100 Useful Hawaiian Words + Phrases To Know Before Your Trip To Hawaii

The Hawaiian language is a perfect introduction into the culture and traditions of the region and its people. This beautiful archipelago, located in the tropical North Pacific archipelago more than 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland, feels like a world of its own, yet its 1,500-year-old culture is totally worth exploring. One of the best ways to acquaint yourself with Hawaiʻi is through its language. Hawaiian, a Polynesian language of the Austronesian language family, is one of the oldest living languages in the world with words and phrases that are as beautiful as meaningful. It forms a sacred and respected part of Hawaiian culture. Here is a traveler’s guide to the most important Hawaiian words to know before you visit.

Learning a few words from Hawaii is not only a way to celebrate, respect, and appreciate the people of Hawaii, but also a way to provide a deeper understanding of this exotic tropical island destination where words and traditions are closely intertwined. In turn, your efforts to understand these beautiful Hawaiian words and meanings will be greatly appreciated.

You will also find a list of the best words in Hawaii to use, Hawaiian greetings and useful conversational words that will come in handy, popular Hawaiian phrases to sound like a local, powerful Hawaiian sayings, cultural Hawaii words list, and the most common words in Hawaiian expressions to make your bucket list experience that much better.

>> Must read:
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Did you know:
Hawaii is the only state in the USA with two official languages.

>> Related reading:

Here’s a quick look at the…

Language of Hawaii ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i

A brief history of the Hawaiian language….

Prior to 1826, Hawaiian remained primarily as a spoken language. It wasn’t until the arrival of the missionaries that it was turned into a written language.

The Hawaiian-language constitution was initiated by King Kamehameha III in 1839 where it remained as the primary language until the late 19th century.

In 1898, following the overthrowing of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the language was banned from being spoken as well as the main language of instruction in government and schools.

During the 1970s the Hawaiian culture went through a bit of a rebirth and renewal sparking the language’s return from the border of extermination.

The ban was officially lifted in 1986, however the language and its use has declined significantly. UNESCO classifies Hawaiian as a critically endangered language, with only around 2,000 native speakers.

It is encouraged to learn and practice the language that is an essential component of Hawaiian heritage and culture.

Hawaii is at the top of the American bucket list.
Check out this list of the 100 best places to visit in the U.S.

The Hawaiian alphabet (pī‘āpā) consists of only 13 letters.

These are:  A E H I K L M N O P U W ‘

Many cool Hawaiian words contain what looks like an apostrophe. This is called an ‘okina and signifies a phonetic glottal stop, while the kahakō indicates an elongated vowel.

Did you know: All basic Hawaiian words end in a vowel.
Go through this list of aesthetic words from Hawaii and see if you can spot one that contradicts this rule.

The basics of pronouncing common Hawaiian words

You should know that every vowel is pronounced in Hawaiian sentences. The words about Hawaii may look long and intimidating at first, but if you break it down, you should have no problem at all.

15 Useful Hawaiian Words and Phrases for Travelers in Hawaii

Ok, so your flight to Hawaii is booked. Your bags are packed. Your excitement levels are through the roof. Just one thing left…. Let’s learn some of the best Hawaii words and phrases!

Be sure to bookmark this post, so that you can easily find it during your trip. Commit a couple of these sayings in Hawaiian to memory or copy and paste for your convenience.

The main popular Hawaiian words and meanings to know as a visitor:

1. Aloha
   A Hawaiian greeting to say hello or goodbye, meaning love
   
   
2. Mahalo — thank you
   
   
3. Ohana — family
   
   
4. Lū’au — a traditional Hawaiian feast or party.
   
   
5. Hula — a traditional Hawaiian dance
   
   
6. A hui hou — until we meet again
   
   
7. Shaka — a hand symbol symbolizing island spirit
   
   
8. ‘Ono grinds — delicious food
   
   
9. Honu — green sea turtle
   
   
10. Lei — a garland of flowers
    
    
11. Mauka — towards the mountain
    
    
12. Makai — towards the ocean
    
    
13. Aloha wau iā ‘oe — I love you in Hawaiian
    
    
14. pomaika’i — good luck or good fortune
    
    
15. ’Aina — it means land or literally, that which feeds us.

