Google@UH - How to Add Hawaiian Diacritics in Google Docs

Overview

This article explains how to insert Hawaiian diacritics (`okina and kahakō) in Google Docs using the Hawaiian keyboard or special characters and how to set up Autocorrect with the ITS-provided “Hawaiian Words” template so diacritics appear automatically when typing.

• Adding Hawaiian Diacritic Symbols using the Hawaiian Keyboard
• Adding Hawaiian Diacritic Symbols using Hex Codes
• Adding Hawaiian Words to Google Doc's Autocorrect

Adding Hawaiian Diacritic Symbols using the Hawaiian Keyboard

Hawaiian diacritics can be produced using the Hawaiian keyboard built into your operating system:

• Windows - How to Enable the Hawaiian Language Keyboard (link)
• macOS - How to Enable the Hawaiian Language Keyboard (link)

Back to Top

Adding Hawaiian Diacritic Symbols using Hex Codes

If you do not have the Hawaiian keyboard enabled on your computer, you can follow the instructions below to add the Hawaiian diacritic symbols to your Google doc.

1. Open a Google doc
2. Position the cursor where you wish to insert a Hawaiian diacritic symbol
3. Go to the Insert menu and select Special Characters
4. In the hex input box, type the hex code from the table corresponding to the vowel or okina
5. The hex code is specific for upper and lowercase vowels
6. Click the Insert button

Table of Hex Codes for Hawaiian Diacritics

Adding Hawaiian Words to Google Doc's Autocorrect

1. Open the Hawaiian Words (link) Google Doc
2. Highlight a Hawaiian word on the list and press ctrl + c keys (Windows) or command + c keys (macOS) to copy the entry
3. In a different Google doc (new or existing), go to the Tools menu and select Preferences
4. Click on Substitutions tab
5. If it is the first time you are adding a word, check the box for Automatic substitution
6. Click in the blank box in the With column. Press ctrl + v keys (Windows) or command + v keys (macOS) to paste the entry
7. Click in the blank box in the Replace column and type the word without the Hawaiian diacritics
8. Click the OK button
9. Repeat steps 2-8 for each word
   
10. If you would like to add your own Hawaiian words to your Autocorrect dictionary, you must first create a document in Google Docs with a list of Hawaiian words and their appropriate diacritics. Follow the directions above to add your Hawaiian words to customize your Autocorrect dictionary.

In your Google doc, simply type the Hawaiian word without the diacritic symbols. The word will now be auto-corrected with the proper Hawaiian diacritics.

Back to Top