I. Working With Us

1. Who do you work with?
We work with a wide range of clients, including:

• Individuals and ʻohana

• Small businesses and large corporations

• Nonprofits and community organizations

• Educational institutions (K–12 and universities)

• Museums, cultural centers, and archives

• Government agencies and public sector teams

2. Why is it important to work with a Native Hawaiian language consultant?
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is more than a set of words — it’s a living reflection of history, values, worldview, and identity. Working with a Native Hawaiian language consultant ensures your materials:

• Carry accurate meaning and context

• Avoid common mistranslations or cultural missteps

• Honor the communities and audiences you serve

We bring both linguistic expertise and cultural responsibility to every project.

3. Why should I include Hawaiian language in my work or project?
In Hawaiʻi, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is more than a language — it’s a living connection to the land, people, and history of this place. Including Hawaiian language in your work:

• Acknowledges and honors the heritage and identity of Hawaiʻi

• Builds trust and connection with Hawaiian-speaking communities

• Demonstrates cultural respect and place-based responsibility

• Helps normalize and strengthen the presence of Hawaiian language in everyday life

Whether in signage, communications, curriculum, or public messaging, the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi can transform a project from being “in Hawaiʻi” to being truly of Hawaiʻi.

4. Will you work with non-Hawaiian-owned businesses?
Yes — as long as the work is approached with cultural respect, openness to feedback, and a commitment to accurate representation.

5. Can you work under a confidentiality agreement?
Yes. Many of our projects involve unreleased materials, strategic campaigns, or sensitive content. We are happy to sign an NDA or confidentiality agreement.

II. Our Services

6. What services do you provide?
We offer:

• Translation (English ↔ Hawaiian)

• Transcreation (culturally adapted messaging)

• Cultural and historical research

• Content development and review

• Ongoing consulting and retainer packages

[Explore our full services →]

7. What’s the difference between translation and transcreation?
Translation converts text from one language to another while preserving meaning and accuracy.
Transcreation adapts tone, style, and cultural context to ensure your message resonates with Hawaiian-speaking audiences.

8. Can you help with naming a program, initiative, or product?
Yes. Our naming strategy services include:

• Historical and cultural research

• Linguistic review

• Multiple naming options with explanations

• Usage and pronunciation guidance

9. Do you offer pronunciation guidance or training?
Yes. We provide pronunciation support for names, phrases, and key terms, as well as workshops for teams to use ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi confidently in public settings.

10. Do you offer Hawaiian language classes?
While we do not provide ongoing language classes for the general public, we offer tailored workshops for organizations on Hawaiian language best practices, pronunciation, and usage.

III. Process & Pricing

11. How much do your services cost?
Every project is unique, and pricing is based on factors such as:

• Word count or overall scope

• Complexity of the content

• Level of cultural/contextual review required

• Turnaround time

We’ll provide you with a tailored quote after reviewing your request. Our goal is to offer solutions that meet both your quality standards and your budget, whether it’s a one-time project or ongoing partnership.

12. How long will my project take?
It depends on length, complexity, and our current project queue:

• Short documents (under 500 words): 3–5 business days

• Medium (500–1,500 words): 5–10 business days

• Large or campaign-based projects: Custom schedule

Rush services are available.

13. Do you offer rush services?
Yes — let us know your deadline in your form submission. Rush projects may include a 25–50% surcharge depending on urgency.

14. What types of files do you accept?
We can work with:

• Word / Google Docs / PDFs

• Excel / Google Sheets

• InDesign / Illustrator / Canva

• Website text exports

• Audio/video scripts

15. Can Hawaiian be directly translated like English?
Not always. Hawaiian and English have different grammar structures, idioms, and cultural references. A direct word-for-word translation can miss the intended meaning — that’s why transcreation is often needed for creative or public-facing work.

16. What happens if Hawaiian language is translated incorrectly?
Even small errors can:

• Change meaning

• Cause offense

• Damage credibility with Hawaiian-speaking communities

We ensure all language we produce meets professional and cultural standards.

IV. Getting Started

17. How do I get started?
Choose the form that fits your needs:

• [Individual + Community Inquiry Form →] for individuals, ʻohana, churches, or community groups

• [Business + Organization Inquiry Form →] for companies, nonprofits, agencies, museums, and schools

We respond within 1–2 business days.

18. How do I know which form to use?
If you represent a business, nonprofit, school, museum, or government agency — use the Business & Organization form.
If you’re working on a personal, ʻohana, or community project — use the General Inquiry form.

19. Can you work with our in-house designers or communications team?
Absolutely. We frequently collaborate directly with creative, marketing, and education teams to integrate Hawaiian language seamlessly into projects.