How do you say thank you in hawaiian

You won't find too many U.S. destinations more beautiful than Hawaii, which is known for its lush mountains, active volcanoes, and relaxing beaches. But beyond just seeing the sights, one of the best ways to celebrate Hawaiian culture is to speak the language. By trying out a few of these phrases on your next trip, you can become a part of the growing movement to revitalize this endangered language. Yes, that's right: At one point, Hawaiian was on the verge of vanishing.

Even though it's now one of the official languages in the state, Hawaiian was officially banned in schools after the kingdom was overthrown in the late 1800s. As a result, the number of speakers dramatically declined. But in the last 50 years, a Hawaiian language renaissance has swept the state and is slowly bringing back the traditional tongue.

Not everyone you encounter on your vacation will speak the language, but those that do might be pleasantly surprised that you're giving Hawaiian a go. So before you start packing your bags, commit a handful of these useful Hawaiian words and phrases to memory.

Basic Hawaiian Words

Aloha (and its variations)

Even though you'll often hear aloha used as a greeting, it's also a way of life. You can use aloha to send out kindness, positive intentions, and respect to others. On your trip, you can get familiar with aloha by using it at four different times of the day.

Aloha kakahiaka: Pronounced a-lo-ha kah-kah-hee-yah-kah

Use this phrase to say good morning.

Aloha awakea: Pronounced a-loh-ha av-ah-kay-ah

You should use this variation of aloha when it's late morning. It roughly translates to "good noontime."

Aloha 'auinalā: Pronounced a-loh-ha ah-wee-na-lah

Try this out when you want to say good afternoon.

Aloha ahiahi: Pronounced a-loh-ha a-hee-yah-hee

This one means good evening. Watch your pronunciation because "ahi" means tuna. You can prevent yourself the embarrassment of saying "tuna tuna" by using something called a "y-glide" in the middle of the word. Instead of saying "a-hee a-hee," pronounce it like "a-hee-yah-hee."

Lū'au: Pronounced loo-ah-oo

Hopefully, you're going to experience the wonder of a lū'au on your trip. This event is so much more than a party that includes hula dancing. The word lū'au itself actually refers to leaves of the taro plant, which has great significance in the Hawaiian culture. You're bound to find taro in more than a few dishes during this celebration.

Mahalo: Pronounced mah-hah-loh

Mahalo means thank you. It appears on a lot of trash can doors, so a lot of tourists think it means garbage. Not so! Get even more specific with your mahalo by adding a few extra words. Mahalo nui (pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee) means "thank you very much." And if you really appreciate something, you can say mahalo nui loa (pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee loh-wah), which means "thank you so very much."

Wahine: Pronounced vah-hee-neh

Looking for the women's bathroom? This word will be on the door.

Kāne: Pronounced kah-neh

This word will appear on the men's bathroom door.

Common Hawaiian Phrases

'A'ole pilikia: Pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah

Use this phrase if someone thanks you. It means "you're welcome."

A 'o ia!: Pronounced ah-oy-yah

Cheer on your best friend if he or she gets up to do the hula or exclaim this when someone finally catches a wave during a surf lesson. It's akin to saying "there you have it!"

Hui!: Pronounced hoo-wee

There's a polite way of saying "hey you," and this is it.

E kala mai: Pronounced eh kah-lah mah-yee

Spill your drink or bump into someone in a crowd? You can use this phrase to apologize or say excuse me.

Useful Hawaiian Sayings for Travelers

Ma uka: Pronounced mah-oo-kah

People use ma uka as a directional term meaning "upland." You might hear someone say something like, "We'll be ma uka today doing the zipline."

Ma kai: Pronounced mah-kie-yee

Ma kai is the opposite of ma uka, and it means "seaward." Invite people to grab a drink with you "at the boathouse ma kai" during your trip.

A hui hou: Pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu

This phrase means "until we meet again."

Hawaii is one of the USA’s most beautiful and exotic destinations to holiday. From its Polynesian roots, Hawaii has a unique cultural identity that’s reflected in the use of Hawaiian language. Once in danger of extinction, Hawaiian is one of three languages used in the state today. Play your part in keeping the language alive and learn these 10 useful Hawaiian phrases before you go.

1. Aloha – Hello

Pronounced a-lo-ha

Okay, so this is one of the easiest Hawaiian phrases to remember. This tropical greeting is known around the world, but its literal meaning is ‘love’. In Hawaii, Aloha means more than ‘hello’; it expresses wishes for a positive and respectful life.

Use Aloha kakahiaka to say, ‘good morning’, Aloha ‘auinalā for ‘good afternoon’ and Aloha ahiahi for ‘good evening’.

2. Mahalo – Thank you

Pronounced mah-hah-loh

Show your gratitude with the Hawaiin phrase mahalo. If you’re feeling extra grateful, use mahalo nui loa (pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee) for ‘thank you very much’.

3.’A’ ole palikir – You’re welcome/ No problem

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

If someone says ‘Mahalo‘ to you, this is the phrase to respond with.

4. A hui hou – Until we meet again

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

A phrase similar to ‘see you soon’. You may also hear this chanted at a lū’au concert  instead of ‘encore!’.

5. Howzit? – How are you?

Pronounced how-zit

This Hawaiian phrase is also used in South Africa and means ‘what’s up?’. You might hear this word used alongside braddah, the colloquial term for brother.

You might also like – 35 useful phrases to learn for your trip through Europe

6. Honu – Green sea turtle

Pronounced hoe-new

Hawaii’s most commonly seen turtle species, the beautiful honu are still officially listed as endangered. You’re most likely to spot one if you are snorkelling or scuba diving, as they rarely come on the shore. It is possible to see honu on the North Shore of Oahu.

Find out more about the fascinating culture and beauty of Hawaii in our destination guide

7. ‘Ono grinds – Delicious food

Pronounced oh-no grinds

Show your appreciation for the special Hawaiian meals that you eat on your trip. Grinds is also often used on its own to describe good food.

8. Waina – Wine

Pronounced wy-nah

Always an important word to learn in any language, the Hawaiian word for wine is easy enough to remember. Due to the volcanic soil and mountains, Hawaii produces a number of fruity wines to try.

9. A ‘o ia! – There you have it!

Pronounced ah-oy-yah

Use this Hawaiian phrase to cheer on the local performers or fellow travellers if they get up to do a hula.

10. Poke – poke seafood bowl

Pronounced poh-keh

One of Hawaii’s most famous dishes, poke is a salad of raw seafood and vegetables. It’s typically made from cubes of ahi tuna and served as an appetiser. It’s a must try!

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Let us know about your favourite Hawaiian experiences below!

Do you say thank you in Hawaii?

How do you express gratitude in Hawaiian?

What do aloha and Mahalo mean?

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