Hawaiian language guide

Planning to go to Hawaii? Here are some helpful words and phrases to connect with locals.

Aloha (pronounced ah-loh-hah)

Either hello or goodbye but so much more. It also means peace and affection. Hawaiians greet each other with aloha, treat each other with aloha, and live aloha. It embodies a deep sense of respect and it invites the receiver to become a part of the Hawaiian family.

Malama (pronounced maah-lah-mah)

To care for, tend, preserve, protect, save.

Malama means to protect, care and preserve.

Mahalo (pronounced mah-hah-loh)

Thank you.

A hui hou (pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-uu)

Until we meet again.

E komo mai (pronounced ay-koh-moh-my-ee)

Welcome, come in. Many businesses have ‘E komo mai’ written at the entrance.

E komo mai – the beaches of Hawaii welcome you.

Aole pilikia (pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah)

Lit. No problem, also you’re welcome

Manini (pronounced mah-nee-nee)

Small. If it’s manini, it’s small; it’s something you don’t need to worry about.

Ono (pronounced oh-no)

Delicious

Try the taro poke, it’s ono.

Ohana (pronounced oh-hah-nah)

A person’s extended family, but in a much wider sense. It can include friends, cousins, in-laws, neighbours and co-workers.

Keiki (pronounced kay-key)

Children. You’ll see keiki menus, keiki prices at attractions, or events for keiki.

Wahine (pronounced wah-hee-nay)

Woman. You’ll see restrooms with ‘Wahine’ written on them instead of ‘Women’.

Kane (pronounced kaah-nay)

Man. You’ll see restrooms with ‘Kane’ written on them instead of ‘Men’.

You’ll see restrooms with ‘Kane’ written on them instead of ‘Men’.