‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, the official language of Hawaiian people, is a Polynesian language that arrived in the Hawaiian islands around 400-500 CE with voyagers from the Marquesas Islands, and it shares roots with other Polynesian languages such as Tahitian, Samoan, and Māori. The language thrived for over a millennium as the sole language of the islands. After Western contact in 1778, the language started to face severe suppression over time. At the climax, ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi was banned in schools in 1896; this event nearly led to the language’s extinction before experiencing a revival movement beginning in the 1970s.
While it is not mandated nor required for visitors to know ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi to visit Hawai’i. It is a nice gesture that visitors come to Hawai’i knowing a few words of the language, this shows a sign of respect and definitely will come in handy when exploring the islands. Furthermore, many Hawaiian words carry layered meanings that don’t translate directly to English, so using them properly helps visitors engage more authentically with the islands’ culture.
The Significant of ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i, The Hawaiian Language
Who speaks the language
Today, approximately 18,000-24,000 people speak ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi with varying degrees of fluency. Among this number, a small community primarily from the island of Niʻihau; Ni‘ihau is the only Hawaiian island where ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi remains the primary language of daily life. Heritage learners and second-language speakers make up the majority, including students from Hawaiian immersion schools, university programs, and adult learners.
The role of ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i to Hawaiian people
If there is a list of languages out there that symbolizes resilience, ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi would be one of the most resilient languages on Earth. After the ban in 1896, ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi experienced a dramatic decline, it went through being a universal language to fewer than 2,000 speakers by the 1980s. Since then, revitalization efforts through education and cultural movements have helped grow the speaking population, particularly among younger generations in immersion education programs.
For visitors, learning and using ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi words when visiting Hawaiʻi shows respect and the wish to connect with the indigenous culture and living language. Learning a few words of the ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi means that a visitor acknowledges their presence as a guest in the ancestral homeland of the Hawaiian people rather than simply a tourist in a vacation heaven. When visitors make the effort to pronounce place names correctly and use basic Hawaiian terms like “aloha” (hello/goodbye/love), “mahalo” (thank you), and “ʻohana” (family), they participate in keeping the language alive and honor the deep spiritual and cultural connection Native Hawaiians have to their land and heritage.
Essential Words that Every Visitor Should Know
To keep your stay in Hawai’i meaningful, we create a list of words that are commonly used and seen in Hawai’i to give visitors a deeper understanding into the ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i. Each word is provided with an English translation, the word’s true meaning, what scenario to use a word, a bit of its history and tradition.
Aloha
Aloha can be translated as hello, goodbye, and love in English. Aloha is perhaps the most profound word in Hawaiian, embodying an entire philosophy of life as it represents unconditional love, compassion, and the mutual regard and affection between people. In fact, in the Hawaiian dictionary there are 33 different meanings for the word Aloha. In Hawaiian tradition, aloha is not just a greeting but a way of being as such for one to live with love, respect, and harmony toward all. Aloha is used the most for greeting.
Mahalo
While commonly used as a “thank you”, “mahalo” carries deeper spiritual meaning. Traditionally, mahalo represents more than gratitude, it means recognition and respect for what has been given or shared. “Mahalo” acknowledges the mana (spiritual power) and generosity of the giver and creates reciprocal connection.
- When and where “mahalo” is used in the daily basis:
- “Mahalo” is usually used to thank someone
- It is used on signs such as “mahalo for not smoking”
- “Mahalo” is also for acknowledging a gift or service at restaurants, hotels, and shops.
E komo mai
Means a warm invitation, the phrase literally translated to “come in” or “enter” in English. Traditionally used to welcome guests into homes, this phrase embodies Hawaiian hospitality (ho’okipa). In ancient Hawaiʻi, welcoming strangers and travelers was a sacred duty, and “e komo mai” reflects the open-hearted nature of Hawaiian culture where visitors are treated with generosity.
- When and where “e komo mai” is used in the daily basis:
- The phrase “E komo mai” is often used to welcome guests into your home, so between people, or seen on business entrances.
