Landing in Hawaii is magical - until you try to read a street sign. What on earth is a "Mauka"? And seriously, which restroom do I use if the door just says "Kāne"?
In this guide, we’ve stripped away the boring textbook stuff and curated the essential Hawaiian phrases for tourists.
Whether you want to learn common Hawaiian words for chatting or just need basic Hawaiian vocabulary to read road signs, this cheat sheet has you covered.
Table of contents
I. Hawaiian Words You Absolutely Can't Miss
Before we dive into ordering poke bowls or finding the bathroom, we need to cover the "Holy Trinity" of Hawaiian vocabulary.
These are the heavy hitters. The words you will hear, see, and hopefully say, about 500 times a day.
Master these, and you’re already halfway to acting like a local (or at least, a very polite visitor).
1. Aloha (Ah-low-ha): The Swiss Army Knife of Words
You probably already know this one. If you don’t, I have questions about which rock you’ve been living under!
Most people think the Aloha meaning is just 'Hello.' And sure, it does. But it also means 'Goodbye,' 'Love,' and 'Affection.' It’s basically the most efficient word in history.
Arriving at the hotel? Aloha.
Leaving the beach? Aloha.
Feeling sentimental? Aloha.
The deeper vibe: It’s more than just a greeting; it’s the "Aloha Spirit".
It’s about kindness, harmony, and sharing the "breath of life" (Alo = face, Hā = breath).
So when you say it, try to mean it! Don't just mumble it like you're ordering a coffee.
2. Mahalo (Mah-hah-low): Please, Do Not Confuse This With "Trash”
The Mahalo meaning is simply 'Thank you', but it carries weight.
It is the number one way to show respect to the servers, drivers, and locals who are making your vacation awesome.
Level Up: Want to sound extra grateful? Say "Mahalo nui loa" (Mah-hah-low new-ee low-ah), which means "Thank you very much".
⚠️ Important Funny Warning: You will often see the word Mahalo written on the flap of trash cans in fast-food joints or parks.
- True Story: Every year, some confused tourist points at a garbage bin and asks, "Is a Mahalo a type of trash can?"
- The Answer: No! 😂 The trash can is just saying, "Thank you [for throwing your garbage away]".
Please don't go home telling people you put your wrapper in the "Mahalo".
3. ‘Ohana (Oh-hah-nah): More Than Just Blood Relatives
If you have ever seen the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch, you have been training for this moment your whole life.
Say it with me:
"‘Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten".
It’s a cheesy quote, but it’s 100% accurate.
In Hawaii, ‘Ohana isn't just your mom, dad, and siblings. It’s your extended family, your close friends, your neighbors, and your community.
It’s your squad. It’s the feeling that we are all in this boat (or canoe) together.
Ready to learn how to chat with the locals (and not embarrass yourself)? Let's move on to the everyday phrases next.
II. Your Quick Hawaiian 15-Word Survival Kit
Don't have time to read the whole history lesson? No problem.
Here are the 15 most common words you will hear on the streets, in shops, and at the beach.
Memorize these, and you’ll survive just fine!
Word/Phrase |
Pronunciation |
Meaning & How to Use |
1. Aloha |
Ah-low-ha |
Hello/Goodbye/Love. The universal greeting. |
2. Mahalo |
Mah-hah-low |
Thank you. Say this to your server, driver, or anyone helpful. |
3. ‘Ae |
Eye |
Yes. Short, sweet, and easy. |
4. ‘A‘ole |
Ah-oh-leh |
No. Useful when someone asks if you want to leave the beach. |
5. E komo mai |
Eh koh-mo my |
Welcome / Enter. You’ll see this on doormats and shop entrances. |
6. A hui hou |
Ah hoo-wee ho |
Until we meet again. A nicer way to say "Goodbye". |
7. Pehea ‘oe? |
Peh-heh-ah oy |
How are you? A polite way to start a chat. |
8. Maika‘i |
My-kah-ee |
Good/Fine. The standard answer to "How are you?" |
9. ‘A‘ole pilikia |
Ah-ole pee-lee-kee-ah |
You’re welcome/No problem. Literally "No trouble." |
10. Kōkua |
Koh-koo-ah |
Help/Assistance. Often seen on trash cans: "Please Kōkua keep Hawaii clean." |
11. Pau |
Pow |
Finished/Done. Use this when the waiter asks if you are done eating: "I'm pau!" |
12. Wikiwiki |
Wee-kee-wee-kee |
Fast/Speedy. You might ride the "Wiki Wiki Shuttle" at the airport. |
13. Hana hou |
Hah-nah ho |
Encore/Do it again. Scream this at a concert or Hula show. |
14. Holoholo |
Holo-holo |
To go out/Walk/Cruise. "We are going holoholo" means we are just cruising around for fun. |
15. Kālā |
Kah-lah |
Money/Dollar. Hopefully, you brought enough of this! |
III. Common Hawaiian Phrases
Okay, you’ve mastered Aloha. You’re basically a pro now.
