A Living Language
Hawaiian ('Olelo Hawai'i) is one of the oldest living languages in the world. Once nearly extinct, it's experiencing a beautiful revival as more people embrace their cultural heritage.
The Hawaiian Alphabet
Only 13 letters: A, E, I, O, U, H, K, L, M, N, P, W, and the 'okina (glottal stop).
Every syllable ends with a vowel, giving the language its melodic flow.
Common Greetings
- Aloha: Hello, goodbye, love, compassion
- Mahalo: Thank you
- E komo mai: Welcome
- A hui hou: Until we meet again
- Aloha kakahiaka: Good morning
- Aloha ahiahi: Good evening
Everyday Words
- 'Ohana: Family
- Keiki: Child
- Kane: Man
- Wahine: Woman
- Kupuna: Elder, grandparent
- Hale: House
- Kai: Sea
- Mauka: Toward the mountain
- Makai: Toward the ocean
Food & Dining
- Pau hana: After work (happy hour)
- Pupu: Appetizers
- Ono: Delicious
- Kaukau: Food (pidgin)
- Lu'au: Hawaiian feast
Nature Words
- Nalu: Wave
- Moana: Ocean
- Pali: Cliff
- Wai: Fresh water
- Makani: Wind
- Ua: Rain
- La: Sun
- Mahina: Moon
Surf & Ocean Terms
- He'e nalu: Surf, wave sliding
- Papa he'e nalu: Surfboard
- Kai nalu: Surf, waves
Useful Phrases
- Pehea 'oe?: How are you?
- Maika'i: Good, fine
- 'A'ole pilikia: No problem
- Mele Kalikimaka: Merry Christmas
- Hauʻoli la hanau: Happy birthday
Learning More
To truly learn Hawaiian, consider taking classes or using resources from the University of Hawaii or Hawaiian language immersion schools.