English is the language spoken in Hawaii, with Pidgin English and Hawaiian trailing behind it. While you don’t have to learn the Hawaiian language to be able to communicate on the islands, it is helpful to know a few of the most common Hawaiian words. Here are the most commonly used Hawaiian words that you should know before you go.
Aloha
Hello, I love you, Goodbye. This is the most common greeting in Hawaii. When greeting others, a kiss on the cheek is a common cultural exchange.
E Komo Mai
Welcome, come on in. You might see these especially at entry ways, or when people are greeting you.
Mahalo
Thank you.
A Hui Hou
Goodbye, until we meet again.
Kane
Man, male.
Wahine
Woman, female.
‘Ono
Delicious.
Wikiwiki
Quick, hurry, fast.
Kama’aina
Local, resident.
Honu
Turtle.
Honi
Kiss.
Ohana
Family.
Keiki
Child.
Hale
Home, house.
Pau
Finish, done.
Mauka
To the mountains. Used when giving directions.
Makai
To the sea. Used when giving directions.
Aina
Land.
Lanai
Patio, porch, veranda.
A’ole Pilikia
No problem, no worries.
With these common Hawaiian words under your belt, you’ll be sure to know what’s going on. And, in case you want to print these words for on-the-go, I made an infographic below! Now you can carry these common Hawaiian words with you and learn them too! 😀
Have fun on your trip!
Sincerely,
Lei
Can’t make it to Hawaii? Change your mindset and get there faster!
Did you know that changing your mindset can help you get to Hawaii? Create paradise wherever you are with my FREE Ebook, “Bringing Aloha Home.” With these simple principles, you can change your mindset, which will change your life and bring more peace and less stress. Get your FREE instant-download ebook by signing up below!
As someone who has grown up in Hawaii, I can’t help but rave about the delicious food the islands have to offer. I put this list together to help you find some of the best local food in Hawaii. All of the islands offer these delicious local food, and I’ve named a couple of great restaurants + islands that have these foods.
I promise you’re going to LOVE these when you try it! I’ll even give you a little explanation of what each one is. When you actually try it though, you’ll be savoring every bite and exclaiming, “Ono!” (which means “delicious” in Hawaiian ;)).
Shave Ice
This is a classic Hawaiian treat/local food, a refreshing way to get away from the heat of the day. Shave ice comes in all shapes and colors, but I recommend getting ice cream on the bottom of your shave ice because it adds that extra pop. 🙂 Some of the most popular shave ice shops on Oahu are Matsumotos Shave Ice and Aokis on the North Shore. On the Big Island, there is a shave ice shop at the Hilo Bayfront.
Poke Bowl
If you don’t like raw fish, give this a chance. Poke is cubed ahi tuna that is marinated in shoyu (aka soy sauce), sesame seeds and oil, and mixed with onions. You can also get other flavors, like one of my favorites, the spicy poke. My favorite Poke Bowl is from Foodland, aka Sack n’ Save. Make sure to say yes to furikake and shoyu on your rice. And, if you don’t want to commit to a poke bowl, at least try the samples.
Acai Bowl
Wow Hawaii has sooo many places with AH-MAZING acai bowls! An acai bowl is a beautiful, thick fruit + acai smoothie topped with granola, bananas, coconut, and other healthy goodness. You can find acai bowls at Banzai bowls in Oahu, Farmers Markets, or even food trucks on the side of the road.
Laulau + Rice
This is a traditional luau dish and local food favorite of Hawaii. When you order laulau and rice, you’ll receive a plate with a wrapped and cooked bunch of luau leaves, also known as taro. When you cut into these soft, dark green leaves, you’ll find pork. The richness of the taro leaves, along with the saltiness of the pork is absolutely ONO. You can get laulau at restaurants throughout Oahu. One of my favorite places to get laulau is on at the Prince Kuhio Grill on the Big Island.
Fresh Sushi
Hawaii has some of the best fresh sushi, whether you just get a couple of packets from Foodland (aka Sack n’ Save at some locations), or you go to a fish market and have them prepare it for you. One of the best fresh fish markets is Suisan on the Big Island.
Li Hing Mui Watermelons
This is a fun snack for the beach. Sour watermelon candies are mixed with li hing mui—a sweet, mouth-watering Chinese powder—to satisfy any sweet tooth. You can find this at any grocery store or gas station, such as 7-11.
Spam Musubi
Ever heard of Spam sushi? I don’t know a local who doesn’t like spam, and spam sushi certainly satisfies all the cravings. Spam and rice, topped with furikake, and wrapped in seaweed is a great on-the-go snack or lunch. You can find spam musubis at pretty much any grocery store or gas station. You gotta try this local food favorite!
