Hawaiian Words & Phrases

Aloha – (ah-low-ha) – Hello, goodbye, the feeling or spirit of love, affection or kindness

Wiki wiki – (wee-kee-wee-kee) – To hurry up, very quick

Shaka – (shah-kah) – Great

Puka – (poo-kah) – Hole

Pua – (poo-ah) – Flower, blossom

Pono – (poh-no) – Goodness, excellence, correct, proper

Poi – (poy) – Pounded kalo (taro) root that forms a starchy paste

Pau – (pow) – Finish, end, Pau hana means quitting time from work

Paniolo – (pah-nee-oh-low) – Hawaiian cowboy

‘Ono – (oh-no) – Delicious, the best tasting

‘Ohana – (oh-hah-na) – Family

Mauka – (mau-kah) – Toward the mountain

Makai – (mah-kigh) – Toward the sea

Mahalo – (mah-hah-low) – Thank you

Lua – (loo-ah) – Restroom

Lomi – (loh-mee) – To rub or massage; lomi salmon is raw salmon rubbed with salt

Lei – (lay) – Necklace of flowers, shells, or feathers

Kona – (koh-nah) – Leeward side of the island; wind blowing from the south, southwest direction

Keiki – (kay-key) – Child or children

Kapu – (kah-poo) – Forbidden, taboo; keep out

Imu – (ee-moo) – An underground oven

Hula – (hoo-lah) – The story-telling dance of Hawai`i

Heiau – (hey-ee-ow) – Hawaiian temple

Haole – (how-leh) – Foreigner; Caucasian

Hana Hou – (ha-nah-ho) – To do again