Continue reading to learn more about these coolest words Hawaiian + others…

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The Most Important Hawaiian Words to Know

Here are a couple of beautiful Hawaiian words and phrases that I would recommend to learn before your trip to Hawaii:

• Aloha — Hawaiian greeting meaning love
  
  pronounced a-lo-ha
  
  The most commonly used and important word in the Hawaiian language is Aloha. You will hear this word everyday, numerous times a day, all across the Hawaiian archipelago. Aloha is also internationally renowned as the most recognized and most famous Hawaiian word with deep meaning. 
  
  Aloha is used as a greeting and as a form of farewell to say hello and goodbye. 
  
  The word means love, but it’s so much more than that. With this Hawaiian saying, you are invoking best wishes on the recipient for a positive and happy life. In addition to love, Aloha also represents kindness, compassion, respect, goodness, and affection.
  
  Aloha has a significant cultural sentiment in Hawaii. Its embodiment is so deep that Hawaiians believe there is no true English equivalent. 
  
  It really is a way of life. To do something ‘with Aloha’ means to do it with your soul. 
  
  When in Hawaii you can’t help but feel the Aloha spirit. 

Other variations of Aloha (with some Hawaiian greetings) include:

• Aloha kākou! — Greetings to all!

• Aloha kakahiaka — Good morning
  Pronounced a-lo-ha kah-kah-hee-yah-kah

• Aloha ‘auinalā — Good afternoon
  Pronounced a-lo-ha ah-wee-na-la

• Aloha ahiahi — Good evening
  Pronounced a-lo-ha a-hee-yah-hee
  
  
• Aloha awakea — Good day
  Pronounced a-loh-ha av-ah-kay-ah
  use this when it’s late morning, but not quite midday or afternoon yet. 
  

• Aloha nui loa — all my love in Hawaiian
  pronounced: a-lo-ha new ee low a
  
  
• Aloha wau iā ‘oe — This is how you say I love you in Hawaiian.
  
  
• E Ku’u Aloha — my love
  
  
• Aloha ‘oe — farewell to you
  
  
• Aloha ‘āina — Love of the land
  this means to love the land that fosters actions of nurture and care.

Other practical words about Hawaii to know:

• Mahalo — Thank you
  Pronounced: mah-HAH-loh
  
  In addition to saying thanks, mahalo is a Hawaiian expression of deep gratitude, praise, respect, and admiration. A simple way to show appreciation.
  
  If you want to be extra appreciative, use Mahalo nui loa (mah-ha-loh new-ee loh-ah) which means, thank you very much.
  
  Hawaiians are friendly and helpful. Saying “mahalo,” is a great way to acknowledge this.

• ‘A’ole pilikia — you’re welcome/no problem
  Pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah
  
  A typical response to Mahalo or when someone thanks you for anything to say it was no trouble.

• Ohana — family
  pronounced oh-HAH-nah
  
  An essential word that forms the basis of Hawaiian culture, Ohana not just means family, but goes much deeper and encompasses all close relationships. In Hawaii, family is everything.
  
  This beautiful Hawaiian word is used to emphasize the bond shared between both blood relatives as well as people who share a strong connection. Members must look after one after and always maintain mutual respect through their shared living experience.
  
  Related is the word “hui,” used to refer to the people that are closest to you such as immediate family and best friends.

• Keiki — child or children
  Pronounced kay-kee

• Howzit — how are you?
  Pronounced: HOW-zit
  
  Also used in South Africa, this common Pidgin greeting from Hawaii is the equivalent of saying what’s up. When greeted with “howzit,” you can respond with the same term or with other greetings in Hawaiian.