ʻA‘ole pilikia
When someone says “mahalo” to you, respond with more than just “you’re welcome” in English or an awkward nod from not knowing what is “your welcome” in ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi. It might look hard, but give it a try and say “ʻA‘ole pilikia”. The phrase means “no trouble” in ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i. It reflects the Hawaiian value of giving freely without expecting anything in return and not making others feel indebted.
- When and where to use “ʻa‘ole pilikia”:
- Response to “mahalo”: “ʻAʻole pilikia!”.
- When someone apologizes: “ʻAʻole pilikia, it’s all good”.
- Reassuring someone: “Don’t worry about it, ʻaʻole pilikia”
‘Ono
ʻOno describes something delicious or tasty, and can also mean to crave or desire (particularly food). The word reflects the Hawaiian appreciation for good food and the importance of taste in culinary culture. Traditionally, preparing and sharing food was central to hospitality, celebrations, and spiritual offerings. Until this day, the tradition lives on, an ʻono meal wasn’t just tasty—it was prepared with aloha and skill.
- When and where you will see “‘ono” in use
- Complimenting food: “This poke is so ʻono!”
- Restaurant names: ” ‘Ono Hawaiian Foods”
- Craving: “I’m ʻono for some lomi salmon”
- Describing quality: “That bakery makes ʻono malasadas”
- Menu descriptions: “Our ʻono plate special”
Kama‘āina
“Kama” means child and “ʻāina” means land, so kamaʻāina literally means “child of the land”. Traditionally, this referred to someone born in a particular place who knows the land intimately including its history, resources, stories, and spiritual significance. A kamaʻāina has a genealogical and spiritual connection to the land and carries responsibility to care for it. Today, it broadly refers to Hawaiʻi residents. Identifying as local: “I’m kamaʻāina, born and raised on Oʻahu”.
- When and where you might see the word “kama‘āina”:
- Discounts: “Kamaʻāina rates available” (resident discounts at attractions)
- Showing local knowledge: “As a kamaʻāina, I know the best beaches”.
- Distinguishing from tourists: “This restaurant is popular with kamaʻāina”
Kapu
Kapu means forbidden, sacred, taboo, and prohibited, so if you see “kapu” on any sign when visiting Hawai’i please respect it and walk the other way. Kapu is one of the most important concepts in traditional Hawaiian society, representing a complex system of sacred laws and prohibitions. Things that were kapu were both sacred and forbidden, they are protected because of their spiritual power (mana). The kapu system regulated when and where fishing could occur mainly to preserve resources, gender relations, religious practices, and interactions between aliʻi (chiefs) and commoners. Breaking kapu could result in death. Some places, times, and objects were kapu to protect them or because they held spiritual significance. The kapu system was officially abolished in 1819, but the concept remains important for protecting sacred sites and resources.
- When and where visitors will see the word “kapu”:
- Restricted areas: “This heiau (temple) is kapu, don’t enter”
- Posted signs: “Kapu, No Trespassing”
- Protecting resources: “This area is kapu during nesting season”
- Sacred objects: “That artifact is kapu; don’t touch it”
Keiki
Keiki means child or children and reflects the Hawaiian value of cherishing young ones. In Hawaiian culture, children were considered gifts from the gods and were raised communally by ʻohana, which extend beyond parents.
- When and where “keiki” will be used in daily life
- Activities: “Keiki hula class starts at 4pm”
- Menus: “Keiki menu” (children’s menu at restaurants)
- Events: “This is a keiki-friendly event
Wahine
Wahine means woman or female. In traditional Hawaiian society, wahine held significant power and status; they could own and inherit land as well as were respected for their roles as life-givers, knowledge-keepers, and spiritual leaders. Certain occupations and activities were reserved for wahine, and some places were kapu to men but open to wahine. Today, wahine continues to represent feminine strength and identity in Hawaiian culture.
