[shark]

Originally Posted by cmitch

A couple on vacation to Hawaii were arguing about the real pronunciation of Hawaii. The husband argued that in native tongue it was Havaii. The wife insisted it was as it is commonly called, Hawaii. So they seen what appeared to be a local and husband asked him to clear up the argument. “Sir, would you mind clearing up an argument between us?” “Certainly,” replied the man. “Is Hawaii pronounced Hawaii or Havaii in native tongue?” “Havaii,” replied the man. With a satisfactory grin, he elbows his wife and says, “See! I told you so!” He turns and thanks the man for his help. The man replies, “You’re Velcome.”

Acshually, "Havai-ee" or something similar.