Hawaiian Language for First Time Travelers

Table Of Contents


Introduction to the Hawaiian Language

The Hawaiian language, or ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, is not just a mere communication tool, but a profound symbol of identity and continuity for the native people of the Hawaiian Islands. The language's distinct melody is deeply ingrained in the islands' auditory landscape. It resonates with the rhythm of the crashing waves, the soft whisper of the trade winds, and the melodic chatter of the forest birds. Hawaiian language mirrors the region's exuberant biodiversity and dramatic geography, resulting in a unique linguistic experience for the listener and speaker alike. It is a language deeply intertwined with nature, as evident in its complex array of words for rain, wind, and ocean waves, reflecting the Hawaiians' intricate understanding and connection to their environment.

The Historical Background of the Hawaiian Language

‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i traces its roots back many centuries, brought to the islands by the brave Polynesian voyagers who first populated Hawaii. Before Western contact, Hawaiian was strictly an oral language. Generations of Hawaiians committed to memory complex genealogies, stories, and histories, passing this knowledge orally from one generation to the next. The missionaries' arrival in the early 19th century marked a significant turning point in the language's history. They developed a writing system for Hawaiian, forever transforming the language and precipitating its eventual decline due to the rising dominance of English.

The Resurgence and Preservation of the Hawaiian Language

By the 20th century, Hawaiian faced the grim prospect of extinction. The number of native speakers had drastically dwindled, and the language seemed destined to fade into oblivion. However, Hawaiian demonstrated the same resilience as the ‘ōhi‘a lehua tree, which thrives in the islands' lava-strewn landscape. The Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s ignited a renewed interest in the language. Educational institutions incorporated Hawaiian into their curriculums, and immersion programs emerged, fostering a new generation of Hawaiian speakers. This revival has led to Hawaiian's recognition as one of the state's official languages, signaling a remarkable comeback.

Hawaiian Language Today: An Overview

Today, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i reverberates through the islands, a testament to its enduring spirit. While fluent speakers remain relatively few and are mainly concentrated on the island of Ni‘ihau, elements of the Hawaiian language permeate everyday life. Almost every resident in Hawaii speaks at least a little Hawaiian, even if it's just common phrases like "aloha" and "mahalo". In schools, radio broadcasts, local newspapers, and during cultural celebrations, you can hear the rhythmic sounds of the language.

Basic Hawaiian Phrases for First-Time Travelers

For first-time travelers to Hawaii, learning a few basic phrases can be empowering and create a deeper connection with the local culture. The multi-purpose word "aloha" is essential, signifying hello, goodbye, and also love. Express gratitude with "mahalo". If you find yourself in a casual, laid-back situation, express no worries with "‘A‘ole pilikia". In crowded areas or bustling farmers markets, if you bump into someone or need to get past, "E kala mai" (Excuse me) would be the appropriate phrase. These phrases might seem simple, but they can significantly enhance your interactions and experiences in Hawaii.

