Did you know that Hawaii is one of only a few states that officially recognizes two languages? While Hawaiian is a native language, it is often spoken alongside English, making it a unique and rich part of Hawaiian culture. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, honeymoon, or a relaxing getaway, understanding some of the Hawaiian language can make your time in Hawaii even more special. Here are 5 common Hawaiian words that you’re likely to hear while visiting the islands.
While these words won’t make you fluent in Hawaiian, they’ll certainly help you feel more connected to the local culture. Let’s get started!
1. Aloha
This is perhaps the most famous Hawaiian word and is used as both a greeting and farewell. It means “hello” or “goodbye” and is also synonymous with love and good feelings. As the legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanmoku said, “In Hawaii, we greet friends, loved ones, and strangers with Aloha, which means with love.” Whether you’re embarking on one of our unforgettable tours or simply enjoying the island, Aloha is the perfect word to live by.
2. Mahalo
Meaning “thank you,” Mahalo is another essential word to know. If you’d like to be even more polite, you can say Mahalo nui loa, which means “thank you very much.” Whether you’re expressing gratitude to the local people or to your tour guide at And You Creations, Mahalo goes a long way in making connections!
3. Ono
When something is ono, it’s “delicious.” Hawaii is a melting pot of tasty food (or ono grinds, in Hawaiian pidgin), and when you’re exploring the island, you’ll want to seek out places that advertise their food as ono. If you’re on our Island and You; Oahu Sightseeing Tour, you’ll be sure to sample some of the best ono food Hawaii has to offer!
4. Pono
There is no direct English translation for pono, but it encompasses concepts of righteousness, balance, harmony, and excellence. The state motto, “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka Aina i ka Pono,” meaning “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness,” highlights how important this word is to Hawaiian culture. Embracing pono in your life and travels will enhance your Hawaiian experience.
5. Ohana
This beautiful word means “family,” but it extends beyond blood relatives to include close friends and communities. In Hawaii, ohana represents a tight-knit group that supports one another with aloha. At And You Creations, we consider everyone who joins our tours part of our ohana. We celebrate your adventure with us by capturing a group family photo to commemorate the time we spent together.
Come join our ohana and feel like family!
We’d love to have you join us on one of our tours. Whether you’re watching dolphins on our West Oahu Dolphin Watching tour with Dolphins and You or snorkeling with turtles on our Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling Tour, hiking the lush Manoa Falls Trail or enjoying the Waimea waterfall swim tour with Nature and You, or immersing yourself in history, culture, and ono food on our Island and You; Oahu Circle Island Tour, we would be honored to share the beauty of Hawaii with you.
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