Here are key Hawaiian words and sayings to learn before your next trip.

But beyond just seeing the sights, one of the best ways to celebrateHawaiian cultureis to speak the language.

(At one point, Hawaiian wason the verge of vanishing.)

Waimea, Oahu Waimea Hawaii

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As a result, the number of speakers dramatically declined.

you’re free to use aloha to send out kindness, positive intentions, and respect to others.

Aloha kakahiaka:Pronounced a-lo-ha kah-kah-hee-yah-kah

Use this phrase to say good morning.

A photo of Hawaii’s State Fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa or Reef Trigger Fish

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Aloha awakea:Pronounced a-loh-ha av-ah-kay-ah

You should use this variation of aloha when it’s late morning.

It roughly translates to “good noontime.”

Aloha ‘auinala:Pronounced a-loh-ha ah-wee-na-lah

Try this out when you want to say good afternoon.

Aloha ahiahi:Pronounced a-loh-ha a-hee-yah-hee

This one means good evening.

Watch your pronunciation because “ahi” means tuna.

Instead of saying “a-hee a-hee,” pronounce it like “a-hee-yah-hee.”

Lu’au:Pronounced loo-ah-oo

Hopefully, you’re going to experience the wonder of a lu’au on your trip.

This event is so much more than a party that includes hula dancing.

You’re bound to find taro in more than a few dishes during this celebration.

Get even more specific with your mahalo by adding a few extra words.

Mahalo nui(pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee)means “thank you very much.”

Wahine:Pronounced vah-hee-neh

Looking for the women’s bathroom?

This word will be on the door.

Kane:Pronounced kah-neh

This word will appear on the men’s bathroom door.

The literal translation of this compound word means “triggerfish with a snout like a pig.”

It means “You’re welcome.”

A ‘o ia!

It’s akin to saying “There you have it!”

: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

Spill your drink or bump into someone in a crowd?

you might use this phrase to apologize or say excuse me.

You might hear someone say something like, “We’ll be ma uka today doing the zipline.”

Invite people to grab a drink with you “at the boathouse ma kai” during your trip.

A hui hou:Pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu

This phrase means “until we meet again.”