But if you really want to impress the hotel staff (or just understand what the heck is going on), add these common Hawaiian phrases to your vocabulary.
1. Time of Day: The "Aloha" Add-ons
Since "Aloha" works for everything, you just need to add the time of day to be more specific.
Aloha Kakahiaka: Good morning. (Try saying this to the barista getting your coffee - it guarantees a smile).
Aloha Ahiahi: Good evening.
2. Small Talk Made Easy
- Pehea ‘oe? (Peh-heh-ah oy?): "How are you?"
- Maika‘i nō au (My-kah-ee no ow): "I am fine".
Lazy Tourist Hack: Honestly, if someone asks you "Pehea ‘oe?", just smiling and saying "Maika‘i" (Good/Excellent) is totally acceptable.
3. Who is Who? (Don't Mix These Up!)
Understanding the Kane and Wahine meaning will save you from confusion and potentially awkward situations - especially when you really need to use the restroom!
a. Kama‘āina vs. Malihini
Kama‘āina: Literally "Child of the land". This refers to locals or long-time residents. You’ll often see signs for "Kama‘āina Discounts" (local discounts).
Malihini: That’s you! It means a newcomer, visitor, or guest. Wear the title proudly, but maybe don’t expect the discount.
b. Kāne vs. Wahine (The Most Important Words You'll Learn) Why?
Because these are usually the only words written on restroom doors!
Kāne (Kah-neh): Male/Men.
Wahine (Wah-hee-neh): Female/Women.
💡 Pro Tip: If you panic and forget, look for the picture. But memorize these, just in case the vibe is "rustic", and there are no icons!
c. Keiki
- Meaning: Child/Children.
Where you'll see it: On menus! If you’re looking for chicken nuggets or a smaller portion, scan the menu for the "Keiki Menu".
Also, "Keiki o ka ‘āina" means children of the land.
IV. Essential Hawaiian Food Words
The menu is often the first place travelers get stuck. It’s full of Hawaiian words that describe not just the food, but how it’s prepared.
Instead of just pointing at pictures, use this vocabulary guide to decode the menu and pronounce the names of traditional dishes correctly.
1. Essential Dish Names (Etymology & Pronunciation)
Poke
Pronunciation: Poh-keh (Rhymes with "Okay", NOT "Poke" like Facebook).
Literal Meaning: "To slice or cut crosswise".
Note: If you hear "Shoyu Poke", it refers to raw fish marinated in soy sauce.
Kālua Pig
Pronunciation: Kah-loo-ah
Literal Meaning: Kā (to cook) + Lua (hole/pit).
Context: It describes the cooking method of baking pork in an underground earth oven.
Laulau
Pronunciation: Low-low
Literal Meaning: "Leaf" or "Wrapped".
Context: Meat (pork/fish) wrapped in taro leaves and steamed.
Lomi Salmon
Pronunciation: Low-mee
Literal Meaning: "To massage".
Why? The salmon is literally massaged by hand with salt and tomatoes.
2. Ingredients to Know
- Kalo (Kah-low): Taro plant. The spiritual staple of Hawaii. (Poi is made from Kalo).
Limu (Lee-moo): Seaweed. A key ingredient often seen in Poke.
Imu (Ee-moo): Underground oven. Used to cook Kālua pig.
3. Hawaiian Dining Table Talk
Don't just eat in silence! Use these phrases to express how you feel.
The Feelings
Pōloli (Poh-low-lee): Hungry. ("I am pōloli!")
Makewai (Mah-keh-vye): Thirsty.
Kaukau (Cow-cow): To eat/Food. (Pidgin slang).
The Praise (When it’s Good)
‘Ono (Oh-no): Delicious. ("This fish is so ‘ono!")
‘Ono loa: Very delicious.
"Broke da mouth": Incredibly delicious. (The ultimate local compliment).
The Critique (When it’s... Interesting)
‘A‘ole ‘ono: Not delicious.
Manini (Mah-nee-nee): Small/Stingy. (Used for tiny portions).
