I thought you would like some help on understanding the Hawaiian language. My intent is not to teach you how to speak the language but to help you enjoy your stay on the islands. As you travel in Hawaii, you will find that many Hawaiian words are used in conjunction with English. My first time was very confusing. I simply shook my head, "yes". So enjoy and let me know how your trip to the Islands goes.
Me ke aloha pau ole a hui hou
(With everlasting love and affection until we meet again)
The Hawiian language is a dialect of the Polynesian tongue. It has
only 12 letters: the vowels are the same as English, A, E, I, O, U.
The
consonants are H, K, L, M, N, P, and W.
PRONUNCIATION
H as in hale, K as in Kate, L as in laid, M as in moon, N as
in noon, P as in peak, and W as in always.
RULES
1. Every word must end in a vowel.
2. Every consonant must be followed by at least one vowel.
3. Every syllable must end in a vowel.
4. Divide into syllables for easy pronunciation:
Ka/la/ni/a/na/o/le.
Click on the picture if you wish to return to the contents page of this web page.
As you can see you are not the only one who found that rough. Reminds you of your English class in school.
Aloha -hello, goodbye, love, here's how (as a toast).
Aloha Kakahiaka -good morning. (Hopefully your up bright and early)
Aloha Ahiahi -good evening. ( I hope you have a lot of them)
Aloha Kakou -greetings, everybody. (Try that one on your kids)
Okole Maluna -bottoms up. (I guess you use this when you see someone diving.)
Pehea Oe -how are you. (Good question)
Maikai -fine
Mahalo Nui- Thanks a lot.
Kipa Mai -you're welcome
Hauoli La Hanau -happy birthday. (Try this one on your kids or loved ones)
Mele Kalikimaka -merry Christmas. (A must for all of you there on the islands at this time of year)
Hauoli Makahiki Hou -happy New Year. (Try getting that one out at midnight!)
Click here to go to the picture tour of Hawaii.The local Hawaiians sure appreciate you trying to understand the language.
Pau -finished
Haole -refers to those of Caucasian ancestery. (You will hear this a lot on the island because that is what we visitors to the Islands are.)
lei -Wreath of garland flowers, leaves, feathers, shells or ivory. (This is what your loved one's better give you or else!! )
wahine -woman
kane -man
ohana -family
shaka - Slang. A hand gesture made with a closed fist except for the thumb and pinkie. Means "hang loose".
ono -delicious, tasty, savory. (Now you know what this means when you order fish.)
pupu -Hors d' oeuvre (First time I heard this I made a run for the bathroom.)
lanai -porch (I hope everyone reads this and they can stop asking me what I mean by, "great view off of my lanai".)
lu'au -a Hawaiian feast. (The reason you will come back heavier from Hawaii.)
mele -a song, chant or poem.