There’s no place on earth quite like the Hawaiian Islands. Let the tranquil waters refresh you, the fresh floral air energize you, and the breathtaking views soothe you.
There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the island of Hawaii. You’ll find each island has its own distinct personality and offers its own adventures, activities and sights.
To truly experience the Aloha spirit we recommend you research Hawaii foods to try and learn some of the most popular words and phrases used by the locals.
Interesting fact, the Hawaiian alphabet consists of only 12 letters: the vowels A, E, I, O, U and the consonants H, K, L, M, N, P, W. Every consonant is to be followed by a vowel, so all Hawaiian words end in a vowel.
Top Hawaiian Words and Phrases To Learn Before Your Trip To Hawaii
- Aloha – Can be used to say “Hello or Goodbye.” Aloha is also a way of life of good intentions and feelings. You can use aloha to send out kindness, positive intentions, and respect to others.
- Mahalo (Mahalo Nui Loa) – Mahalo means thank you. Mahalo nui loa means thank you very much.
- ‘A’ ole palikir – Your welcome
- Howzit – Hawaiian slang for “How are You”
- Ohana – family in an extended sense of the term including blood relative or family of an adoptive nature. The term Ohana emphasizes that families are bound together. Family is everything. This phrase is recognized by Disney fans from animated movie Lilo & Stitch.
- Lanai – patio or balcony
- No Ka’ Oi – the best or finest
- E hele kaua – Let’s party!
- E Como Mai – welcome or come in. A sign used for many businesses in Hawaii.
- E hele kaua I ke kahakai – Let’s go to the beach!
- A Hui Hou – Until we meet again
- Mauka and Makai – Mauka is the mountain and Makai is the ocean. Directions are given in Hawaii to go towards the mauka or Makai.
- Aloha wau ia’oe – I love you.
- Shaka – A hand gesture of extended thumb and pinkie symbolizing the Aloha spirit or feeling of friendship. Like the “hang lose” hand gesture.
- Honu – turtle, which is the symbol of wisdom and good luck
- Lei – Necklace made of flower,s shells, leaves or kukui nuts.
- E kala mai – Excuse or pardon me.
- Brok da mout: super delicious
Hawaiian Food Terms 🍩
Grind: (verb) to eat
‘Aina awakea: lunch
Malasada – A Portuguese donut
Pupu – Appetizer/hor d’oeuvre. A plate of appetizers is called a pupu platter.
Hale ‘aina: restaurant or cafe
Lu‘au: Hawaiian feast
Poke: Traditional Hawaiian dish
‘Ono: Delicious
Poi: a staple in Hawaii – taro root porridge
‘Aina means a meal
Shoyu: Hawaiian term for “ Japanese soy sauce”
Mea‘ai momona: dessert
Six Hawaiian Islands. Six unique experiences. From crystal blue waters to stunning green cliffs and black sand beaches, Hawaii’s wealth of natural beauty is the breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable experiences. There are amazing hawaii tour package, hawaii cruises and of course hawaii vacation packages to accommodate your budget. Tauck Tours Best of Hawaii is one of the most popular tours as well as Globus Tours Best of the Hawaiian Islands. All tour operators have reinvented their tours to accommodate less people and give you a more personal travel experience. Read all about the Hawaii Health and Safety protocols.
