Planning a trip to Hawaiʻi? Learning a few Hawaiian words before you arrive is a wonderful way to connect with the islands, understand local culture, and add a little aloha to your vacation. You’ll hear many of these words throughout your travels—from restaurants and resorts to beaches, signs, and everyday conversations.

You don’t need to become fluent in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) before your trip. Start with a handful of commonly used words and phrases, and you’ll be well on your way.

Aloha

Aloha is probably the most recognizable Hawaiian word, but it means much more than simply “hello” or “goodbye.” It can express love, affection, compassion, kindness, and a sense of connection.

You’ll hear “aloha” used as a greeting when you arrive and a farewell when you leave. You may also see the phrase aloha spirit, which refers to living and interacting with others with kindness, respect, and warmth.

Mahalo

Mahalo means thank you.

It’s an easy word to add to your vocabulary and one you’ll hear frequently during your trip. Whether someone hands you your coffee, helps with directions, or welcomes you to their business, a simple “mahalo” is always appreciated.

ʻOhana

ʻOhana means family. The word has become well known beyond Hawaiʻi, but its meaning goes beyond immediate relatives. ʻOhana can include extended family and the close relationships that make people feel connected and supported.

You’ll see this word used by businesses, resorts, restaurants, and local organizations throughout the islands.

Keiki

Keiki means child or children.

You may see “keiki” on menus, activity descriptions, and signs at attractions. For example, a restaurant might offer a keiki menu, while a resort may advertise activities specifically designed for keiki.

Kamaʻāina

Kamaʻāina refers to a local resident of Hawaiʻi. Literally, it can be understood as someone familiar with the land.

You may see kamaʻāina rates offered at hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other businesses. These discounts are generally intended for Hawaiʻi residents.

ʻĀina

ʻĀina means land or earth.

The word is especially meaningful in Hawaiian culture because it reflects a deep relationship between people and the land. You may hear the phrase mālama ʻāina, meaning to care for and respect the land.

As a visitor, you can practice this idea by respecting beaches and trails, staying on designated paths, avoiding touching wildlife, and taking your trash with you.

Mālama

Mālama means to care for, protect, or preserve.

You’ll often encounter the word in conversations about responsible tourism and caring for Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural resources. Mālama Hawaiʻi is a phrase you may see associated with programs encouraging visitors to give back and care for the places they visit.

Pau

Pau means finished, done, or completed.

You might hear someone say, “Pau?” to ask if something is finished, or “pau hana,” which refers to the end of the workday and, more broadly, after-work time.

Pau Hana

Pau hana literally means finished work and is commonly used to describe after-work time.

It’s also associated with relaxing with friends, enjoying a drink, grabbing dinner, or watching the sunset after a day of work. If you hear about a pau hana special at a restaurant or bar, it’s essentially Hawaiʻi’s take on happy hour.

Ono

ʻOno means delicious.

You’ll see this word everywhere, especially on menus and restaurant signs. If someone tells you that a dish is “ʻono,” they’re letting you know it tastes great!

Hale

Hale means house or home.

You may notice it used in the names of hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and other places throughout the islands. For example, “hale” might appear in a property name to indicate a home or residence.

Wai

Wai means fresh water.

It’s a useful word to recognize because you’ll see it incorporated into many Hawaiian place names. Wailea, for example, is commonly translated as “waters of Lea,” referencing the goddess Lea.

Kai

Kai means sea or ocean.

Like “wai,” kai appears in many Hawaiian place names and business names. You’ll also hear it used when talking about activities, beaches, and the ocean.You might see "kai" on menus, referring to seafood options.

Mauka and Makai

These two words are especially useful when getting around Hawaiʻi.

Mauka means toward the mountains.

Makai means toward the ocean.

Rather than relying solely on north, south, east, or west, locals often use mauka and makai to give directions. For example, “The restaurant is mauka of the highway” means it is on the mountain side of the road.

Lanai

Lānai means veranda, porch, or balcony.

In Hawaiʻi, you’ll hear “lanai” used frequently to describe an outdoor living or dining space. Many vacation rentals and resorts have lanais where guests can enjoy morning coffee, dinner, or a sunset view.

Wahine

Wahine translates roughly to woman or female.

Good to know when you are at a luau and "wahine" are asked up to the stage to dance. Also important for knowing which restroom to go in!

Kāne

Kāne translates roughly to man or male.

Again, you might come acroos a restroom that just lists "wahine" and "kane". Remember your Hawaiian word list.

Learning the Language Is Part of the Experience

One of the best ways to experience Hawaiʻi is to approach the islands with curiosity and respect. Learning a few Hawaiian words is a small gesture, but it can help you better understand the places you visit and the culture that makes Hawaiʻi unique.