Manapua + Rice Cake
Manapua is a pork filled, steamed bun. The bun is so soft and pleasant, while the pork filling gives it a rich flavor. The traditional manapua has char-siu marinated pork (char-siu is a sweet Chinese flavor), but nowadays they sell all kinds of different flavors. Manapua tastes delicious with a side of rice cake, a traditional Chinese dessert. Oahu has one of the best manapua shops, Chun Wah Kam. Grocery stores and gas stations (like 7-11) also have manapua.
A Bento
These little boxes stem from Japan, in which you basically have a meal on the go. Typical bento boxes include rice and any kind of side, from spam, teriyaki beef, and chicken to fish, sushi, and even fried egg. You can find bento boxes at grocery stores, gas stations, and there are even restaurants dedicated to serving only bentos! My favorite bento box is from Zippys, called the “Zip Pack.” Zippys is on most of the islands.
Fresh Mochi
If you’re a fan of mochi ice cream, you MUST try fresh mochi. Mochi is a sweet rice dessert that originated in Japan. It comes in all shapes and sizes, but my favorite is the strawberry-filled mochi. Sometimes they can be filled with peanut butter, azuki bean (a sweet bean), or pretty much anything you can think of. You should definitely give it a try! My favorite mochi is from the Two Ladies mochi in Hilo on the Big Island. You can also find mochi at local grocery stores. 🙂
So there you have it! I can’t wait for your adventures in Hawaii, and I hope you’ll jot notes so you can try some of these local favorites. What is one Hawaii food you want to try? Or, if you’ve already been, what are your favorite local foods?
Have a wonderful trip!
With joy + aloha,
Leialoha
Can’t make it to Hawaii? Change your mindset and get there faster!
Did you know that changing your mindset can help you get to Hawaii? Create paradise wherever you are with my FREE Ebook, “Bringing Aloha Home.” With these simple principles, you can change your mindset, which will change your life and bring more peace and less stress. Get your FREE instant-download ebook by signing up below!
Hawaiian self care seems self explanatory, especially if you live in Hawaii or get to travel to Hawaii often. With the free access to beaches, the delicious food, and the aloha spirit abounding, Hawaiian self care in Hawaii seems like an easy task. However, for the majority of people, with all the bustle, stress, and busy-ness of everyday life, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and burnt out.
This is a huge reason that a lot of people visit Hawaii. They want to “take a break” from the daily grind and refresh. But what if going to Hawaii just isn’t the option at the moment? What if you could experience something a little more Hawaiian and practice self care at the same time?
If you need to take a break and want to experience just a bit of paradise, here are some Hawaiian traditions you need to try for self care!
Lomi lomi
Lomi lomi is the Hawaiian way of massage, where you basically use your fingers and hands to tenderly massage and relax the muscles. Lomi loom does not include hand chopping or intensity. Lomi lomi encourages a sense of aloha for yourself and your body. Giving lomi lomi to your special someone (or receiving it) is also a wonderful way to build lokahi, unity, in your relationship.
Cooking food
Hawaiians LOVE food, and what better way to refresh and relax than cooking up a good meal? Try something new or make one of your favorite meals. Healthy and whole foods are another great way to take care of yourself.
Talking Stories
In Hawaii, people relax and rejuvenate by talking stories. Is there someone you enjoy talking to, who you can just laugh and share your stories with? Whether that person is a family member, a friend, or even an acquaintance, “talking stories” is a great way to unwind.
Kanikapila
Is music your jam? Kanikapila involves a group of people bringing their fav instruments (usually the portable ones like guitars and ukuleles) and having a jam sesh. Even if you’re not the greatest singer, or you’re learning an instrument, kanikapila with good friends can unload a ton of stress.
Listen to the sounds of nature
Hawaii is known for the beautiful natural sites, like waterfalls, white sandy shorelines, and lush green mountains. Perhaps you don’t have all of these luxuries where you live, but just going out and spending time listening to the sounds of nature can soothe the wearied soul.
Take time for spirituality
Hawaiians are a very spiritual people, looking to a higher source for wisdom and support. Take a moment to reflect on the blessings God has given you. Living mahalo can increase stamina and overall health.
I wish you well on your journey of self care and hope these Hawaiian traditions will help you!
Pronounced “Ho – o – mana- va – nu – “, this long but beautiful Hawaiian word means patience, long-suffering, and endurance. Have you ever met someone who is going through a trial—maybe a toxic relationship or care taking or even babysitting—who endures well? They receive verbal or emotional attacks, or they might be overwhelmed or fatigued in some way, but despite their challenges, they have the strength of character to be gracious, courageous, and humble?
