Essential Hawaiian Words

Question 1

Aloha

Answer 1

Love, affection, hello, goodbye

Question 2

Aloha kākou

Answer 2

Aloha to all (including myself) Warmest welcome. Usually said to a group of people. Hawaiian Airlines uses this on all flights.

Question 3

Aloha kāua

Answer 3

Aloha to you (singular) and me

Question 4

Aloha nui loa

Answer 4

Very much love, fondest regards

Question 5

Mahalo

Answer 5

Thank You

Question 6

Makai

Answer 6

Towards the sea; the ocean side.

Question 7

Mauka

Answer 7

Towards the mountain; the side facing the mountain.

Question 8

E Komo Mai

Answer 8

Welcome!

Question 9

Pau

Answer 9

Done, finished

Question 10

Hana

Answer 10

Work

Question 11

Pau Hana

Answer 11

Work is done

Question 12

Aina

Answer 12

Land especially, Homeland

Question 13

Kamaaina

Answer 13

One of the land”. Native-born but also used as a long-term resident of Hawai’i.”

Question 14

Akamai

Answer 14

Smart, clever

Question 15

Alii

Answer 15

Chief

Question 16

Hale

Answer 16

House or home

Question 17

Haole

Answer 17

Literally, means a person without a country or of known beginning. Often used to identify a person of Caucasian ancestry but is incorrect

Question 18

Honu

Answer 18

A turtle–especially Hawaiian green sea turtle.

Question 19

Hula

Answer 19

Hawaiian dance

Question 20

Kahuna

Answer 20

Expert, usually refers to a priest, minister, or person held in esteem.

Question 21

Kane

Answer 21

Man

Question 22

Wahine

Answer 22

Woman, female

Question 23

Keiki

Answer 23

Child, children

Question 24

Kuuipo

Answer 24

Sweetheart. Often used on jewelry–especially the Hawaiian bracelets worn by wahine.

Question 25

Malama

Answer 25

To take care of, to tend. ‘Mālama aina’ - ‘to care for the land’.

Question 26

Kapu

Answer 26

Forbidden. Do not enter.

Question 27

Kokua

Answer 27

Help, aid, provide assistance.

Question 28

Kuleana

Answer 28

Responsibility

Question 29

Lanai

Answer 29

Porch, patio, or balcony. Usually at the back of the house.

Question 30

Lei

Answer 30

A necklace. Usually of flowers. Also shells or kūkui nuts.

Question 31

Luau

Answer 31

Hawaiian feast or party

Question 32

Maikai

Answer 32

Excellent, goodness. ‘Sack and Save grocery’ has a Maika’i discount card.

Question 33

Malihini

Answer 33

Newcomer, visitor

Question 34

Ohana

Answer 34

Family, kin, relative

Question 35

Ono

Answer 35

Good or tasty as in ‘ono grinds (food).

Question 36

Paniolo

Answer 36

Hawaiian cowboy

Question 37

Poi

Answer 37

A paste made from Taro root. A mainstay of the traditional Hawaiian diet.

Question 38

Pakalolo

Answer 38

Marijuana

Question 39

Pupu

Answer 39

Snacks or appetizers

Question 40

Pupule

Answer 40

Crazy (especially referring to a mentally deranged person).

Question 41

Tutu

Answer 41

Grandparent (affectionate)

Question 42

Uku

Answer 42

Fleas or head lice (as in ‘undesired’ little critters in your hair’).

Question 43

Wikiwiki

Answer 43

Speedy or fast. Honolulu Airport has a Wikiwiki shuttle.