Pronunciation: kah-mah-eye-nah

In Hawaiian, kama‘āina means child of the land— kama (child) and ‘āina (land). But today, it’s more commonly used to describe a local resident of Hawaii, whether or not they were born here.

Being kama‘āina is less about where you were born and more about your connection to the islands. It reflects a sense of belonging, respect for the land, and living with the spirit of aloha.

You’ll often hear about kama‘āina discounts — special rates for locals at hotels, attractions and restaurants. It’s a small way businesses honor the people who call Hawaii home.

Local Tip: 
If you’ve lived in Hawaii for a while, you might hear someone refer to you as kama‘āina — it’s a recognition of your relationship with the islands, not just how long you’ve lived here.

Cultural Note: 
The idea of kama‘āina ties closely to respect for the land (‘āina) and the traditions of Hawaii. It’s a reminder that living here means caring for the islands and each other.

When you’re ready to explore Hawaii, we’re here to welcome you with the spirit of kama‘āina. Contact us today to get started.