This is ho’omanawanui. Those who live ho’omanawanui endure their trials well, knowing that they have control over their own emotions. They consciously choose how to act, instead of reacting to the situation.
This is a powerful skill to possess, especially in times of confrontation or pressure. Ho’omanawanui comes from deep within, prompting a person to choose calmness and control as opposed to chaos and anger. They persevere through their trials and challenges—even cheerfully—knowing that they will pass. They can look back with pride at their resilience and their kindness, all fruits of their patience.
Patience is not just a virtue, it is a choice: a choice of how to treat others and self, and a choice of acting instead of re-acting.
-Lei
Ho’omanawanui Challenge
This week, write down the things that bug you. These can be big things or small things. Write WHY these things annoy or frustrate you, then write HOW you will act when faced with these irritations. Visualization is a powerful tool to overcoming bad habits and strengthening character.
Share Your Story
Every person has a unique story, and we’d love to hear yours! How have you felt while doing this challenge? Was there anything that was challenging to you? Was there anything that truly inspired you? Be sure to share in our Wellness Hawaiian Style Facebook group or use the hashtag #HIVibe! Replying and commenting on others is also another wonderful way to keep the vibe HI!
The new year brings feelings of excitement, freshness, and newness. With the start of a new year, we desire to be someone new–or at least change bad habits and become someone better than we were last year. In my mind, the start of the new year is a great time to study up on healthy principles and characteristics. The best way I can think of doing this is with Hawaiian values. To be well in 2019, read through the values below. Choose one that resonates with you or is something you know you need to work on, and then write 1-2 things that it inspires you to change in the next couple of months. Write the word somewhere you can see it, and work on the 1-2 things you want to change. Once you feel like you’ve mastered it, choose something else. Now read on and discover 5 Hawaiian ways to be well in 2019!
Aloha
This is the life force of the Hawaiian islands. The people breathe with aloha. They choose to live aloha, and you can too! Aloha is true, kind, pure love. It isn’t conditional. It isn’t rude, impatient, or hurtful. It is unconditional love for self, others, and the world. When you have aloha, you look for good in others, assuming the best of them. You love yourself and do things to take care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Lōkahi
Maybe you are newly married, or maybe you’re just trying to build stronger relationships with other people. Lōkahi is unity. As you strive to attain lōkahi, you recognize that every living person has weaknesses, including yourself. You spend time with those who will build you up and help you overcome your weaknesses. Likewise, you build up others and help them overcome their weaknesses. You recognize that every person has trials and challenges, and you lend a hand of kindness and compassion. You do not seek reasons to find fault, but instead seek reasons to compliment and build others. You turn the other cheek to those who treat you unkindly. Ultimately, you discover lōkahi in your relationships with others, yourself, and God.
Mahalo
Instead of wishing for more, you express gratitude for the things you already have. You breathe with gratitude for your blessings as well as your challenges, knowing that your challenges make you stronger. You never withhold a “thank you” from others. Instead of apologizing constantly for your mistakes or weaknesses, you thank others for their kindness and patience. You express gratitude to Ke Akua, recognizing his hand in your life. You do all in your power to serve, knowing that mahalo is not a list; it is an attitude.
‘Ike Loa
Seek knowledge. Seek wisdom. Strive for knowledge in its highest form, from reputable sources. Read, write, be creative, and, above all, learn! ‘Ike loa is thirsting for knowledge and discovering ways to improve. Complacency is the thief of potential.
Huikala
Forgiveness is a difficult part of life for most, if not all, people. It seems easy but can sometimes take years for some to master. In Hawaii, there is a traditional practice that can help with forgiveness, especially if the one who needs forgiveness cannot be contacted at the moment, ho’oponopono. Huikala brings relief. It brings freedom. If you cannot feel the strength to huikala, turn to Jesus Christ. Turn to the Savior. When you have unkind thoughts or feelings towards someone who wronged you, send out a ho’oponopono and change the energy. If you are in need of huikala, ask forgiveness from those you wronged. Do all you can to release the bad mana (energy) that you feel towards yourself or others.
What will you do this year?
I hope one of these words resonated with you. I am full of mahalo in thinking of how many opportunities we have to grow, change, and improve in this life. What you will work on this year? Share in the comments below!
E komo mai! 🌺 I am the author of Aloha State of Mind, a self help book that teaches you how to create paradise wherever you are. My blog, Naturally Aloha, focuses on all things Hawaii: culture, values, food, lifestyle, and more. I hope my writing inspires you to carry aloha with you everywhere! Learn more…
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