HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE

The Hawaiian language contains 13 letters: A, E, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, P, U, W and the okina (‘). The okina is a glottal stop like the sound between the ohs in oh-oh and is considered a consonant. The kahako or macron (–) is placed over a vowel to prolong the sound. The two diacritical marks are a way to show how a Hawaiian word should sound to a person unfamiliar with a word.

The following are some common Hawaiian words you may see or hear in Hawaii:

A hui hou: Until we meet again

Aloha: Hello, goodbye, love

E komo mai: Welcome

Hana hou: Do it again, encore

Haole: White person, foreigner

Kamaaina: Hawaii born or long-time Hawaii resident

Kane: Man

Kapu: Forbidden, keep out

Keiki: Child or children

Lua: Bathroom (not to be confused with Luau!)

Luau: Traditional Hawaiian feast, usually accompanied by entertainment (named for the taro always served at one)

Mahalo: Thank you

Makai: Toward the ocean. A common way of giving directions.

Malahini: Newcomer, visitor

Mauka: Toward the mountains. A common way of giving directions.

Ohana: Family

Pau: Finished

Wahine: Woman