• Shaka
  pronounced: sha-kah
  
  Widely used in surf culture, this slang word (or rather, a hand gesture) is used as a way to show approval or as a friendly and relaxed Hawaii greeting. It is among the best Hawaiian expressions of solidarity, relatability, and friendship.
  
  This popular hand gesture symbolizes island spirit and is formed with the middle fingers closed into the palm as if one is making a fist, while the thumb and pinky fingers are extended out. 
  
  You will also notice this action while driving as a form of courtesy to other drivers on the road. 

• ‘Ae — Yes

• A’ole — No

• U‘i — Handsome, pretty, or beautiful

• Honu — turtle
  Pronounced hoe-new
  
  Specifically a green sea turtle. This is an important term to Hawaiians as the honu are a form of guardian spirit (amakua) and a symbol of wisdom and good luck. 
  
  Green sea turtles are protected in Hawaii as an endangered species. They are not allowed to be touched or fed and a sufficient distance must be maintained at all times. 

• Mana — spiritual power

• Nani — beautiful, enjoyable

• Hauʻoli — to be happy

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Hawaiian Greetings and Signs

Here are some essential words in Hawaii to be on the lookout for, even though many signs are written in both Hawaiian sayings and in English.

• Wahine — female
  pronounced vah-HEE-neh
  
  You’ll spot this outside the women’s restroom. 

• Kāne — male
  Pronounced as KAH-neh
  
  You’ll spot this one outside the men’s bathroom.

• Kapu — taboo or forbidden
  pronounced kah-poo
  
  This is how you say keep out in Hawaiian expressions. It is how locals and residents mark their private properties or sacred sites and should be respected as no trespassing.
  
  
• E komo mai — Welcome, come in
  Pronounced: eh ko-mo my
  
  You will see this Hawaiian sign on storefronts, restaurants, and other businesses. 

• Lanai — patio or balcony

• Opala — trash can
  pronounced: oh-pah-lah
  
  
• Malu No — reserved for
  
  
• Hale  — home
  pronounced HAH-leh

Best Hawaii Words for Food

Food is an essential part of everyday life and culture in Hawaii. By learning the most common Hawaiian words and meanings associated with food, you’ll be able to easily navigate your way through food markets, restaurants, and even have a deeper appreciation of the traditional food that you will come across. If the food is delicious, express it.

This is how you do it… 

‘Ono — delicious or tasty
Pronounced: OH-noh

This can often be paired with…

‘Ono grinds — delicious food
Pronounced oh-no grinds

Grinds refers to getting food at a restaurant or as a take-out. Combined with ‘ono, it is a way to compliment the food that is tasty. 

All that delicious Hawaiian food means that you’re going to be using this word a lot as you make use of these things to say in Hawaiian.

Poke — bowl of seafood
Pronounced poh-keh

This word’s literal translation is “to slice into pieces.” But, it is used to describe the famous Hawaiian dish that comprises of a salad of marinated bite-size pieces of raw seafood and vegetables.

The most common form of poke is marinated tuna served in soy and sesame oil. This appetizer is a must try when in Hawaii and since you’ll find it on almost every menu, it won’t be hard to resist.

Other pretty words in Hawaiian to know that are related to food:

kaukau — food
pronounced kaw-kaw

inu — drink

pololi — hungry

ʻAi — to eat

Come and eat: Mai e `ai

E ʻai kākou — Let’s eat

ʻOno loa kēia! — This is very delicious!

‘Aina Kakahiaka — breakfast

Pūpū (poo-poo) — snack or appetizers

hala kahiki — pineapple

Niu — coconut

Kope — coffee

Limu (lee-moo) — Seaweed

Waina (wy-nah) — wine

Poi (poy) — a common Hawaiian dish of cooked taro root that has been pounded and turned into a paste.

Malasada (mah-lah-sah-dah) — a Portuguese donut that has been deep fried and dusted in sugar.