Miko (Mee-koh): Salty.
The Aftermath
Mā‘ona (Mah-oh-nah): Full/Satisfied.
Pau (Pow): Finished/Done. (Say this when you are ready for the check).
V. Hawaiian Words about Directions & Geography
Forget North, South, East, and West. On a round island, compass directions are confusing. (Is "North" up the road, or just around the bend?).
Instead, locals orient themselves using the two biggest landmarks: the Volcanoes (Mountains) and the Ocean.
Understanding this system isn't just cool, but it helps you pick the right hotel room and understand weather forecasts!
1. The Golden Rule: Mastering Mauka vs Makai
When you ask for directions, or even when you're looking at a hotel floor plan, you will see these two words.
Makai (Mah-kigh)
Literal Meaning: Toward the sea/ocean. (Kai = Sea).
Tourist Insight: If a hotel room is listed as "Makai Tower" or "Makai View", it usually means Ocean View (and probably costs more!).
Driving Tip: If a local says, "Stay in the makai lane", get in the lane closest to the water.
Mauka (Mow-kah)
Literal Meaning: Toward the mountain/inland.
Tourist Insight: If you're driving and get turned around, just look for the clouds or the big peaks. That direction is always Mauka.
Shopping Tip: In huge malls like Ala Moana, stores are often located using these terms (e.g., "The Apple Store is on the Mauka side of the mall").
2. The "Weather" Directions: Windward vs. Leeward
You won't see these on street signs, but you need to know them to plan your beach days.
Windward: The wet, green, and rainy side of the island. (e.g., Hilo on Big Island, Kaneohe on Oahu).
Vibe: Jungles, waterfalls, occasional rain showers.
Leeward: The dry, sunny, and desert-like side. (e.g., Kona on Big Island, Waikiki/Ko Olina on Oahu).
Vibe: Hot sun, sunsets, resorts.
3. Street Signs & Road Lingo
Don't just look for "Street" or "Avenue".
Here are the Hawaiian words you'll see on the green street signs.
Ala (Ah-lah)
Meaning: Road, Path, or Way.
Famous Example: Ala Moana Blvd (Path to the Ocean) or Ala Wai Blvd (Freshwater Path).
Hale (Hah-leh)
Meaning: House/Building.
Usage: You might see signs for "Hale Koa" (Warrior House/Hotel) or "Hale‘iwa" (House of the Frigatebird).
Holoholo (Holo-holo)
Meaning: To travel/To go out for fun.
Context: If you aren't going anywhere specific, just driving around to see the sights, you are going holoholo.
4. Respecting the Place Names (Aliases)
Tourists often use nicknames, but using the original Hawaiian names reveals the spot's history.
Diamond Head? Try calling it Lē‘ahi (Lay-ah-hee). It means "Brow of the tuna" because the ridgeline looks like a fish fin.
Chinaman’s Hat? Please use Mokoli‘i (Moh-koh-lee-ee). The nickname is considered outdated and insensitive by many. Mokoli‘i means "Little Lizard", referring to the tail of a dragon slain by a goddess in legend. Much cooler, right?
VI. Hawaiian Etiquette: How to Travel with 'Mālama
Hawaii is not just a resort; it is a home with deep spiritual roots. Tourists often unknowingly offend locals by stepping where they shouldn't or treating sacred objects like souvenirs.
Knowing these words helps you transition from being a "Tourist" to being a Guest.
1. The Most Important Verb: Mālama (Mah-lah-mah)
- Meaning: To take care of, to protect, to preserve.
Why it matters: The Malama Hawaii meaning centers on giving back. You will see ads for 'Mālama Hawai‘i' everywhere - it’s the island’s call for sustainable tourism.
-
Tourist Action:
Mālama the ocean: Use reef-safe sunscreen and never touch the sea turtles (Honu).
Mālama the land: Pick up your trash. It’s not just about being clean; it’s about respecting the ‘āina (land).
2. The Spiritual "Stop Sign": Kapu (Kah-poo)
Literal Meaning: Sacred, Forbidden, Taboo.
The Deeper Insight: In ancient times, breaking a Kapu could mean death. Today, it usually marks two things:
Safety: Dangerous cliffs or currents.
Sanctity: Ancient burial grounds or temples.
Tourist Rule: If you see a Kapu sign on a hiking trail or a fence, do not cross it for a selfie. It’s not a suggestion; it’s a warning.
3. Ancient Temples: Heiau (Hey-ow)
Meaning: A place of worship (often looks like stacked lava rocks).
