What is hafa adai?

"Hafa Adai" is a common greeting in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, which are part of the Chamorro culture. It is equivalent to saying "hello" in English. The phrase reflects the warm hospitality and friendly nature of the Chamorro people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of these islands.

The phrase is pronounced as "huh-fah-deh" and is an important part of maintaining and expressing Chamorro cultural identity. In Guam, "Hafa Adai" is often used in marketing and tourism initiatives to promote the island's unique cultural heritage, and the "Hafa Adai Pledge" is a local campaign encouraging businesses to embrace and promote the culture and traditions of the Chamorro people.

If you visit Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands, you will likely hear "Hafa Adai" used frequently as a welcoming gesture.