Language

Though it is an official language of the state, just 10 years ago, some thought that the Hawaiian language was doomed to fade into oblivion as the number of native speakers gradually declined. But part of the burgeoning Hawaiian culture revival has been the establishment of olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language) immersion schools. Now, with a growing number of these schools all over the state, the Hawaiian language is being reborn in the mouths of keiki (children).

So, though English is spoken everywhere, it’s more helpful than ever for visitors who want to make the most of their stay in Hawaii to know a few Hawaiian words.

Aloha: Hello, goodbye, love
A Hui Hou: Goodbye, see you again.
Akamai: smart, in the know.
E komo mai: Welcome
Hale: house
Hana hou: Do it again, encore.
Haole: White person, foreigner
Hele mai: Come with me
Kamaaina: Long-time resident of Hawaii
Kane: Man
Kapu: Forbidden, keep out
Keiki: child or children
Kupuna: Elder or elders
Lua: Bathroom
Mahalo: Thank you
Makai: Toward the ocean. A common way of giving directions.
Malahini: Newcomer
Mauka: Toward the mountains.
Ohana: Family
Pau hana: Quitting time
Wahine: Woman

There is another “language” spoken in Hawaii—actually it’s what linguists call a “creole” language, and what the rest of us here call “pidgin.” This informal method of expression has evolved as immigrants from many lands needed to find common ground for communication. Some words you’ll hear:

Aunty: Aunt or any woman who is older than the person calling her that
Bodda you?: Does this bother you?
Brah, or braddah: A buddy or brother
Broke da mout: Delicious
Chicken skin: Goosebumps
Da kine: A catch-all phrase when you can’t think of a word.
Grind: Eat.
Howzit?: How’s it going?
Kau kau: Food
Talk story: a casual conversation
Pupu: appetizers