The Protocol:
Don't climb: Never stand, sit, or climb on the rock walls.
Don't move rocks: There is a belief that stones hold Mana (spiritual power). Moving them disturbs the spirit.
Silence: Treat it like you would a church or cathedral.
4. The Law of the Lei (Lay)
- Meaning: A garland of flowers, leaves, or shells.
- The Insight: A Lei is a physical symbol of the giver's love (Aloha).
The Etiquette:
Never refuse one: It is considered extremely rude to reject a lei.
Don't take it off immediately: Wear it for a while in the giver's presence.
Disposal: Do not throw a fresh lei in the trash can! It implies you are throwing away the giver's love. Return it to nature (hang it on a tree branch, bury it, or leave it in a garden).
5. The Souvenir Rule: Pōhaku (Poh-hah-koo)
Meaning: Stone/Rock.
The Legend: You might hear about "Pele’s Curse". Legend says the volcano goddess Pele will bring bad luck to anyone who takes lava rocks or sand away from the islands.
The Reality: Every year, post offices in Hawaii receive thousands of packages from tourists mailing back rocks because they had terrible luck after going home.
Tourist Rule: Leave the rocks, sand, and coral where they are. Take photos, not Pōhaku.
VII. Hawaiian Basics: Numbers 1–10 and Days of the Week
Want to haggle at the flea market or check store hours? Screenshot this!
1. Counting 1-10
- ‘Ekahi (Eh-kah-hee)
- ‘Elua (Eh-loo-ah)
- ‘Ekolu (Eh-koh-loo)
- ‘Ehā (Eh-hah)
- ‘Elima (Eh-lee-mah)
- ‘Eono (Eh-oh-no)
- ‘Ehiku (Eh-hee-koo)
- ‘Ewalu (Eh-vah-loo)
- ‘Eiwa (Eh-ee-vah)
- ‘Umi (Oo-mee)
2. Days of the Week
- Sunday: Lāpule (Prayer Day)
- Monday: Po‘akahi
- Tuesday: Po‘alua
- Wednesday: Po‘akolu
- Thursday: Po‘ahā
- Friday: Po‘alima (Aloha Friday!)
- Saturday: Po‘aono
Now You Are Ready to Go!
There you have it! You are no longer just a Malihini wandering around looking for a burger. You are a traveler equipped with the Hawaiian phrases to show respect, eat the best Poke, and find your way Mauka or Makai.
The Hawaiian language is beautiful because every word carries a picture and a feeling.
So don't be shy! Flash a shaka, say a warm "Aloha," and remember to drive with aloha, too.
A hui hou! (That means "Until we meet again").
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I navigate or choose the right hotel room view without using North/South?
Locals orient themselves using the mountains and the ocean rather than compass directions:
Mauka: Toward the mountain (inland).
Makai: Toward the sea.
Tip: If you see a hotel room listed as a "Makai View," it means it has an ocean view.
2. Which restroom do I enter if the doors just say "Kāne" and "Wahine"?
Memorize these two words to avoid an awkward situation, as there aren't always pictures!
Kāne: Men.
Wahine: Women.
3. Does "Mahalo" mean "Trash"? I see it written on all the garbage bins.
No! This is a common funny mistake. Mahalo means "Thank you." When you see it on a trash can flap, it simply says, "Thank you [for disposing of your trash]". Do not go home telling people you put your wrapper in the "Mahalo"!
4. What are the key words I need to know when dining out?
To communicate effectively with your server:
‘Ono: Delicious (Use this to complement the chef).
Pau: Finished/Done. (Use this when the waiter asks if they can clear your plate or bring the check.
5. What are the major cultural "Don'ts" or taboos I should respect?
- Kapu: This means "Sacred" or "Forbidden." If you see a sign with this word, do not cross it (it could be dangerous or a burial site).
- Pōhaku (Rocks): Never take rocks or sand home as souvenirs. Legend says the goddess Pele brings bad luck to those who steal land from the islands.
- Lei: Never refuse a lei when offered, and never throw a fresh lei in the trash (return it to the earth/nature instead).
Manua Fale
Coastal Ecology & Community Consultant at Samoa Marine & Community CenterI am Manua Fale. Rooted in the profound teachings of the National University of Samoa, I have dedicated my life to the harmony between our people and the vast Pacific. Living the 'Island Way' is an art of resilience and respect. I am passionate about sharing the authentic, unvarnished beauty of our daily lives, ensuring our traditional knowledge continues to sustain us in a changing world.