Popular Hawaiian Words & Cultural Tips Every Traveler Should Know

Hawaii is more than just a destination, it’s a living, breathing culture with deeply rooted traditions, a unique language, and a spirit of community that welcomes travelers with open arms. Learning a few key Hawaiian words and understanding basic pronunciation won’t just help you get around easier. It also shows respect to the people, the land, and the culture.

To help you dial into the energy of the islands, I thought I’d take a closer look at popular Hawaiian terms with phonetic pronunciations.

How to Read and Pronounce the Hawaiian Alphabet

Before diving into more useful terms, it helps to understand how Hawaiian words flow. The Hawaiian language (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi) uses only 13 letters: five vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and eight consonants (H, K, L, M, N, P, W, and the ʻokina).

The ʻokina (ʻ) is a glottal stop, like the brief pause between the syllables of “uh-oh.” It’s an official letter and changes the meaning of Hawaiian words. For example, moa (chicken) is different from moʻa (cooked).

Another character, the kahakō (macron), lengthens vowel sounds for emphasis. You often see it attached to an O to draw out its flat characteristics without it sounding like the oo in "moon."

Hawaiian Letter Pronunciation Guide

A is “ah” (as in father)

E is “eh” (as in bed)

I is “ee” (as in see)

O is “oh” (as in go)

U is “oo” (as in moon)

Consonants are typically soft, and W can sound like “v” or “w” depending on its position. For example, Haleiwa can sound like hah-leh-ee-vah. Take your time sounding out words, and don’t be afraid to ask locals how to say something correctly. most will warmly appreciate your effort.

Common Hawaiian Words with Phonetic Pronunciation

The following are some common Hawaiian words you should know before visiting the islands. Not only will they help you get around but knowing them can keep you from making a fool of yourself.

Believe me, I once running late for the Lūʻau festival, and followed the signs to the Lua bathrooms!

Aloha (ah-LOH-ha)

Aloha is the heart of Hawaii. While it’s commonly used to say hello and goodbye, it carries a deeper meaning of love, compassion, peace, and mutual respect. You’ll hear and see this word everywhere, from greetings to signage. More importantly, you’re invited to embody the spirit of aloha by being kind, patient, and mindful of others.

Mahalo (mah-HAH-loh)

Mahalo simply means “thank you.” You can say it when someone holds the door, serves your meal, or shares directions. To express deeper gratitude, say Mahalo nui loa (mah-HAH-loh noo-ee LOH-ah), which means “thank you very much.”

Wahine (wah-HEE-neh) & Kāne (KAH-neh)

These mean “woman” and “man,” respectively. You’ll see them on restroom signs and in contexts like sports teams or cultural roles.

Lua (loo-ah)

Lua is the Hawaiian word for bathroom, lavatory, or restroom. You’ll often see or hear this casual term when asking for the restroom in everyday Hawaiian conversation. It’s a simple, polite way to refer to the bathroom whether you’re in someone’s home, at a restaurant, or out exploring.

Lūʻau (loo-ow)

Lūʻau is the well-known feast or traditional Hawaiian party. It’s a festive gathering featuring food, music, hula dancing, and cultural performances. Traditionally, it centers around dishes like kālua pig, poi, poke, and haupia. Modern lūʻaus welcome visitors as a way to experience Hawaiian hospitality, history, and community spirit all in one lively event.

Ohana (oh-HAH-nah)

Ohana means family, but not just by blood. It extends to close friends, community, and those you consider part of your inner circle. You’ll hear it used in restaurants, businesses, and tours that emphasize a familial, inclusive spirit.

Kuleana (koo-leh-AH-nah)

Kuleana means responsibility or privilege. In Hawaii, it’s often about taking responsibility for the land, community, and each other. As a visitor, practicing kuleana means respecting nature, cleaning up after yourself, and being considerate of local customs.

Aina (AH-ee-nah)

Meaning “land,” this term expresses deep sacred respect for the earth and environment, as well as its ability to feed you. You’ll often hear about mālama ʻāina (to care for the land) in conversations about sustainability and conservation.

Makai (mah-KAI)

When a local uses the word Makai to give directions it means “toward the ocean.” If someone says a shop is “makai side,” they mean it’s on the ocean-facing side of the street.

Mauka (MOW-kah)

Mauka is the opposite of makai and means “toward the mountains.” It’s handy for navigating on islands where landmarks guide directions more than street names.

Pupu (POO-poo)

Referring to appetizers or snacks, you’ll see pupu platters on many menus. Don’t be shy about ordering one to sample a variety of small local bites.

Ono (OH-noh)

Simply put, this means “delicious.” If you love your poke bowl or shave ice, say “That was ʻono!” and you’ll get a smile in return.

Pau hana (pow HAH-nah)

Pau hana means “after work” and describes the time to relax and socialize, often over food or drinks. You’ll see pau hana specials at restaurants and bars—similar to happy hour on the mainland.

Pono (POH-noh)

Pono means righteousness, balance, and doing what is right. You might hear locals talk about “living pono,” which is about making ethical choices and maintaining harmony in relationships and with nature.

E komo mai (eh KOH-moh mah-ee)

This is a warm invitation meaning “welcome” or “come in.” You’ll see it on signs at shops, restaurants, and hotels—offering a friendly gesture to make you feel at home.

Hoʻokipa (hoh-oh-KEE-pah)

This means “hospitality” or “to welcome guests with open arms.” You’ll feel the spirit of hoʻokipa everywhere, from small family-run shops to beach gatherings.

Kuleana (koo-leh-AH-nah)

Meaning “responsibility” or “privilege,” this word often relates to personal accountability and stewardship, especially regarding the land or community.