Hawaiian Phrasebook: +100 Interesting Common Hawaiian Words and Phrases

Since Hawaii was made a US state in 1959, the native Hawaiian language has been recognised as the second official state language.

The Hawaiian language is part and parcel of the Hawaiian lifestyle. Therefore, a visit to Hawaii shall not be complete without learning and using some phrases from the Hawaiian language.

Hereby we introduce some common Hawaiian phrases and words, grouped by subject matter to make it easier to learn. Besides, every word or phrase is accompanied by its pronunciation. Keep reading, take notes, and familiarize yourself with the Hawaiian language.

General Notes

1. The “W” is traditionally pronounced like a “V.” For example, the word “Hawaii” is pronounced (hah-vy-ee).

2. The Hawaiian language has many glottal stops (‘) that indicate a slight pause, and they are called ‘okina.

3. Sometimes, vowels have a bar over them (as in ā). The bar is called kahakō, and it indicates stressing the sound of the vowel.

1- Basic Phrases

Hello

Aloha

Pronounced a-lo-ha

Note: This Hawaiian word is known and used worldwide even by those who don’t understand the Hawaiian language. “Aloha” is a common greeting in Hawaii, and it can be used to say hello or goodbye. However, “Aloha” is more than just a greeting to the Hawaiian people; it expresses meanings of love, kindness, and affection.

To do something with “Aloha” in Hawaiian means to do it with your soul.

“Aloha ‘Aina” means the love and care of the land, and it is often used as a motto for land conservation activities.

Good Morning

Aloha kakahiaka

Pronounced ah-loh-hah kah-kah-hee-ah-kah

Good Afternoon

Aloha ‘auinalā

Pronounced ah-loh-hah ah-vah-keh-ah

Good Evening

Aloha ahiahi

Pronounced ah-loh-hah ah-hee-yah-hee

Goodbye/ Until we meet again

A hui hou

Pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu

Note: This Hawaiian phrase is great to say when you are leaving someone, and it means: until we meet again, see you soon, farewell, or goodbye.

Thank You

Mahalo

Pronounced mah-hah-loh

Note: If you want to express more gratitude and say “thank you very much,” use the phrase “Mahalo nui loa”

You’re Welcome

’A’ ole palikir

Pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah

How Are You? / What’s Up?

Howzit?

Pronounced how-zit

OR

Pehea ‘oe?

Pronounced peh-heh-ah oy

Fine

Maikaʻi

Pronounced my-ee-kah’ee

Note: This Hawaiian word means fine or good, but it has other meanings including beautiful, handsome, good-looking, goodness, benefit, morality, and righteousness.

If you are asked “Howzit?” or “Pehea ‘oe?” you can answer by saying: Maikaʻi, mahalo (fine, thank you).

Sorry / Excuse Me

E kala mai

Pronounced eh kah-lah mah-yee

I Love You

Aloha wau iā ‘oe

Pronounced aloha ow ee-ah oh-ey

What is your name?

ʻO wai kou inoa?

Pronounced oh vy ko ee-no-ah

My name is ______.

ʻO _____ ko’u inoa.

Pronounced oh _____ ko-oo ee-no-ah

Yes

ʻAe

Pronounced eye

No

ʻAʻole

Pronounced ah-oh-lay

Help!

Kōkua!

Pronounced ko-koo-ah

Look out!

E akahele!

Pronounced EY ah-ka-HAY-lay

Do you speak English?

ʻōlelo pelekania ʻoe?

Pronounced OH-leh-lo peh-leh-ka-NEE-ah oh-ey

Does anyone here speak English?

ʻOlelo Pelekania kekahi?

Pronounced OH-leh-lo peh-leh-ka-NEE-ah kay-KA-hee

I don’t understand

ʻAʻole maopopo

Pronounced AH-oh-lay MA-oh-po-po

Do you speak Hawaiian?

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi ʻoe?

Pronounced OH-leh-lo ha-VY-ee OH-ey

I don’t speak Hawaiian (well)

ʻAʻole hiki iaʻu ke ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi

Pronounced AH-oh-lay hi-ki yuh’oo keh OH-leh-lo ha-VY-ee

Are there any rooms available?

