manini (mah-NEE-nee)
sometimes: maninis
Noun A small reef fish with black and white stripes, also known as the convict tang.
"Eh, no worry 'bout dat, brah. Dass jus' one manini problem."
hui (HOO-ee)
sometimes: hu-i
Noun A group, club, syndicate, partnership, or organization, often formed for a specific purpose or shared interest.
"I goin' join da hui fo' protect our aina."
dirty (DER-tee)
sometimes: derty
Adjective Bad, negative, or no good; often used to describe poor weather, bad attitudes, or unfortunate situations.
"Dirty kine weather today"
humbalah (hum-BAH-lah)
sometimes: hambalah, hambala, humbala
Expression An exclamation used when witnessing someone doing something wrong, breaking a rule, or acting shamelessly; similar to saying 'uh-oh' or 'you're gonna get it'.
"Humbalah, he wen' cut in line! No shame."
lei poʻo (LAY POH-oh)
sometimes: lei poo, haku lei
Noun A garland or wreath made from flowers, leaves, ferns, or shells, specifically worn on the head.
"I goin give my sista one lei poʻo fo her birthday."
hānau (HAH-now)
sometimes: hanau
Verb To give birth; to be born.
"My aunty wen’ hānau one heltea baby boy yestaday."