Web surfers can now ‘Huli ia Google,’ or ’search Google,’ in Hawaiian language

Google search engine now available in Hawaiian

HILO, Hawaii — Google users can now use the popular Internet search engine in the Hawaiian language.

Web surfers can find the option, “Huli ia Google,” or “search Google,” on Apple’s Safari browser, thanks to a project by a University of Hawaii at Hilo professor.

Keola Donaghy of the Ke Haka Ula O Keelikolani College of Hawaiian Language says he spent about 100 hours translating “strings” — words, sentences or paragraphs used by Google’s search engine. He previously translated the Netscape Web browser in 1997.

The Hawaiian version of Google provides search instructions in the language, but results are still in English.

Donaghy says the Hawaiian version of Google for other Web browsers also will be available this month.