You’ve packed your bags. You’ve got your new Hawaiian (Aloha) shirt, sunglasses, and sunscreen for your Hawaii Trip. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you knew a few Hawaiian words and phrases?
Hawaii, with its lush mountains, active volcanoes, and peaceful beaches, is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. One of the best ways to celebrate Hawaiian culture, aside from experiencing the attractions, is to learn the language. You may join the rising movement to resuscitate this endangered language by trying out a couple of these basic Hawaiian words and phrases on your next trip. Yes, you read that correctly: Hawaiian was on the edge of extinction at one point.
Hawaiian was officially banned in schools after the kingdom was overthrown in the late 1800s, despite the fact that it is now one of the state’s official languages. As a result, the number of those who spoke dropped drastically. However, a Hawaiian language renaissance has swept the state in the last 50 years, slowly restoring the native tongue.
The Hawaiian language has been designated as Hawaii’s second official state language. It is impossible to fully appreciate a trip to the Hawaiian Islands without first learning some Hawaiian.
While not everyone you meet on your holiday will speak Hawaiian, those who do may be pleasantly surprised that you’re trying it out. So, before you start packing your bags, memories a few of these useful Hawaiian words and phrases.
Here are 15 Basic Hawaiian words and phrases to learn before visiting Hawaii that can help you enjoy your time there.
15 Hawaiian Words and Phrases to Enjoy in Hawaiian Vacation
We’ve broken down the 15 Basic Hawaiian Words and Phrases into three categories: Basic Hawaiian Words, Common Hawaiian Phrases, And Useful Hawaiian Sayings for Travelers.
Here are 15 Hawaiian words and phrases to learn before your next trip.
Basic Hawaiian Words
Aloha (and its variations)
Aloha kakahiaka: Pronounced a-lo-ha kah-kah-hee-yah-kah
Try this out when you want to say good morning.
Aloha awakea: Pronounced a-loh-ha av-ah-kay-ah
When it’s late in the morning, you should use this variation of aloha. It roughly translates to “good noontime.”
Aloha ‘auinalā: Pronounced a-loh-ha ah-wee-na-lah
Use this phrase to say good afternoon.
Aloha ahiahi: Pronounced a-loh-ha a-hee-yah-hee
This one represents a good evening. Because “ahi” means tuna, be careful how you say it. By using a “y-glide” in the middle of the word, you can avoid the embarrassment of saying “tuna tuna.” Pronounce it as “a-hee-yah-hee” instead of “a-hee a-hee.”
Lū’au: Pronounced loo-ah-oo
On your trip, hopefully, you’ll get to see the wonder of a lū’au. This event is so much more than just a hula dancing party. The word lū’au refers to the leaves of the taro plant, which are extremely important in Hawaiian culture. During this celebration, taro will most likely appear in various of recipes.
Mahalo: Pronounced mah-hah-loh
Mahalo means thank you (thanks in Hawaiian). Because it appears on many trash can doors, many tourists mistakenly believe it means garbage. Not at all! Add a few additional words to your mahalo to make it even more particular.
“Thank you very much in Hawaiian,” says Mahalo nui (how to pronounce Mahalo Nui) (pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee). You can also say mahalo nui loa (how to pronounce Mahalo Nui Loa) (pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee loh-wah), which means “thank you so very much.” Now you have learned how to say thank you in Hawaiian (Hawaiian Thanks).
Wahine: Pronounced vah-hee-neh
If you’re looking for the women’s restroom, you’ve come to the right place. This word will be on the door.
Kāne: Pronounced kah-neh
This word will appear on the door to the men’s bathroom.
Common Hawaiian Phrases
‘A’ole pilikia: Pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah
If someone thanks you, use this phrase. “You’re welcome,” it means.
A ‘o ia!: Pronounced ah-oy-yah
If your best friend gets up to do the hula, congratulate him or her, or say this when someone finally catches a wave during a surf lesson. It’s akin to saying “there you have it!”
Hui!: Pronounced hoo-wee
There’s a polite way of saying “hey you,” and this is it.
E kala mai: Pronounced eh kah-lah mah-yee
Have you spilled your drink or bumped with someone in a crowd? This phrase can be used to express regret or to say “excuse me.”
Useful Hawaiian Sayings for Travelers
Ma uka: Pronounced mah-oo-kah
Ma uka is a directional phrase that means “upland.” “We’ll be ma uka today doing the zipline,” you might hear someone say.
Ma kai: Pronounced mah-kie-yee
Ma kai means “seaward,” and it is the opposite of ma uka. During your journey, invite people to join you “at the boathouse ma kai” for a drink.
A hui hou: Pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu
This phrase means “until we meet again.”
FAQ’s About Basic Hawaiian Words and Phrases.
What is a traditional Hawaiian greeting?
The traditional Hawaiian greeting is Honi (pronounced HO – nee). The English translation is “to kiss,” however the original greeting was touching forehead to forehead, nose to nose and exchanging breath.
What is the meaning of E Komo Mai?
Welcome
E komo mai means Welcome. Many stores and businesses have “e komo mai” written on the entrance. A hui hou means Until we meet again. Mahalo nui loa means Thank you very much in Hawaiian words.
What does aloha Nui Loa?
Phrase: aloha nui loa means very much love, lots of love.
How do Hawaiians say cheers?
Kmau (Ka-Mau) or HipaHipa – The most popular ways to say cheers in Hawaiian. HipaHipa is a popular phrase used by both tourists and locals.
What does Aloha stand for?
Love, Peace, and Compassion
Aloha (/əˈloʊhɑː/, Hawaiian: [əˈlohə]) is a Hawaiian word that means “love, affection, peace, compassion, and mercy.” It is generally used as a greeting but has a deeper cultural and spiritual meaning for native Hawaiians, who use it to describe a force that holds existence together.
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