When traveling to Hawaii, it’s essential to know a little about the local language. Mahalo means “thank you” in Hawaiian and is one of the most commonly used words in the language. Some many other Hawaiian words and phrases will help make your trip more enjoyable, so learning a few basics is definitely worth your time.
Mahalo is a Hawaiian word that has many different meanings. It can be used as a thank you, an expression of gratitude, or a simple hello. Mahalo is also often used as a farewell. The word mahalo comes from the Hawaiian language, derived from the Proto-Polynesian word *mahalo, which means “to thank” or “to express gratitude.” It is used in many different contexts and can be translated to mean “thank you,” “thanks,” “thankfulness,” or “gratitude.”
Learning a few Hawaiian words and phrases before you visit the island of Oahu is always helpful, and adding the word “Mahalo” to your list is always a safe bet.
Table of Contents
What does Mahalo mean?
Mahalo is a Hawaiian word that means thank you. It can be used in many situations, from showing appreciation for a gift to thanking someone for their hospitality. Mahalo can also be used as a standalone exclamation, like saying “Wow!” or “Thank goodness!”
Other Hawaiian Words & Phrases
In addition to mahalo, many other Hawaiian words are commonly used. Here are a few of the most popular:
Aloha – Hello, goodbye, love
Mahalo – Thank you
E komo mai – Welcome
Haole – Foreigner, tourist
Kama’aina – Local resident
Mauka – Towards the mountains
Makai – Towards the sea
Lanai – Porch, veranda
Pupu – Appetizer
Ono – Delicious
Hana hou – More, please
A hui hou – Goodbye for now
Mahalo nui loa – Many thanks, thank you very much
Learning just a few of these Hawaiian words and phrases will help you better connect with the local culture during your trip.
Aloha Meaning
It is a Hawaiian word that has many different meanings. It can be used as a greeting, farewell, or hello. Aloha also means love, peace, and compassion. Travelers often use this word to show appreciation for the grateful and admiring culture and land they visit.
Aloha is more than just a important word. It is a way of life. It is about living in harmony with others and the natural world around us. When you live with aloha, you radiate positivity and good vibes to those around you. Aloha is the perfect way to start your trip to Hawaii.
Pronounced a-lo-ha
Mahalo Meaning
Mahalo is a Hawaiian word with several different meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. It can mean “thank you,” “gratitude,” or “greetings.”
It is often used as a tourist phrase by Hawaii visitors to express thanks for the Aloha spirit they have encountered. It is also used as a general term of endearment, similar to “dear” or “sweetheart.”
Pronounced mah-hah-loh
E komo mai Meaning
E Komo Mai is a Hawaiian phrase that means “welcome.” It is often used as a greeting for travelers, conveying that they are welcome in the Hawaiian Islands.
The phrase can also express gratitude or appreciation, such as when someone does something nice for you. Regardless of how it is used, E Komo Mai is always spoken with a warm and friendly tone.
Pronounced e-como-mai
Haole Meaning
The word “haole” is used in the Hawaiian Islands to describe someone, not of Hawaiian descent. The word has many different meanings and can be used positively and negatively. In general, the term haole refers to someone who is white or of European descent.
The word can also be used to describe someone new to the Hawaiian Islands or someone who is not familiar with Hawaiian culture. The word haole (Hawaiian phrases) is often used as a derogatory term by locals in Hawaii, primarily when referring to tourists. However, the word can also be used more positively to describe someone who is friendly and open to new experiences.
Pronounced Ha-oh-ley
Kama’aina Meaning
Kama’aina is a Hawaiian word that means “native hawaiian” or “resident.” It is often used to refer to someone born and raised in Hawaii or who has lived on the islands for a long time.
The term can also describe someone who strongly connects to Hawaii, even if they are not of Hawaiian descent.
Pronounced ca-ma-aina
Mauka Meaning
The Mauka Hawaiian word means “toward the mountain.” Travelers often use this because it is a convenient reference point. The mountain is typically the highest point on the big island, so it is used as a way to orient oneself.
The Mauka Hawaiian word can also be used to refer to anything inland or away from the coastline.
Pronounced muh-kahy
Makai Meaning
Makai means “toward the sea” in Hawaiian. It is often used to describe locations near the ocean or coastline. For example, Waikiki Beach is makai of Diamond Head. Travelers visiting Hawaii often use this word to help orient themselves and find their way around the islands.
Pronounced Ma-kai
Lanai Meaning
The Hawaiian word lanai typically refers to a porch or veranda. In modern usage, it may also refer to an enclosed patio area. The word can be used to describe both indoor and outdoor spaces. It is often found in tropical locations and is used as a place to relax or entertain guests.
It has a long history in Hawaii. They were initially built using wood and paper walls, then covered with thatch. It helped to protect against the wind and sun. Today, lanai are often made from more durable materials such as concrete or stone. However, thatched roofs are still common in many areas of Hawaii.
Pronounced lah-nai
Pupu Meaning
Pupu Hawaiian word, means “appetizer” in English. It is often used for travelers because it can be a small dish served before the main course of a meal. It is also an excellent way to try new foods when traveling to a new place.
Pronounced poo-poo
Ono Meaning
Ono is a Hawaiian word that means “good” or “delicious.” It is often used to describe food, but it can also describe anything pleasurable or satisfying. For travelers, Ono can be used to express a great experience or a place that is worth visiting.
When used in this context, Ono can be a great way to share your positive experience with others and encourage them to visit the same place.
Pronounced OH-noh
Hana hou Meaning
Hana hou means “again” or “more.” It is often used to respond to something that has been enjoyed, similar to saying “encore” in English. It is also used as a welcoming phrase for travelers. For example, someone who has just arrived in Hawaii might say “Hana hou” to express that they are happy to see the person again.
Pronounced ha-na-ho
A hui hou Meaning
A hui hou means “until we meet again” in Hawaiian. It is often used as a farewell phrase for travelers, conveying the idea of meeting up again in the future. This phrase also shows appreciation for someone’s hospitality or generosity.
A hui hou can be used as a standalone common Hawaiian phrase or as part of a longer sentence. For example, you might say “Mahalo Nui loa a hui hou” to express your gratitude before leaving.
Pronounced ah-HOO-ee-HOO
Mahalo Nui loa Meaning
Mahalo Nui loa means “thank you very much.” It is often used to say thank you for kindness or favor. For travelers, it is a way of showing appreciation for the Hawaiian culture and the people’s hospitality.
Pronounced mah-hah-Loh-noo-ee-loh-wah
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Aloha and Mahalo mean?
Aloha is a Hawaiian word that can mean hello, goodbye, love, or peace. Mahalo is another Hawaiian word that means thank you. Together, these two words embody the Hawaiian way of life and culture.
Is it rude to say Mahalo?
No, it’s not rude to say Mahalo. It’s quite the opposite! Saying Mahalo is a sign of respect and appreciation. Mahalo is often a thank you, but it can also express gratitude, admiration, or even apology. So go ahead and say Mahalo whenever you can – it’s the Hawaiian way.
How do I respond to Mahalo?
If someone speaks Mahalo in Hawaii, you can respond with “Aloha!” or “Thank you!.”
Is Mahalo hello or goodbye?
Mahalo is both hello and goodbye in Hawaiian. It’s a friendly word that you can use in many different situations. Mahalo is also used to express gratitude. So, if you want to say thank you, Mahalo is the perfect word.
