Common Hawaiian Terms

Some common Hawaiian terms used on the islands.

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.
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


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