Some common Hawaiian words

Very few Hawaiians are fluent and the last known count I know of counted only 1000 individuals that were fluent in the language. Most use some of the words in an English sentence. However,if you every visit the island is helpful to know a little Hawaii, especially for directions. When I lived there I learned some words that were common. You will hear these everywhere. All letters are pronounced.

mauka (MOW-kah, MOW rhymes with pow ) meaning toward the mountain. Used all the time when giving directions. Example: "My house is on the mauka side of pua Drive."

makai (mah-KIE) meaning towards the sea. Opposite of mauka.

pau (pow, with a bit more oo sound on the end). Finished. Done. Over with.

keiki (KAY-kee). Child. Children are very special there. Keiki can also mean smaller. For example: keiki size picnic lunch. Portions tend to be very large in Hawaii.

mahalo (MAH-ha-lo). Thank you.

ono (OH-noh). Delicious. This word you will see a lot at places to eat. Also the name of a local food fish which is also delicious.

ohana (oh-HAH-nah). Family, relation, kin

aloha kakahiaka (ah-LO-hah kah-kah-heeAH-kah). Good morning.

aloha ahiahi (ah-LO-hah ah-hee-AH-hee). Good evening.

Mahalo (MAH-ha-lo) Thank you

Mahalo nui loa (MAH-ha-lo NU-ee LO-ah). Thank you very much.

'O wai kou inoa? (O vie ko-wee-NO-ah). What's your name?