Kekahi lumi hāmama?

Pronounced kay-KA-hee LOO-mee HA-ma-ma

How much is the room?

Kumu kūʻai o lumi?

Pronounced KOO-moo KOO-eye oh LOO-mee

I will stay for ____ nights.

Au noho no ____ pō.

Pronounced AH-oo NO-ho no ____ PO

I am checking out.

Au kaha waho.

Pronounced ow KA-ha VA-ho

Happy

Hau’oli

Pronounced how’oh-lee

Happy birthday

Hau’oli lā hānau

Pronounced how’oh-lee lāh hāh-now-oo

Happy New Year

Hau’oli makahiki hou

Pronounced how’oh-lee mah-kah-hee-kee hoh

Merry Christmas

Mele kalikimaka

Pronounced meh-leh kah-lee-kee-mah-kah

The Best

No Ka ‘Oi

Pronounced noh-kah-oy

I need help

Kōkua pono au

Pronounced KO-koo-ah PO-no ow

I’m sick

ʻo maʻi au

Pronounced oh MA-ee ow

2- People

Woman

Wahine

Pronounced vah-hee-neh

Man

Kāne

Pronounced kah-neh

Family

Ohana

Pronounced Oh-hah-na

Note: In the Hawaiian culture, family is the priority, and family members must bond together and cooperate. The word ‘ohana is also used to express love beyond family relations, including communities and workplaces.

Father

Makuakāne

Pronounced mah-koo-ah-kāh-neh

Mother

Makuahine

Pronounced mah-koo-ah-hee-neh

Child

Keiki

Pronounced kay-kee

Baby

Pēpē

Pronounced pēh-pēh

Friend

Hoaloha

Pronounced hoh-ah-loh-hah

3- Places

House

Hale

Pronounced hah-leh

Balcony

Lanai

Pronounced luh-nai

Toilet

Lua

Pronounced loo-ah

Shrine / Place of Worship

Heiau

Pronounced hey-ow

Harbor

Awa

Pronounced ah-vah

4- Transportation and Directions

Car

kaʻa

Pronounced KA-ah

Bus

kaʻa ʻōhua

Pronounced KA-ah OH-hoo-ah

Train

kaʻaahi

Pronounced ka-AH-hee

Aeroplane

mokulele

Pronounced MO-koo-lay-lay

Bicycle

paikikala

Pronounced PY-kee-ka-la

Motorcycle

mokokaikala

Pronounced mo-ko-KY-ka-la

Ticket

kikiki

Pronounced kee-KEE-kee

Map

palapalaʻāina

Pronounced pa-la-pa-la-EYE-na

Where is ____?

ʻAuhea ____?

Pronounced ow-HAY-ah

Street

alanui

Pronounced ah-la-NOO-ee

Intersection

huina

Pronounced hoo-EE-na

Turn left

Huli hema

Pronounced HOO-lee HAY-ma

Turn right

Huli ʻākau

Pronounced HOO-lee AH-kow

Go straight

E hele pololei

Pronounced eh heh-leh poh-loh-lay-ee

Here

Ma ‘ane’i

Pronounced mah ah-neh’ee

There

Ma ‘ō

Pronounced mah ōh

Near

Kokoke

Pronounced koh-koh-keh

Far

Mamao

Pronounced mah-mao

Uphill

i luna

Pronounced ee LOO-na

Downhill

i lalo

Pronounced ee LA-lo

North

Akau

Pronounced ah-KOW

South

Hema

Pronounced HAY-ma

West

Komohana

Pronounced KO-mo-HA-na

East

Hikina

Pronounced hee-KEE-na

5- Food & Dining

Food

‘Ai

Pronounced eye

Let’s eat!

E pā’ina kākou!

