‘Ae(eye)
The Hawaiian word for yes; to consent or agree.
‘Aina (eye-na)
The Hawaiian word for land or earth. Most common use: Land
Akamai (ah-ka-my)
The Hawaiian word for smart or clever. Most common use: Smart
Aloha (ah-low-ha)
The Hawaiian word for hello or goodbye; signifying affection, sympathy, kindness and love.
Aloha is the native spirit of friendliness and hospitality representing the Hawaiian’s love of life and their joy of sharing and giving.
‘A‘ole (ah-oh-lay)
The Hawaiian word for no, not or never. Most common use: No
Hale (ha-lay)
The Hawaiian word for house or building.
Hana hou (ha-na ho)
The Hawaiian way to gesture repeat or give an encore after a performance, or to say do it again. Most common use: To do it again
Hele (hey-lay)
The Hawaiian word for go, walking or going. Most common use: Go
Imu (ee-moo)
Hawaiian word for underground oven; food wrapped and cooked underground.
Kai (“ky” as in sky)
The Hawaiian word for sea or the sea.
Kama‘aina(ka-ma-eye-na)
The Hawaiian locals or a native born person of Hawaii; the locals or islanders.
Kane(ka-nay)
The Hawaiian word for male, man or husband. Most common use: Male or man
Keiki(kay-kee)
The Hawaiian word for child, offspring or a kid. Most common use: Child or kid
Kumu(koo-moo)
The Hawaiian word for a Teacher; source. Most common use: Teacher
Lani(la-nee)
The Hawaiian word for sky, the heavens or heavenly. Most common use: the heavens or heavenly
Lei(Lay)
A flower garland called a lei. A Lei is a necklace of flowers, shells, feathers and all sorts of things. Usually a symbol of affection.
Lu‘au(lou-ow) (the “ow” as in cow)
Hawaiian feast or dinner. Depending on the conversation, lu‘au can be referred to as young taro tops. If you are talking about the Hawaiian feast or dinner, then lu‘au is used. When talking about the taro plant, then lu’au leaf is used; tastes similar to spinach.
Mahalo(ma-ha-low)
Can be referred to as admiration and respect. Most common use: Thank you
Mahalo nui loa(ma-ha-low new-we low-ah)
The Hawaiian word for big, large,or many thanks. Most common use: Thank you very much
Maika‘i(my-ka-ee)
The Hawaiian word for good, fine or excellent. Most common use: Good or fine
Makai(ma-ky)
The Hawaiian meaning for Seaward or toward the sea. Most common use: Toward the sea
Malama pono(ma-la-ma po-no)
The Hawaiian meaning for be careful, take care of or to care for. Most common use: Take care
Malihini(ma-lee-hee-nee)
The Hawaiian word for stranger, visitor or tourist. Most common use: Tourist or visitor
Mauka(mow-ka) (“ow” as in Cow)
The Hawaiian word for Inland or toward the mountains. Most common use: Toward the mountains
Nani(nah-knee)
The Hawaiian word for beautiful, pretty or splendid. Most common use: Beautiful or pretty
No ka‘oi(no ka oy) (oy as in toy)
The Hawaiian meaning for “is the best.” An example for use is “Maui noka‘oi,” which is interpreted as “Maui is the best.”
‘Ohana(oh-ha-na)
The Hawaiian word for family. Most common use: In referring to the whole family
‘Ono(oh-no)
The Hawaiian word for delicious or tasty. Most common use: Delicious, as in taste of food
Pau (pow) (ow as in cow)
The Hawaiian word for finished, completed or done. Most common use: Finished or all done
Pehea‘oe?(pay-hay-ya oy)?
The Hawaiian meaning for “How are you?”
Poi(p-oy) (oy as in toy)
A paste made from cooked taro and water. It is a staple of the Hawaiian diet and used as a starch, much like potatoes or rice may be for American and other cultures.
Pua(pooh-ah)
The Hawaiian word for flower or blossom. Most common use: Flower
Ukana(oo-ka-na) (oo as in moo)
The Hawaiian word for baggage or luggage.
Wahine(wa-hee-nay)
The Hawaiian word for lady, woman or wife. Most common use: Lady or woman