Hawaiian words you will hear

A few words go a long way: aloha (hello, goodbye, love), mahalo (thank you), mauka (toward the mountains), makai (toward the ocean), keiki (child), ʻohana (family), pau (finished), kapu (forbidden, keep out) and mālama (take care of).

• Aloha: hello, goodbye, love.
• Mahalo: thank you. Mahalo nui: thank you very much.
• Mauka: toward the mountains. Makai: toward the ocean. Locals give directions this way.
• Keiki: child or children.
• ʻOhana: family.
• Pau: finished, done.
• Kapu: forbidden, sacred, keep out. A kapu sign means stay off.
• Mālama: take care of, protect, as in mālama ʻāina (care for the land).
• Kuleana: responsibility.
• Honu: green sea turtle.
• Lānai: porch or balcony (the island is spelled Lānaʻi).
• Kamaʻāina: local resident; you will see kamaʻāina discounts.
• The ʻokina (ʻ) and kahakō (the line over a vowel) change pronunciation and meaning, so Hawaiʻi and Oʻahu are spelled with them.

Sources: Wehewehe Wikiwiki: Hawaiian dictionaries · Hawaiʻi Magazine: Hawaiian words travelers should know

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.