Say Aloha to 15 Fun Hawaiian Phrases – Learn How to Hang Loose and Take Out the Trash in Style

Discover the Ono Grinds of Hawaiian Language and Embrace Your Inner Haole with these Rad Phrases

Aloha! Hawaii is known for its stunning natural beauty, laid-back lifestyle, and vibrant culture. One of the unique aspects of the culture is its language, which is full of fun and quirky Hawaiian phrases that embody the spirit of the islands.

From “Aloha” to “Mele Kalikimaka,” these Hawaiian phrases are more than just words – they’re a reflection of the warm and welcoming culture that makes Hawaii such a special place. Whether you’re planning a trip to the islands or just looking to embrace your inner haole, learning these fun Hawaiian phrases is a great way to connect with the culture and people of Hawaii.

So hang loose, grab some ono grinds, and let’s dive into the world of Hawaiian language!

Here are some fun Hawaiian phrases and their meanings:

“Aloha”: This is perhaps the most well-known Hawaiian phrase, and it means “hello,” “goodbye,” and “love.” It’s a beautiful word that embodies the spirit of Hawaii – warmth, kindness, and connection.
“Mahalo”: This means “thank you,” and it’s another word that’s commonly used in Hawaii. It’s a great way to express gratitude and appreciation.
“Ohana”: This word means “family,” and it’s a very important concept in Hawaiian culture. Family isn’t just limited to blood relatives, but includes close friends and anyone who is considered part of the family.
“Pau Hana“: This phrase means “finished work,” and it’s often used to refer to the end of the workday. It’s a reminder to relax and enjoy some downtime.
“Wiki Wiki”: This phrase means “quickly,” and it’s often used in the context of transportation. For example, if you’re taking a shuttle bus from the airport to your hotel, the driver might say “Wiki Wiki” to indicate that they’ll be moving quickly.
“Hang Loose”: This is a hand gesture that’s often accompanied by the phrase “hang loose,” and it means to relax and take it easy. It’s a great way to embrace the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle.
“A Hui Hou”: This phrase means “until we meet again,” and it’s a lovely way to say goodbye to someone. It’s a reminder that even though you may be parting ways for now, you’ll see each other again in the future.
“E komo mai”: This phrase means “welcome” and is often used to greet guests or visitors. It’s a great way to make someone feel at home and comfortable.
“Ono grinds”: This phrase means “delicious food” and is often used to describe a great meal or snack. It’s a great way to compliment the chef or host.
“Aina”: This word means “land” or “earth” and is a reminder of the deep connection that Hawaiians have with their natural surroundings. It’s also used to refer to the Hawaiian islands as a whole.
“Malama ka aina”: This phrase means “take care of the land” and is a reminder of the importance of preserving Hawaii’s natural beauty and resources.
“Kokua”: This word means “help” or “assist” and is an important concept in Hawaiian culture. It emphasizes the importance of working together and helping one another.
“Haole”: This word is often used to refer to someone who is not of Hawaiian descent. While it can be used as a derogatory term, it’s also used in a more playful way to describe someone who is new to Hawaii or unfamiliar with Hawaiian culture.
“Mele Kalikimaka”: This phrase means “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian and is a fun way to celebrate the holiday season. It’s also the title of a popular Hawaiian Christmas song.
“Hoʻohuli ka lepo” or “Kāpae i ka lepo”: Learn this phrase for take out the trash because it sounds so much better than the english version!

Did you know?

The Hawaiian language is that it only has 13 letters in its alphabet. The Hawaiian alphabet consists of just five vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and eight consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w, and ʻokina). The ʻokina (often called a “glottal stop”) is a special character that represents a brief pause in speech, similar to the pause between the syllables “uh-oh.” This limited set of letters and sounds gives Hawaiian language a unique rhythm and musicality, and it also means that many Hawaiian words are quite long and complex, with multiple ʻokina and vowel sounds strung together.

A little history:

The Hawaiian language, also known as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, has a long and rich history that stretches back to ancient times. It was originally an oral language, with stories and traditions passed down through generations via chanting and song.

It wasn’t until the arrival of Western missionaries in the 19th century that Hawaiian language began to be written down and formalized into a written language. The first written Hawaiian language text was a primer created by a missionary named Hiram Bingham in 1822, which taught basic reading and writing skills to Hawaiian children.

Over time, Hawaiian language literature grew and flourished, with a tradition of poetry, song, storytelling and colorful Hawaiian phrases. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hawaiian language came under threat as the islands were increasingly colonized by Western powers and Hawaiian culture was suppressed.

It wasn’t until the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s and 80s that Hawaiian phrases and language and culture began to experience a resurgence, with a renewed interest in preserving and promoting the language.

Today, Hawaiian language is recognized as an official language of the state of Hawaii, and efforts are underway to revitalize and preserve this important part of Hawaiian culture for future generations.