Commonly Used Hawaiian Words

It’s fun and it’s honorable to help keep the Hawaiian language alive. Try these common words on for size while visiting Hawaii Island.

‘aina (EYE-nah) land
akamai (ah-kah-MYE) wise, smart
ali’I (ah-LEE-ee) Hawaiian chief or member of chiefly class
aloha (ah-LOH-hah) hello, goodbye, welcome, love
hale (HAH-leh) house
honi (HOH-nee) kiss
‘ike (EE-keh) small
imu (EE-moo) underground oven
kahuna (kah-HOO-nah) priest or minister
kai (KAI) salt water
kane (KAH-neh) boy or man
kapu (KAH-poo) taboo, forbidden
kaukau (COW-cow) food
keiki (KAY-kee) child or children
kokua (KOH-koo-ah) help
kupuna (KOO-poo-nah) elder
lanai (lah-nigh) porch, patio, veranda
Lana’I (LAH-NAH-ee) Island of Lana’I
lei (lay) necklace of flowers, shells or feathers
makai (ma-KAI) toward the ocean
malihini (mah-lee-HEE-nee) newcomer, visitor, guest
Maui (MOW-ee) Island of Maui
mauka (MOW-kah) toward the mountain
Molokai (MOH-lo-kai) Island of Molokai
mo’o (MOH-oh) gecko, lizard
mu’umu’u (MOO-oo-MOO-oo) Hawaiian free flowing dress
nui (NOO-ee) big
‘ohana (oh-HOH-nah) family
‘ono (oh-noh) delicious, tastes good, the best
paniolo (pah-nee-OH-loh) cowboy
pau (pow) finish, end
poi (poy) pounded kalo (taro) root that form a paste
pono (POH-no) goodness, excellence, correct, proper
pua (poo-ah) flower
puka (poo-kah) hole, door
pupu (poo-poo) appetizer, snack or finger food
wahine (wah-HEE-neh) female, girt, woman
wai (why) fresh water
wikiwiki (WEE-kee-WEE-kee) hurry up, very quick