21 Hawaiian Words You Need To Know Before Visiting

The Hawaiian Islands are a group of 8 major islands in the Pacific Ocean.  The islands are actually exposed peaks of undersea mountains formed by volcanic activity. There are officially 137 islands, mostly uninhabited. The islands are known for their rugged landscapes of cliffs, waterfalls, tropical foliage, and beaches with gold, red, black and even green sands! The word “paradise” totally fits the islands!

(This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of my links, I may receive a commission or credit at no additional cost to you. For more info, please read my Affiliate Information Policy.)

 

Hawaiian Language

Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States in 1959. The major islands are Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and the Island of Hawaiʻi. The last is the largest island in the group and is often called the “Big Island“. Although Hawaii is a US state, it has been able to keep its unique culture and language. The Hawaiian language is the second official language of the state and you will hear it spoken often. It’s a good idea to know some of the common words if you plan to visit Hawaii.

Probably the most spoken and recognizable Hawaiian word is Aloha (Ah – loh– ha).  What you may not know is that it means hello and goodbye. Aloha encompasses love, peace, and affection; it is a way of life.

Here's a list of 21 Hawaiian words you need to know before you visit the islands. #Hawaii #Hawaiian #HawaiianWords #Travel #SpeakHawaiian Share on X

Other Hawaiian Words You Need To Know

• A Hui Hou (ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu) – See you later or until we meet again.
• ‘Aina (eye-nah) – is the love of the land or literally, that which feeds us. Hawaiian’s are very outdoorsy people and have respect for the land.
• E komo mai (eh koh-moh my-ee) – Welcome, come in. You will probably see this message on business doors.
• Honu (hoh -noo) – Turtle.  The Hawaiian green sea turtles are sacred to the natives. If you happen to spot them on the shore, please refrain from touching them or going close to them.
• Hula (hoo–luh) – Hawaiian form of communication using dance. Hula dancing is a complex art form, and there are many hand motions used to represent the words in a song or chant.
• Kama’aina (kah-mah’eye-nah) – A long time resident; a local.
• Kane (kah–neh) – Man. You might not have to speak this word but it will come in handy at the restrooms.  🙂  Also, see Wahine.
• Kapu (kah-poo) – Forbidden or sacred. If an area is marked kapu, you should stay out unless you have permission to enter.

• Keiki (kay-kee) – Child.
• Lei (lei)– A garland of flowers, leaves, nuts, or shells. A lei is an extra special gift, as it carries not only a blessing and tangible beauty, but also represents the giving of time, as each one is hand-woven with care.
• Luau (loo-ah-oo) – A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast that usually includes entertainment such as traditional Hawaiian music and hula.

• Mahalo (Mah – hah– loh) – This is a word you need to remember and use. It means thank-you and you will hear it almost as soon as your plane lands.
• Makai (mah-kie-yee) – Oceanside, such as the ocean side of the road.
• Mauka (mah-oo-kah) – Mountain. This is also used for directions rather than the left or right. If directions are to take mauka, you need to go toward the inner part of the island, toward the mountains.
• Menehune (mɛnəˈhuːni)– Menehune are a mythical race of small people who are believed to have worked during the night building roads, fish ponds, and temples.

• Mu’umu’u (muːmu) – A dress originating from Hawaiian culture. It is a loose-fitting dress that hangs from the shoulder often made from brilliantly colored floral patterns.
• ‘Ohana (oh–HAH – nah) – Anyone that is a Disney fan like we are has watched Lilo and Stitch and knows that ‘Ohana means family. In Hawaiian culture, family is everything.
• Poi (poi)– Poi is primarily the traditional staple food in Hawaii, made from the underground plant stem or corm of the taro plant. Note:  I won’t tell you to load a bunch on your plate at a luau, but you need to at least try it.  🤣
• Ukulele (OO-koo-LEH-leh) – A stringed instrument similar to a guitar.
• Wahine (wäˈhēnē) – Woman.  Also, see Kane.

Hawaiian Language Facts

The Hawaiian alphabet was written by 19th-century missionaries. The alphabet contains 13 letters: 5 vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and 8 consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w, ‘Okina ).

Pronounce vowels as follows:  a – a in above, e – e in bet, i – ee in see, o – o in sole, u – oo in moon.

The ‘Okina is the apostrophe mark and is a glottal stop – or a brief break in the word. The break is very fast. The ‘Okina is an official consonant – just as any of the other consonants. An ‘Okina will appear in front of a vowel, never before another consonant. Additionally, an ‘Okina will never be the last letter in a word – but will always appear between letters or at the beginning of the word.

Hawaiian words may start with any letter, vowel or consonant.

Hawaiian words will never end with a consonant.

Syllables in Hawaiian words are only one or two letters, never longer.

Syllables must end with a vowel or can be a single vowel, but can never be a single consonant.

A huge number of the words begin with either Ke or Ka. Both Ke and Ka are equivalent to the English word the.

We have been to four Hawaiian Islands on several trips. The Hawaiian people are friendly and gracious. The scenery is amazing and I think you will agree it is as close to paradise on Earth as you can get. Be respectful of their culture and customs and enjoy your trip!

Janet

What Is Special About Disney Saratoga Springs?

Are You Ready To Get On The Budget Train For 2019?

What To Buy For People That Love To Travel

How To Make Special Disney Cruise Line Door Magnets