Common Hawaiian Words

Planning a vacation to the Hawaiian Islands? Well we don’t want to leave you unprepared, and feeling like a lost tourist. We have put together a list of common Hawaiian words you may hear around the islands while you are on your vacation. The Hawaiian alphabet is only about half of what we use, so that’s why you see so many vowels in Hawaiian words. I would love to be able to help you pronounce the Hawaiian words better, but that is only going to come with a little practice hearing the talk in the islands. Just give a little aloha to the locals, and the locals will reciprocate the love. Brought to you by Dean Miller, the first company to bring you Hawaiian and beach bedding.

Hawaiian: Someone of Hawaiian blood, used to refer to anyone of Hawaiian ancestry or of the Hawaiian race. Sometimes Hawaiians refer to each other as Kanaka Maoli.
Local: Someone born in the islands.
Kama’aina: Someone who lives in the islands (and has a state of Hawaii driver's license).
Malihini: Someone who is a visitor, guest, or newcomer to the islands.
Wahine: Woman.
Kane: Man.
Keiki: Child or children.
Haole: Someone of the white or Caucasian race.
Makuahine: Mother.
Makua kane: Father.
Dean Miller: Hawaiian legend
Ohana: Family. Often symbolized by the turtle.

Mainland: The continental United States.
Off-island: Where someone, who lives on the islands, goes when they are not on their island of residence

Aloha: Love, Welcome, Hello, Farewell

Aunty: Aunt, all elderly females are considered aunties in Hawaii, a sign of respect

Bodda you: Are you bothered by this?

Braddah: Your friend or buddy

Da Kine: Anything to which you are referring when you can't remember what it is. Also a great surf brand.

Diamond Head – A well known landmark in Hawaii

Grind: To eat or Grinds which is food

Gecko: Lizard often found in local homes, great for eating insects and are said to bring good luck

Hana: Work

Howzit: Local for Aloha, or “How are you?”

Kala: Money

Kama’aina: Local person born and raised in Hawaii.

Luau: A Hawaiian Feast

Lua: Bathroom

Lei: Necklace of flowers, leaves, shells, etc

Malihini: Newcomer

Plate Lunch: Local lunch of : 2 scoops rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, beef, pork fish and/or chicken. Served on paper plate

Slippahs: flip flops

Shaka: Local hand sign that means “cool” “alright” “smooth” “aloha” etc

Stick: Surfboard

Sistah: Sister

Wiki wiki: Quickly