10 Hawaiian phrases to learn before you go
  • Aloha – Hello. Pronounced a-lo-ha.
  • Mahalo – Thank you. Pronounced mah-hah-loh.
  • A hui hou – Until we meet again. Pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu.
  • Howzit? – How are you?
  • Honu – Green sea turtle. Pronounced hoe-new.
  • ‘Ono grinds – Delicious food. Pronounced oh-no grinds.
  • Waina – Wine.
  • A ‘o ia!

Makai and Mauka

If you ask someone for directions in Kauai, you may hear them use the terms Makai or Mauka to indicate on which side of the road a place is located. Mauka means on the mountainside of the road, and Makai means on the ocean side of the road.

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