Festival celebrates the cultural and artistic exchange between Hawaii and the Pacific Rim nations.

Finding a balance between tourism development and environmental preservation remains a key challenge for Honolulu's city planners.

Direct flights from Tokyo and Sydney make Honolulu an accessible and popular gateway for international travelers exploring the Hawaiian islands.

Related Pronunciations

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