Kālua (kah-loo-ah) — baked in an underground oven

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Cool Words in Hawaiian to Help You Navigate Better

English is widely spoken throughout Hawaii, so getting directions or asking for the nearest toilet won’t be an issue. However, these cool Hawaiian language words will come in handy and make your stay much easier.

• Ma uka — inland or towards the mountain
  Pronounced mah-oo-kah
  
  
• Ma kai — downland or towards the ocean
  pronounced mah-kie-yee
  
  Locals use ma uka and ma kai as reference points when giving directions. Mauka is said when referring to something that is toward the mountain, while makai is the opposite of this, referring to something that is in the direction of the ocean. 
  
  You will often also hear windward for the windier eastern part of the island and leeward for the western and dry part of the island. 
  
  
• Kālā — dollar, money
  
  
• Holoholo — This is one of my favourite words about travel and it means to ride or walk around for pleasure. Something I do a lot when exploring a new country.
  pronounced hoe-low-hoe-low
  
  
• Hele — go, travel
  
  
• Kōkua — help
  
  
• Pali — cliff
  pronounced pah-lee
  
  
• Moana – Ocean
  Pronounced moe-ah-nah
  
  
• Wailele — waterfall
  
  
• kahakai — beach
  To say, lets go to the beach, use – E hele kāua i ke kahakai. With an unlimited number of beautiful beaches, you’re going to use this a lot.
  
  
• Kai — ocean
  
  
• Mauna — mountain
  
  
• Moku — island
  
  
• Lua — bathroom/toilet
  pronounced loo-ah. So if you need the toilet – say, Aia i hea i ka lua
  
  
• Kaʻa Hai — taxi
  
  
• Kaʻa ʻŌhua — bus
  
  
• Mokulele — airplane
  
  
• Wikiwiki — speedy
  This is the word you’ll hear often at the airport, especially Honolulu International. It refers to the airport shuttle and ground transportation between terminals.

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Hawaiian Phrases for Holidays and Cultural Events

Powerful words in Hawaii are deeply entrenched in the culture of the land and its people.

Here are the most common Hawaiian phrases that you will be accustomed to during your time here. Knowing and understanding these cute Hawaii words and meanings will allow you to appreciate and respect your interactions that much more…

• Lū’au — a traditional Hawaiian feast or party.
  pronounced loo-ah-oo.
  
  No visit to Hawaii is complete without getting to experience a lū’au. This event is smooch more than just a party of song and dance. Experience the wonders and joy of a lū’au in person and then tell me what you think.
  
  A lū’au is usually accompanied with a hula.
  
  
• Hula — a traditional Hawaiian dance
  This dance of Hawaii, often accompanied by chants and music, is used to tell stories, preserve ancient customs, and to pass on generational traditions.
  
  
• Lei — a garland of flowers, feathers, shells, and nuts given as a symbol of welcome, friendship, affection, and aloha.
  
  As a visitor to Hawaii, you will most likely be given a lei on your arrival and departure.
  
  Speaking of parties, the Hawaiian phrase E hele kāua means let’s party.
  
  
• Heiau — Hawaiian temple/shrine/place of worship. A sacred place.
  pronounced: hey-owe
  
  While exploring the islands, be mindful of this sign and its significance to maintain respect at these holy places.
  
  
• Kama’aina — child of the land
  pronounced: KAH-mah AYE-neh
  
  The literal translation, child of the land, is used to denote a local Hawaiian resident or someone born here with native Hawaiian ancestry. You may come across “Kamaʻāina discounts” at certain attractions or stores that are reserved for Hawaiian residents.
  
  
• Kuleana — responsibility
  Pronounced: koo-lay-ah-nah, it refers to, in particular, the responsibility we have with regards to the land, sea, and natural resources of our planet.
  
  
• ’Aina — it means land or literally, that which feeds us.
  pronounced eye-nah.
  
  It is believed that the land is sacred and the ‘aina should be treated with reverence and respect.
  
