Hawaiian Language Basics for Visitors: Real Phrases to Know
Hawaiian Language Basics for Visitors
Hawaiian (Olelo Hawaii) is a Polynesian language that was nearly extinct in the 1970s after over a century of suppression. Today it is experiencing a revival through immersion schools, university programs, and a cultural movement that has returned it to everyday use. As a visitor, learning even a small number of Hawaiian words and phrases changes the entire experience of being in Hawaii — place names, street names, and the culture make more sense.
Pronunciation Rules
Hawaiian has 13 letters: 5 vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and 8 consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w, and the okina). Two marks are used:
- The okina (') is a glottal stop — a brief pause in the throat, like the break in "uh-oh." It is a full consonant in Hawaiian.
- The kahako (a macron over a vowel like a or o) indicates a lengthened vowel sound.
Vowels are always pronounced: a = "ah," e = "eh," i = "ee," o = "oh," u = "oo." Every vowel is spoken. Oahu is "oh-AH-hoo," not "oh-WAH-hoo." Hawaii is "hah-VAI-ee," not "huh-WAY-ee."
Essential Phrases
- Aloha — Hello, goodbye, love, compassion. The most important word in Hawaii. It is used as a greeting, a farewell, and as a value. "The aloha spirit" is not marketing language — it is a real cultural concept.
- Mahalo — Thank you. Used constantly. "Mahalo" on a trash can means "thank you for not littering."
- Ohana — Family. Extends beyond blood family to community, those you take care of.
- Kokua — Help, assistance, cooperation. "Please kokua" on signs means please help/cooperate.
- Keiki — Child. You will see "keiki menu" everywhere.
- Kama'aina — Native-born; now used to mean any Hawaii resident. Kama'aina discounts are for Hawaii residents.
- Malihini — Visitor, newcomer. What you are, said without judgment.
- Haole — Originally meant "foreign," now primarily means white person. Not inherently derogatory but context matters.
- Pau — Done, finished. "Pau hana" means finished with work — after-work happy hour.
- Pono — Righteous, correct, in balance. The State of Hawaii motto is "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka Aina i ka Pono" — the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
Place Name Pronunciation
- Haleiwa — "Hah-lay-EE-vah"
- Kailua — "Kai-LOO-ah"
- Waikiki — "Why-kee-KEE"
- Nuuanu — "Noo-AH-noo"
- Kakaako — "Kah-kah-AH-ko"
- Kapahulu — "Kah-pah-HOO-loo"
- Manoa — "Mah-NO-ah"
- Ewa — "EH-vah" (direction, meaning toward the Ewa side of the island)
- Mauka — "Mow-kah" — toward the mountains (used as a direction)
- Makai — "Mah-kai" — toward the ocean (used as a direction)
Food Words You Will Encounter
- Poi — fermented taro paste; the staple food of traditional Hawaiian diet
- Laulau — pork and fish wrapped in taro leaves and steamed
- Kalua — cooked in an underground earth oven (imu)
- Lilikoi — passionfruit
- Haupia — coconut pudding
- Poke — "poh-kay," not "poh-kee." Cubed raw fish, seasoned.
Why Pronunciation Matters Before You Go
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