Pronounced eh pāh’ee-nah kāh-koh”

I’m vegetarian

O mea ulu ʻai wale nō au

Pronounced oh MAY-ah OO-loo eye VA-lay NO ow

Breakfast

‘Aina kakahiaka

Pronounced eye-nah kah-kah-hee-ah-kah

Lunch

‘Aina awakea

Pronounced eye-nah ah-vah-keh-ah

Dinner

‘Aina Ahiahi

Pronounced eye-nah ah-hee-ah-hee

Restaurant

Hale ‘aina

Pronounced hah-leh eye-nah

Waiter

Kuene

Pronounced koo-AY-nay

Table

Pākaukau

Pronounced PA-kow-kow

Menu

Papa kuhikuhi mea

Pronounced PA-pa KOO-hee-KOO-hee MAY-ah EYE

Delicious

‘Ono

Pronounced oh-noh

Plate

Pā

Pronounced pāh

Cup

Kī’aha

Pronounced kee’ah-hah

Spoon

Puna

Pronounced poo-nah

Fork

‘Ō

Pronounced ōh

Knife

Pahī

Pronounced pah-hee

Chopsticks

Lā’au ‘ai

Pronounced lāh’ow eye

Vegetables

Lau’ai

Pronounced lau-oo’eye

Fruit

Hua’ai

Pronounced hoo-wah’eye

Appetizers

Pūpū

Pronounced poo-poo

Dessert

Monamona

Pronounced moh-nah-moh-nah

Water

wai

Pronounced vy

Juice

ka wai mai ka mea ulu mai

Pronounced ka vy my ka may-ah oo-loo my

Coffee

Kope

Pronounced koh-peh

Tea

Kī

Pronounced kee

Chicken

moa

Pronounced mo-ah

Beef

pipi

Pronounced pee-pee

Fish

iʻa

Pronounced ee-ah

Ham

puaʻa hame

Pronounced poo-AH-ah HA-may

Sausage

naʻaukake

Pronounced NA-ow-KA-kay

Eggs

hua

Pronounced hoo-ah

Rice

Laiki

Pronounced lye-ee-kee

Noodles

nulu

Pronounced noo-loo

Salad

lau ʻai

Pronounced LA-oo eye

Bread

Palaoa

Pronounced pah-lah-wah

Cheese

waiūpaʻa

Pronounced vy-oo-pa-ah

Beans

pāpapa

Pronounced pa-pa-pa

Salt

Pa’akai

Pronounced pah’ah-ky-ee

Pepper

Pepa

Pronounced peh-pah

Full / Satisfied

Mā’ona

Pronounced māh’oh-nah

Check / Bill

Pila kīkoʻo

Pronounced PEE-la KEE-ko-oh

6- Environment

World

Honua

Pronounced hoh-noo-ah

Island

Mokupuni

Pronounced moh-koo-poo-nee

Land

‘Āina

Pronounced eye-nah

Ocean

Moana

Pronounced moh-ah-nah

Sea

Kai

Pronounced ky-ee

Beach

Kahakai

Pronounced kah-hah-ky-ee

Sand

One

Pronounced oh-neh

Bay

Hono

Pronounced hoh-noh

The Water

Wai

Pronounced vy-ee

Waterfall

Wailele

Pronounced why-leh-leh

Wave

Nalu

Pronounced nah-loo

Shell

Pūpū

Pronounced poo-poo

Lobster

Ula

Pronounced oo-lah

Seaweed

Limu

Pronounced lee-moo

Pond

Pūnāwai

Pronounced poo-nāh-vy-ee

Plant

Meakanu

Pronounced meh-ah-kah-noo

Mountain

Mauna

Pronounced mau-oo-nah

Cliff

Pali

Pronounced pah-lee

Stone

Pōhaku

Pronounced pōh-hah-koo

Volcano

Lua pele

Pronounced loo-ah peh-leh

Soil

Lepo

Pronounced leh-poh

Tree

Kumulā’au

Pronounced koo-moo-lāh’ow-oo

Sky

Lani

Pronounced lah-nee

Sun

Lā

Pronounced lāh

Moon

Mahina

Pronounced mah-hee-nah

Sunrise

Ka puka ‘ana o ka lā

Pronounced kah poo-kah ah-nah oh kah lāh

Sunset

Ka nāpo’o ‘ana o ka lā

Pronounced kah nāh-poh’oh ah-nah oh kah lāh”