  
• Akua — God
  
  
• Koa — bravery and courage
  
  
• Laule‘a – peaceful happy
  
  
• Ho`olaule`a  — a celebration
  
  
• Hau’oli Lanui — happy holidays
  pronounced: how-oh-lay la-new-ee
  
  
• Hau‘oli lā Hānau — happy birthday
  pronounced: how-oh-lay la ha-now
  
  
• Hau’oli Makahiki Hou — happy New Year
  pronounced: how-oh-lay ma-ka-hee-key ho
  
  
• Hau’oli La Ho’omakika’i — happy Thanksgiving
  pronounced: how-oh-lay la ho-o-ma-key-kah-ee
  
  
• Mele Kalikimaka — Merry Christmas
  pronounced: may-lay ka-lee-key-ma-ka

Days of the Week in Hawaiian

Useful Conversational Words in the Hawaiian language

Make a note of these popular Hawaiian sayings to help you with basic everyday conversations.

• `O wai kou inoa? — What is your name?
  
  
• Pehea ‘oe? — How are you?
  
  
• Maikaʻi au — I am good
  
  
• Hui! — hey you
  Pronounced: hoo-wee
  
  
• E kala mai — excuse me
  Pronounced: eh kah-lah mah-yee
  
  
• Kipa hou mai — Come visit again
  
  
• Pomaika’i — good luck or good fortune
  
  
• Hana Hou! — One more time!
  
  
• Kanak attack
  That feeling of intense laziness you get from overeating. e.g. after eating four plates of food at the festival last night I had a major kanak attack.
  
  
• braddah — the colloquial term in Hawaii for brother
  
  
• Lani — heavenly sky
  
  
• Nau wale no — Just for you
  
  
• I lā maikaʻi! — have a good day
  
  
• Ku`uipo — sweetheart

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Other Commonly Used Hawaiian Phrases and Words

Here are a final few unique words about Hawaii that may come in handy for everyday use during your time in Hawaii. Some are a mix of cute Hawaiian terms and Hawaiian Pidgin.

• A ‘o ia! — There you have it! Or You’ve got it!
  pronounced ah-oy-yah
  
  This is a phrase to show cheer, encouragement, and excitement. An ideal way to root someone on throughout the islands of Hawaii.
  
  
• A hui hou — Until we meet again
  Pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu
  
  This is how you part ways in Hawaii. 
  
  A hui hou kākou is said to a group of people. 
  
  
• Haole — a foreigner or non native Hawaiian, usually reserved for caucasian.
  pronounced: how leh
  
  
• Malihini — new comer/visitor
  
  
• Da kine — whatchamacallit, a catchall phrase, if you will.
  From pidgin terminology, pronounced duh-KYNE
  
  This is the word to use when you can’t think of the word you want to use. A fill-the-blank type of word. It is an incredibly versatile word in Hawaiian expressions that can be used in place of just about anything for which there is no word or you don’t have the specific word.
  
  
• napo’o ‘ana o ka la — sunset
  
  
• Pau hana — time after work or happy hour
  pronounced: pow ha-na
  
  This is how the locals say that they are finished working for the day. It is considered a time of relaxation, enjoyment, and a time for socializing with friends and family.
  
  You will often seen Pau Hana specials in bars and restaurants. 
  
  
• Auntie/Uncle — these are terms of endearment that are used to reference elders, irrespective of blood relations.
  
  
• Hu’i hu’i — cool
  
  
• Kūlia i ka nu’u — to do your best
  
  
• Ho’omau — the ability to persist, even when times are tough, and to never give up.
  
  
• Nail — wave/surf
  
  
• Shoots – Hawaiian slang for okay
  
  
• Chee-hoo — an exclamation of excitement
  
  
• No Ka ‘Oi — the best or the finest
  
  
• Makana — gift
  
  
• Mau Loa — forever

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I hope you have a wonderful time in Hawaii.

A hui hou kākou,

Rai