Most Important First 100 phrases or Words in Hawaiian To Learn

  1. Aloha - Hello, goodbye, love
  2. Mahalo - Thank you
  3. ‘A‘ole pilikia - You're welcome, no problem
  4. E kala mai - Excuse me, pardon me
  5. ‘Ohana - Family
  6. Ha‘awina - Lesson
  7. Pōmaika‘i - Good luck
  8. Mahalo nui loa - Thank you very much
  9. Kōkua - Help, assistance
  10. Pehea ‘oe? - How are you?
  11. Maika‘i - Good, fine
  12. ‘Ae - Yes
  13. ‘A‘ole - No
  14. Keiki - Child
  15. Wahine - Woman
  16. Kane - Man
  17. Makua - Parent
  18. Pau hana - After work, done with work
  19. Hana hou - Encore, one more time
  20. Kama‘aina - Local resident
  21. Ho‘olaule‘a - Celebration, festival
  22. Pupu - Appetizer, snack
  23. Mele - Song
  24. Paniolo - Cowboy
  25. Hele - Go, walk, travel
  26. Mauka - Toward the mountains
  27. Makai - Toward the ocean
  28. Hale - House
  29. Lū‘au - Hawaiian feast, party
  30. ‘Ohana ho‘okipa - Hospitality, family welcoming
  31. ‘Ono - Delicious, tasty
  32. Kōkua me ka lokahi - Unity, cooperation
  33. Kūpuna - Grandparent, elder
  34. Hānau - Birth, to be born
  35. Moana - Ocean, sea
  36. Nalu - Wave
  37. Hānai - To adopt, foster
  38. Hāpai - Pregnant
  39. Hapai keiki - Expecting a child
  40. Kōkua keiki - Help the children
  41. Laule‘a - Joy, happiness
  42. ‘Ike - Knowledge, to know
  43. Ho‘omau - To continue, persist
  44. Malama - Care, protect
  45. Pono - Righteousness, balance
  46. ‘Ikaika - Strong, powerful
  47. Ho‘oponopono - Conflict resolution, forgiveness
  48. Pule - Prayer
  49. Aloha ‘āina - Love for the land, environmental stewardship
  50. Ho‘omakaukau - Prepare, get ready
  51. Pehea ka hana? - How is work?
  52. E komo mai - Welcome, come in
  53. Kōkua aku, kōkua mai - Help others, let others help you
  54. Ke akua pū - God bless you
  55. Ho‘opuka - Exit
  56. Ho‘okahi - One
  57. Ho‘omaha - Rest, relax
  58. Ho‘omakauli‘i - Start small, take it easy
  59. Makahiki - Year
  60. Kumu - Teacher, source
  61. Ka ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i - The Hawaiian language
  62. Mahina - Moon
  63. Hō‘ike - Show, exhibit
  64. Pū‘olo - Bundle, package
  65. Kāleka - Chocolate
  66. Ho‘ā‘o - Explore, discover
  67. ‘Ōpala - Trash, garbage
  68. Hula - Traditional Hawaiian dance
  69. Lei - Garland, necklace
  70. Ke kula - School
  71. Ke kai - The ocean
  72. Ke kahakai - The beach
  73. ‘Onipa‘a - Steadfast, firm
  74. Ho‘opuka ‘ia - Published
  75. Lani - Sky, heaven
  76. Aia - There, over there
  77. Ka ‘āina - The land
  78. Mana - Spiritual power, energy
  79. Papa - Class, lesson
  80. Nani - Beautiful
  81. ‘Āina momona - Abundant land
  82. Pa‘ina - Party, gathering
  83. Mālama i ka ‘āina - Take care of the land
  84. Ka wahine - The woman
  85. Ka keiki - The child
  86. Ka hale - The house
  87. ‘Āwīwī - Busy, bustling
  88. Kumu ho‘ohālike - Example, model
  89. Kino - Body
  90. ‘Āina hānau - Birthplace, homeland
  91. Kūkulu hale - Build a house
  92. Kanaka maoli - Native Hawaiian
  93. Hō‘ala - Awake, revive
  94. Pili - Connect, relate
  95. Pā‘ani - Play, have fun
  96. Ka nui - The many
  97. Ka wā - The time, era
  98. Ka ho‘okahi - The one
  99. Ma‘ema‘e - Clean, pure
  100. Nani ke ‘ike - Wonderful to see

Hawaii Language For Travelers


Pronunciation Guide: Mastering Hawaiian Vowels and Consonants

While the Hawaiian language may initially appear intimidating, its pronunciation rules are surprisingly simple and consistent. The language comprises just thirteen phonetic elements: five vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and eight consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w, and ‘). All syllables end in a vowel, and the stress usually falls on the second-to-last syllable. Understanding these fundamental rules will help you navigate the linguistic landscape of Hawaii.

Understanding Hawaiian Place Names

Place names in Hawaii often serve as windows into the region's natural and cultural history. For instance, "Waikīkī" translates as "spouting water", a reference to the numerous freshwater springs that once flowed beneath the surface. "Haleakalā", the name of Maui's massive shield volcano, means "House of the Sun", referring to the ancient Hawaiian legend where the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from its summit. Decoding the meanings behind these names can enrich your understanding of the places you explore, connecting you more deeply with the islands' vibrant history and culture.

How the Hawaiian Language Reflects Island Culture

The Hawaiian language encapsulates the essence of island culture. It reveals the profound connection that Hawaiians have towards the ‘āina (land) and the kai (sea). Numerous terms in Hawaiian describe intricate nuances of the natural world, which attests to the intimate relationship between the Hawaiian people and their environment. For instance, there are dozens of words for rain, each corresponding to its specific characteristics like intensity, duration, and the time of day or season it occurs. Similarly, multiple words exist for lava, each denoting its various stages and forms. This close bond with nature forms the bedrock of the Hawaiian worldview and is manifest in their language.

Common Words and Terms in Hawaiian Cuisine

As you indulge in the culinary delights of Hawaii, you'll notice Hawaiian terms flavoring the menu. The celebrated local dish "poke" is a raw fish salad, often seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. "Laulau" describes a bundle of pork wrapped in taro leaves and steamed to perfection. If you have a sweet tooth, you cannot miss "haupia", a delicious dessert made from coconut milk. Understanding these terms will not only help you navigate the menu but also appreciate the cultural significance and preparation methods behind these traditional dishes.