Star

Hōkū

Pronounced hōh-koo

Clouds

Ao

Pronounced ow

Wind

Makani

Pronounced mah-kah-nee

Rainbow

Ānuenue

Pronounced āh-noo-weh-noo-weh

Fire

Ahi

Pronounced ah-hee

7- Time

Now

i kēia manawa

Pronounced ee KAY-ee-ah ma-na-VAH

Later

mahope aku

Pronounced ma-HO-pay AH-koo

Before

mua

Pronounced MOO-ah

Morning

kakahiaka

Pronounced ka-ka-hee-AH-ka

Afternoon

ʻauinalā

Pronounced ow-EE-na-LA

Night

pō

Pronounced PO

Noon

awakea

Pronounced ah-vah-KAY-ah

Midnight

aumoe

Pronounced OW-mo-ey

One o’clock AM

hola ʻekahi AM

Pronounced HO-la ey-KA-hee AH-moo

Two o’clock AM

hola ʻelua AM

Pronounced HO-la ey-LOO-ah AH-moo

Ten o’clock AM

hola ‘umi AM

Pronounced HO-la OO-mee AH-moo

One o’clock PM

hola ‘ekahi PM

Pronounced HO-la ey-KA-hee PEE-moo

Two o’clock PM

hola ‘elua PM

Pronounced HO-la ey-LOO-ah PEE-moo

Ten o’clock PM

hola ‘umi PM

Pronounced HO-la OO-mee PEE-moo

Minute

minuke

Pronounced mee-NOO-kay

Hour

hola

Pronounced HO-la

Day

lā

Pronounced LA

Week

pule

Pronounced POO-lay

Month

mahina

Pronounced ma-HEE-na

Year

makahiki

Pronounced ma-ka-HEE-kee

Yesterday

Nehinei

Pronounced neh-hee-nay-ee

Today

Kēia lā

Pronounced kēh-yee-ah lāh

Tomorrow

Lā ‘āpōpō

Pronounced lāh āh-pōh-pōh

Monday

Po’akahi

Pronounced poh’ah-kah-hee

Tuesday

Po’alua

Pronounced poh’ah-loo-ah

Wednesday

Po’akolu

Pronounced poh’ah-koh-loo

Thursday

Po’ahā

Pronounced po’ah-hāh

Friday

Po’alima

Pronounced poh’ah-lee-mah

Saturday

Po’aono

Pronounced poh’ow-noh

Sunday

Lāpule

Pronounced lāh-poo-leh

January

Ianuali

Pronounced yah-noo-ah-lee

February

Pepeluali

Pronounced peh-peh-loo-ah-lee

March

Malaki

Pronounced mah-lah-kee

April

‘Apelila

Pronounced ah-peh-lee-lah

May

Mei

Pronounced may-ee

June

Iune

Pronounced yoo-neh

July

Iulai

Pronounced yoo-lye

August

‘Aukake

Pronounced ow-kah-keh

September

Kepakemapa

Pronounced ke-pah-keh-mah-pah

October

‘Okakopa

Pronounced oh-kah-koh-pah

November

Nowemapa

Pronounced noh-veh-mah-pah

December

Kēkēmapa

Pronounced kēh-kēh-mah-pah

8- Numbers

Numbers

Nā helu

Pronounced nāh heh-loo

How many?

‘Ehia?

