Hawaiian Words - Learn the Basics

Aloha!

I always wanted to be a linguist. My passion & quest to learn new languages (if not in entirety, then at least the basics) lead me to exploring the Hawaiian basics.There are certain Hawaiian words that instantly caught my attention. The very basics that I heard in local conversations & songs. Sharing a few words to help you enjoy your visit to the islands even more. Enjoy learning the language of 'paradise'.

Of course I have discussed 'Aloha' & 'Mahalo' in a separate article. Here are the other words.

• Hale (HA - leh) - A building or house
• Hana (HA-na) - work
• Hula (Hoo-la) - Hawaii's story-telling dance 

• Kai (kigh) - the sea
• Kane (KA-neh) - boy or man. You will read this word outside public restrooms for men.
• Keiki (KAY-key) - child or children
• Kokua (KO-KOO-ah)- Help

• Lani (LA-nee) - heaven or sky
• Lei (lay) - Neclace of flowers, feathers or shells (described in detail in my article below on Lei)
• Lu'au (LOO-OW) - Hawaiian feast (described in detail in my article below on Lu'au)

• Moana (mo-AH-na) - Ocean

• Nani (NA-nee)- pretty, beautiful. In India, maternal grandmother is called nani. All grandmas as pretty beautiful at heart. I love the mixed up meaning of Hindi & Hawaiian.
• Nui- It could mean great, important or big.

• 'Ohana (oh-HA-na)- Family
• 'Ono (OH-no) - Delicious, the best. This could get confusing if you don't know the Hawaiian meaning & wonder why is someone saying (OH-No) to something that is sooooo delicious. This confusion between English & Hawaiian 'Ono helped me learn this one.

• Pali (PA-lee) - A cliff
• Pono (PO-no) - Proper, correct. Could also mean excellence or goodness.
• Pua (POO-ah)- Flower
• Pupu (POO-POO) - appetizer, snacks. Thinking about how it sounds in baby language almost kills my appetite. You know what I mean.

• Wahine (vah-HEE-neh)- Woman. You will read this word outside public restrooms for women.
• Wai (why) - Fresh Water
• Wikiwiki (WEE-kee-WEE-kee) - to hurry up, very quick

Mahalo!

The Interesting Hawaiian Language

Aloha!

The Hawaiian language is melodious & gentle. Once you visit Hawaii, you feel encapsulated with the local lingo & traditional songs. The length of certain words might scare you off but if you try to read the words in parts, it's not so difficult after all. The words are almost exactly pronounced as they are written. In fact, I personally enjoyed learning some local words during my visits to various islands. Interestingly, the Hawaiian language has only 12 alphabets- 5 vowels (A, E, I, O, U) & 7 consonants (H, K, L, M, N, P, W).

Their state fish has the most interesting name. Try pronouncing it, it's fun! HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A

Couldn't do it? Lost hope? Aah! It's very simple. As I said, break the word in parts.

Pronounce Humu twice (hoo-moo). Pronounce Nuku twice (noo-koo). Pronounce A (ah) once. Pronounce Pu (poo) once & eventually say A'a (ah-ah).
                                                                    Voila! You did it!

Mahalo!

Ukulele-Hawaiian Musical Instrument

ALOHA!!!
Music runs deep in the Hawaiian culture. It surrounds you everywhere from the moment you land on any island in Hawaii. It truly springs out the festive nature of the locals. Dance & music is as integral to them as eating daily.

One of the most interesting Hawaiian musical instruments is Ukulele. Size doesn't matter as this is a mini looking guitar but a powerful one creating melodious rhythms. I bought an Ukulele as a keepsake during my 1st visit to Honolulu & play it for fun occasionally. The local musicians create magic with Ukulele and one transcends instantaneously to the tropical feel.

From Waikiki beach in Oahu to all hotels on Waikiki coast, muscians play Ukulele to entertain and entice their guests. You can't escape the melodious Ukulele on your visit to Hawaii.
Enjoy!
MAHALO!!!

Hawaii - Keywords Aloha and Mahalo

Aloha!

For those of you wondering why I keep mentioning the words 'Aloha' and 'Mahalo' in every article...Here's why - These key words are the most commonly used words on a daily basis all over Hawaii & they change your experience with local Hawaiian people when you use these words.

The word Aloha has different connotations like Hello, Welcome, Good-Bye, I love you and a plethora of other things depending on the contextual usage or tone of voice. Aloha in a native Hawaiian's words, "The traditional Hawaiian greeting means more than just hello and goodbye. According to etymologists, the word aloha breaks down into "alo," meaning presence, front or face, and "ha," meaning breath; the literal meaning is often given as "the presence of breath" or "the breath of life."

Mahalo in simple words means Thank You. It stands for expressing gratitude, esteem, regards, admiration, praise, respects.

THE ALOHA SPIRIT

When I was in Hawaii, I heard a local say, "And that's the spirit of Aloha". I found it quite fascinating and read about it. Quoting Serge Kahili King, " The Aloha Spirit is a well known reference to the attitude of friendly acceptance for which the Hawaiian Islands are so famous. However, it also refers to a powerful way to resolve any problem, accomplish any goal, and also to achieve any state of mind or body that you desire.
In the Hawaiian language, aloha stands for much more than hello or goodbye or love. Its deeper meaning is the joyful (oha) sharing (alo) of life energy (ha) in the present (alo)
As you share this energy you become attuned to the Divine Power that the Hawaiians call mana. And the loving use of this incredible Power is the secret for attaining true health, happiness, prosperity and success. "

Go to Hawaii and liberally use the words Aloha and Mahalo and like me, you too will definitely experience the Hawaiian Spirit of Aloha in many ways making your trip really memorable.

Mahalo!