Polite Expressions and Etiquette in Hawaiian

In any culture, demonstrating politeness and respect is essential. The same applies when you're communicating in Hawaiian. To express gratitude, use the word "mahalo". For deep gratitude, say "mahalo nui loa", meaning thank you very much. Show respect towards elders by referring to them as "kupuna". This term doesn't just mean grandparent, but can also refer to any elder or respected member of the community. Such expressions are more than mere phrases. They reflect the Hawaiians' values of respect, humility, and the importance of social bonds.

For more information read our article - Lessons in Hawaiian Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts for Visitors.

Hawaiian Language in Music and Chants

Music and chants (mele and oli) are integral parts of Hawaiian culture, often performed in the Hawaiian language. These melodies and chants tell stories of love, nature, history, and mythology, embodying the spiritual connection between the Hawaiians and their ancestors, gods, and nature. As you attend a luau or live music performance, pay attention to the lyrics. They provide invaluable insights into the Hawaiian worldview, values, and their enduring love for their land.

Popular Hawaiian Sayings and Proverbs

Hawaiian wisdom is encapsulated in ‘ōlelo no‘eau, or proverbs. These wise sayings often contain timeless wisdom, philosophical insights, and practical life lessons. For example, the saying "He ali‘i ka ‘āina; he kauā ke kanaka" means "The land is a chief; man is its servant". It underscores the deep respect and reverence Hawaiians hold for the environment, reminding us of our responsibility to care for the earth. These proverbs serve as ethical compasses, guiding Hawaiians through life's complexities.

Signage in Hawaii: Navigating with Hawaiian Language

Navigating Hawaii can seem daunting due to the unfamiliar language on the signs. However, once you grasp the pronunciation, these signs become invaluable guides that enhance your understanding of the location. For example, knowing that "mauka" refers to the direction towards the mountain and "makai" towards the sea can be particularly helpful when receiving or giving directions.

Useful Resources for Learning More Hawaiian

If you're interested in delving deeper into the Hawaiian language, several resources can help. Universities, community colleges, and local community centers offer classes. Online, you'll find websites, apps, and YouTube channels dedicated to teaching Hawaiian. The journey of learning a new language can be challenging, but it's also immensely rewarding, deepening your understanding and appreciation of Hawaii's unique culture and history.

Hawaiian Language in Everyday Conversations

While exploring the islands, you'll likely encounter the Hawaiian language in everyday conversations, especially when you venture beyond the tourist areas. Hawaiian phrases and expressions are often interspersed with English, creating a unique local dialect that's music to the ears. It's a testament to the resilience of the language and its firm place in the daily life of Hawaiians.

'Aloha' written on the beach-sand


The Influence of the Hawaiian Language on Pidgin English

In Hawaii, you may also encounter Pidgin, a fascinating language that evolved on the sugarcane plantations where workers from different countries needed a common language for communication. Pidgin blends elements of English, Hawaiian, and several other languages, reflecting Hawaii's multicultural heritage. Understanding Pidgin and its roots in Hawaiian gives a unique perspective on the islands' history of immigration and cultural fusion.

Cultural Events and Ceremonies: Language Usage and Etiquette

At Hawaiian cultural events and ceremonies, respect for the language and traditions is paramount. Often, these events involve ancient practices and rituals, with the Hawaiian language playing a central role. Understanding the basics of the language and maintaining a respectful attitude are crucial to fully appreciate and engage in these cultural experiences.

Navigating Hawaiian Business and Shopping Terminologies

In local businesses and markets, a few Hawaiian terms can be helpful. Besides "mauka" and "makai", the term "kama'aina" is often used, referring to a local or long-term resident, and is frequently associated with local discounts. Being familiar with these terms can enhance your shopping experiences and interactions with local businesses.

Reflection: The Impact of Language on Your Hawaiian Experience

Your journey through the Hawaiian language is more than a linguistic exercise. It's an exploration into the soul of Hawaii, providing a deeper understanding of its people, culture, and history. Whether you're attempting to pronounce place names correctly, learning common phrases, or delving into the deeper layers of the language, each step brings you closer to the heart of Hawaii. It fosters a more genuine, respectful, and enriching travel experience, and leaves you with an indelible connection to the place and its people.

Wrap-Up: The Importance of Respecting and Learning the Hawaiian Language

The Hawaiian language is an invaluable part of the cultural fabric of Hawaii. Engaging with the language is a form of respect and recognition for the islands' rich history and the resilience of its people. Even learning a few phrases can enrich your travel experience, fostering a deeper connection with the spirit of Hawaii. By making an effort to understand and use the language, you'll witness the islands from a nuanced perspective, enhancing the richness and depth of your Hawaiian adventure.


For further reading check our article: Understanding the Aloha Spirit: More Than Just a Greeting.