A plate of appetizers is called a Pupu platter.Īunt & Uncle are terms of endearment used by children in reference to elders regardless of whether they are part of the family. You will read this term on many of the restaurant menu’s you see in Hawaii, it means appetizer. ‘Shaka’ is the very popular hand gesture of extended thumb and pinkie.Ī malasada is a Portuguese donut and likely the best donut you'll ever eat. This gesture symbolizes the Aloha spirit or the feeling of friendship, understanding, or solidarity. Howzit is a Hawaiian slang term for how are you?Ī Shaka is the very popular hand gesture of extended thumb and pinkie. If you come across a heiau in your wanderings, please assume it is kapu and stay out of it. Heiaus are all over the islands, and sometimes the signs are old and hard to read. Aloha wau ia ‘oe’ - this phrase is a favorite of ours, it means, ‘I love you.’Ī heiau (pronounced “hey-ow”) is a shrine or place of worship, or a sacred place. So often in Hawaii you will hear directions that refer to ‘Go towards the mauka’ or ‘the makai.’ ‘Mauka’ is the mountain and ‘Makai’ is the ocean.Īloha wau ia ‘oe - this phrase is a favorite of ours. Anywhere you look in Hawaii, you will see the Mauka or the Makai. Mauka is the mountain and makai is the ocean. Hawaiians live very close to the land, so they believe you should treat the ‘Aina with dignity and respect because it sustains them. ‘Aina is pronounced “eye-nah” and it means the land or, literally, that which feeds us. This is a phrase you could use everyday while you’re visiting Hawaii, it means let’s go to the beach.Ī hui hou is a great phrase for when you leave someone you admire, it means until we meet again. Many businesses have a sign placed above their door that reads, ‘E como mai’. You can use this phrase to invite people to come into your business or your home. This is a fun phrase: E hele kāua means let’s party.Į como mai means welcome or come on in. In Hawaii, you may hear this phrase this way ‘Maui no ka ‘oi” or ‘Kauai no ka ‘oi.’ The meaning of this term like with many terms is based on how you use it, not how you say it. This term can often be meant as derogatory, although this is not always the case. Haole is a person who is not a native Hawaiian, especially a white person. Pau Hana is what many locals say when they are finished working for the day. When visiting Hawaii, you will see special offers in bars and restaurants that are like Happy Hour or Pau Hana specials. It is considered a time for relaxation, informal socializing with friends and family (Ohana), and enjoyment. Often, children who grow up together or people who work closely together and have a mutual respect for one another will refer to each other as part of their family or their Ohana. In Hawaiian culture, family is everything. The term Ohana emphasizes that families are bound together, and members must cooperate and remember one another. Kanaka specifically means a person of Native Hawaiian ancestry.Īn important word in the Hawaiian culture, Ohana means family in an extended sense of the term, including blood-related or family of an adoptive nature. Often you may hear about a Kama’aina discount that is created for locals. Kama’aina also describes a local Hawaiian resident regardless of ethnicity or racial background. Kama’aina literally translated means, child of the land. Mahalo nui loa means Thank you very much. To do something with ‘Aloha’ means to do it with your soul. For example, in Hawaii people do things ‘with aloha’ like surfing, working or living, etc. Aloha also means kindness, love and affection. Aloha can be used to say “Hello” or “Goodbye.” and it has a deeper meaning to the Hawaiian people. This is one of the most often used Hawaiian word, even by those who do not fully understand its exact meaning. Here are the, 22 Hawaiian Phrases to learn before you visit Hawaii, which can help you appreciate your visit to Hawaii. It is impossible to fully appreciate a visit to the Hawaiian Islands without learning some of the Hawaiian language. The Hawaiian language is recognized as the second official state language of the State of Hawaii. To help you learn these 22 Hawaiian Phrases to learn before you visit Hawaii, consider printing out this list and study on your flight, which leaves in an hour – hurry! It’s also a great to be able to say, “Hello,” “Thank you,” and a few more key words. You will have no issues with non-English speaking people while visiting Hawaii, but it is a great idea to learn a few Hawaiian phrases to show that you respect the culture. For that reason, the native Hawaiian language plays a very strong role in the current day to day Hawaiian lifestyle. Hawaii is an English-speaking state, but it was only made a state on August 21, 1959.
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