- When and where visitors will see the word “wahine”
- Restroom signs: “Wahine” (women’s restroom)
- Sports: “Wahine volleyball team” (women’s team)
- Surfing: “Wahine surfers” (female surfers)
Kāne
Kāne means man, male, or husband, and also refers to Kāne, one of the four major Hawaiian gods (along with Kū, Lono, and Kanaloa). Kāne the god is associated with fresh water, sunlight, forests, and life-giving forces. As a word for men, kāne represents masculine roles in traditional society: fishing in deep waters, warfare, certain agricultural work, and carving. Like wahine, kāne had specific responsibilities and kapu.
- When and where visitors will see the word in use
- Restroom signs: “Kāne” (men’s restroom)
- Sports: “Kāne volleyball team” (men’s team)
- Traditional roles: “Kāne would build the canoes”
A hui hou or sometimes written as one word “ahuihou”
“A hui hou” literally means “until [we] meet again,” it is warmer and more personal than simply “goodbye” and acknowledges the bond between people. “Hui” means to meet or gather, “hou” means again, and “a” is a preposition meaning “until.” Unlike a final goodbye, a hui hou carries the spirit of continuity and ongoing relationship. The phrase reflects the Hawaiian value of maintaining connections and the understanding that separations are temporary. This phrase is warmer and more personal than simply “goodbye” and acknowledges the bond between people.
Mauka and Makai
Two other directional terms in Olelo Hawai’i that are often used are landmarks instead of cardinal directions. Using mauka/makai (rather than cardinal directions) reflects intimate knowledge of place and connects people to the natural landscape. Even today, locals give directions using mauka/makai.
Mauka means “toward the mountains” or “inland” and is a directional term used throughout Hawaiʻi instead of north, south, east, west.
- When to use “mauka”
- Giving directions: “Turn mauka at the light” (turn toward the mountains)
- Real estate: “Mauka side of the street” (mountain side, often more expensive for views)
- Navigation: “Head mauka until you see the sign”
- Geographic reference: “The mauka slopes get more rain”
Makai means “toward the ocean” or “seaward” and is the directional opposite of mauka. In the Hawaiian worldview, the ocean (kai) is the source of life, food, and spiritual power. The movement between mauka and makai represents the natural flow of water from mountains to sea and the balance of resources. Ancient Hawaiians organized land divisions (ahupuaʻa) from mauka to makai, ensuring each community had access to both mountain and ocean resources.
- When and where “makai” will be used
- Giving directions: “Go makai on this road” (toward the ocean)
- Describing location: “The restaurant is makai of the hotel”
- Real estate: “Makai views” (ocean views, premium property)
- Geographic description: “The makai side is drier and sunnier”
FAQ
How do Hawaiians help protect and promote the learning of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi through legal support and policies?
In 1978, The Hawaiian language, also known as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, was recognized as an official language of the state of Hawai‘i after being banned in schools in 1893. This was a result of amendments made to the state’s constitution during the 1978 State Constitutional Convention. Since then, Hawaiian people and the state government have put many efforts into establishing language schools, programs and even incorporating ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in official documents. With the rise of technology, Hawaiian language is being used increasingly in radio, television, apps, and websites, making the language more accessible and visible to younger generations.
What is the concept of ‘Ohana in Hawaiian culture?
In Hawaiian culture, ʻohana is more than just the word for “family.” Ohana is a deeply rooted concept that shapes the way people relate to one another, to their land (ʻāina), and to their heritage. ʻOhana (pronounced oh-HAH-nah) comes from the word ʻohā, meaning the shoot of a taro plant (kalo). In Hawaiian belief, humans are genealogically tied to kalo, which is seen as an elder sibling. Just as the shoots grow and support each other, so do families. Therefore, ʻohana is the symbol of the interconnection among people, growth, and responsibility.
How is the kapu system important to Hawaiian culture?
The kapu system was the foundation of traditional Hawaiian society, it was essential for resource management. For example, seasonal kapu on fishing and farming ensured environmental sustainability and prevented depletion of the islands’ resources. Kapu also maintained social order by defining relationships between chiefs and commoners, while protecting sacred places, objects, and people who possessed mana (spiritual power). Even after its official abolition in 1819, the concept of kapu remains important today for protecting cultural sites, preserving Native Hawaiian traditions, and maintaining respect for what is sacred.
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