A Little Hawaiian Vocabulary

We're here on the Big Island again (visiting Kona), and it struck me that knowing a few Hawaiian words can come in handy while visiting the islands.

Aloha - Just about everyone knows 'Aloha' is a greeting here in Hawaii, as well as a way to say "Goodbye". It can also be used as a noun, as in the "Spirit of Aloha". The definitions and uses of the word are many, but the essence of Aloha might be described as an openness, a warmth, or a kindness being shared between people.

Mahalo - Perhaps the second-most familiar of Hawaiian words is "Mahalo", meaning "Thank You". A coworker once commented on how often the flight attendants on Hawaiian Airlines use this word. She had a flight where the inflection on the word made it sounds more like "I'm Sorry" was being conveyed. This was also the word printed on garbage cans in Honolulu for years (if memory serves), leading folks to think it meant trash.

Hana Hou - Speaking of Hawaiian Airlines, their inflight magazine (which we subscribe to at home, of course is called "Hana Hou". The phrase translates loosely as "Encore", and if you ever find yourself at a Hawaiian music concert, it's what folks will scream at the end of the show to convince the artist to do one more song. "Hana" means work in the Hawaiian language, and "Hou" means again.

A Hui Hou - Although you may here folks use "Aloha" as a way to say "Goodbye", you're more likely to hear "A hui hou" from friends. It essentially means "Until we meet again".

Pau - At a restaurant or bar, your server may ask if you're "Pau". This Hawaiian word means done.

Pau Hana - The Hawaiian version of Happy Hour, "Pau Hana" translates as work done, meaning it's the end of the work day or work week, so let's relax with a drink.

'Ohana - The word for family in Hawaiian, "Ohana" is frequently used to refer to a more extended family than strictly blood relatives.

Kama'aina - Although this term translates in Hawaiian to "Native born", the term has come to mean anyone who has made Hawaii their home. You'll sometimes see discounts at resorts and restaurants for kama'aina.

Aina - The word "Aina" means land.

Kanaka - "Kanaka" means people, and is alternately used to refer specifically to people of Hawaiian descent, or all people.

Menehune - A woman I knew who lived on the islands for many, many years referred to the "Menehune" as Hawaiian leprechauns. They are a possibly mythical race of small people who lived on the islands long ago - before Polynesians arrived - and built fish ponds, shore breaks, and other architectural marvels. Some historical records suggest they may have actually been the first human settlers of the islands, from the Marquesas, who were later wiped out by the later Tahitian settlers. An early census record is said to list 65 Menehune. Given the stature of the early Hawaiians (many of the early kings were reportedly 7 feet or taller), the relatively short statured Marquesans would have easily seemed like dwarves.

Honu - The sea turtle has special protections in Hawaii (never, ever touch or harass one), and seems to have a special place in many people's hearts. The Hawaiian term for turtle is "honu", and an iconic symbol for the reptile is found emblazoned on just about anything you might sell to a tourist.

Mauka & Makai - Rather than using compass directions, Hawaiians often use the terms "Mauka" and "Makai" to mean toward the mountains or toward the sea, respectively. Dan G remembers the difference because the first syllable of the word is identical to that of the english word "Mountain" - despite the difference in spelling.


Lau lau - A local favorite, this little bundle of leaves usually hides melt-in-your-mouth delicious pork, greens, and a little butterfish inside. Liliko'i - The Hawaiian word for passionfruit, "liliko'i" is used to flavor everything from sweet breads to sauces to margaritas. It's also our favorite flavor.

Ono - This Hawaiian word has two meanings that are somewhat intertwined. "Ono" can refer to a specific type of fish frequently the catch of the day (and also called Wahoo). Or "Ono" can mean delicious. So in theory, you could enjoy some Ono Ono.

Kava - "Kava" (aka "Awa") is a drink made from the dried root of a plant. It has calming properties, and can make your mouth feel numb.

Taro - Also known as "Kalo" in Hawaiian, taro is the root crop most synonymous with the islands. Traditional Hawaiian beliefs say the first human came from a taro plant, making the Taro plant an ancestor. It's most common manifestation is as

Poi - the purple paste made by steaming and pounding the taro root. We both love the taste, especially with a little salt and paired with kalua pig, though many consider it an acquired taste.

Kalua Pig - Delicious pulled pork cooked in an underground oven called an Imu.

Frommers also has a great slideshow with their picks for the Twenty words every Hawaii Visitor Should Know, including both Pidgin and Hawaiian words.