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.)
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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.
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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.”