Pronounced eh-hee-ah

Half

Hapalua

Pronounced ha-pa-LOO-ah

Less

Hapa iki

Pronounced ha-pa EE-kee

More

Hou

Pronounced HO-oo

Zero

‘Ole

Pronounced oh-leh

One

‘Ekahi

Pronounced eh-kah-hee

Two

‘Elua

Pronounced eh-loo-ah

Three

‘Ekolu

Pronounced eh-koh-loo

Four

‘Ehā

Pronounced eh-hāh

Five

‘Elima

Pronounced eh-lee-mah

Six

‘Eono

Pronounced eh-oh-noh

Seven

‘Ehiku

Pronounced eh-hee-koo

Eight

‘Ewalu

Pronounced eh-vah-loo

Nine

‘Eiwa

Pronounced eh-ee-vah

Ten

‘Umi

Pronounced oo-mee

Eleven

ʻUmi kūmākahi

Pronounced OO-mee KOO-ma-KA-hee

Twelve

ʻUmi kūmālua

Pronounced OO-mee KOO-ma-LOO-ah

Thirteen

ʻUmi kūmākolu

Pronounced OO-mee KOO-ma-KOH-loo

Fourteen

ʻUmi kūmāhā

Pronounced OO-mee KOO-ma-HAH

Fifteen

ʻUmi kūmālima

Pronounced OO-mee KOO-ma-LEE-ma

Sixteen

ʻUmi kūmāono

Pronounced OO-mee KOO-ma-OH-no

Seventeen

ʻUmi kūmāhiku

Pronounced OO-mee KOO-ma-HEE-koo

Eighteen

ʻUmi kūmāwalu

Pronounced OO-mee KOO-ma-VAH-loo

Nineteen

ʻUmi kūmāiwa

Pronounced OO-mee KOO-ma-EE-vah

Twenty

Iwakālua

Pronounced ee-vah-KA-loo-ah

Twenty-One

Iwakālua kūmākahi

Pronounced ee-vah-KA-loo-ah KOO-ma-KA-hee

Twenty-Two

Iwakālua kūmālua

Pronounced ee-vah-KA-loo-ah KOO-ma-LOO-ah

Twenty-Three

Iwakālua kūmākolu

Pronounced ee-vah-KA-loo-ah KOO-ma-KOH-loo

Twenty-Four

Iwakālua kūmāhā

Pronounced ee-vah-KA-loo-ah KOO-ma-HA

Twenty-Five

Iwakālua kūmālima

Pronounced ee-vah-KA-loo-ah KOO-ma-LEE-ma

Thirty

Kanakolu

Pronounced ka-na-KOH-loo

Forty

Kanahā

Pronounced ka-na-HA

Fifty

Kanalima

Pronounced ka-na-LEE-ma

Sixty

Kanaono

Pronounced ka-na-OH-no

Seventy

Kanahiku

Pronounced ka-na-HEE-koo

Eighty

Kanawalu

Pronounced ka-na-VAH-loo

Ninety

Kanaiwa

Pronounced ka-na-EE-vah

Hundred

Hanele

Pronounced ha-NAY-lay

Two Hundred

ʻElua haneli

Pronounced ey-LOO-ah ha-NAY-lee

Three Hundred

ʻEkolu haneli

Pronounced ey-KOH-loo ha-NAY-lee

Five Hundred

ʻElima haneli

Pronounced ey-LEE-ma ha-NAY-lee

Thousand

Kaukani

Pronounced kow-KAH-nee

Two Thousand

ʻElua kaukani

Pronounced ey-LOO-ah kow-KAH-nee

Million

Miliona

Pronounced mee-lee-OH-na

Billion

Piliona

Pronounced pee-lee-OH-na

9- Animals

Animal

Holoholona

Pronounced hoh-loh-hoh-loh-nah

Dog

‘Īlio

Pronounced ee-lee-oh

Cat

Pōpoki

Pronounced pōh-poh-kee

Turtle

Honu

Pronounced hoh-noo

Bird

Manu

Pronounced mah-noo

Fish

I’a

Pronounced ee’ah

Shark

Manō

Pronounced mah-nōh

Dolphin

Nai’a

Pronounced ny’ah

10- Body

Eyes

Maka

Pronounced mah-kah

Hands

Lima

Pronounced lee-mah

Nose

Ihu

Pronounced ee-hoo

Mouth

Waha

Pronounced wah-hah

Ears

Pepeiao

Pronounced peh-peh-ee-ow

Tooth

Niho

Pronounced nee-hoh

Stomach

‘Ōpū

Pronounced ōh-poo

11- Colours

Colours

Nā waiho’olu’u

Pronounced nāh vy-ee-hoh’oh-loo’oo

Black

‘Ele’ele

Pronounced eh-leh’eh-leh

White

Ke’oke’o

Pronounced keh’oh-keh’oh

Red

‘Ula’ula

Pronounced oo-lah’oo-lah

Yellow

Melemele

Pronounced meh-leh-meh-leh

Blue

Uliuli

Pronounced oo-lee-yoo-lee

Green

‘Ōma’oma’o

Pronounced ōh-mah’oh-ma’oh