ʻāina
(EYE-nah)
Land, earth, or the physical environment; deeply connected to the concept of homeland and ancestral roots.
ʻulu
(OO-loo)
Breadfruit; a large, starchy fruit native to the Pacific islands, traditionally a staple crop in Hawaii and often prepared like potatoes.
ʻaʻole pilikia
(ah-OH-leh pee-lee-KEE-ah)
No trouble, no problem, it was nothing, you're welcome.
ʻahi
(AH-hee)
Yellowfin or bigeye tuna, a highly prized fish in Hawaii commonly served raw in poke, sashimi, and seared dishes.
ʻOhana
(oh-HAH-nah)
Family, relative, or kin group, including blood relatives, adoptive members, and close friends; (Noun) In real estate, a permitted second dwelling unit built on a single property.
yeah, no?
(YEAH-no)
Oh yes, I completely agree; that is correct. Often used to validate someone else's statement or observation.
ya
(YAH)
Right? or yeah? Used at the end of a sentence to seek agreement, confirmation, or to keep the listener engaged.
wahine
(wah-HEE-neh)
A woman, female, or wife; also used to describe the female gender in animals or plants.
tūtū
(TOO-too)
A grandmother or elderly woman; an affectionate and respectful term for a female elder.
taro
(TAH-roh)
A tropical plant cultivated primarily for its edible corms, which are a traditional staple food in Hawaii used to make poi, as well as for its large, elephant ear-shaped leaves used in cooking.
talk story
(tawk STOH-ree)
To have a friendly, casual conversation; to catch up, gossip, or reminisce.
spam musubi
(SPAM MOO-soo-bee)
A popular local snack consisting of a slice of grilled or fried Spam placed on top of a block of rice, wrapped together with a strip of nori (seaweed).
shoyu
(SHOW-yoo)
Soy sauce; a staple condiment in Hawaii used in cooking, marinades, and as a dipping sauce.
shave ice
(shayv-ICE)
A popular local dessert made of finely shaved ice topped with sweet flavored syrups, often served with ice cream or azuki beans.
shaka
(SHAH-kah)
A hand gesture made by extending the thumb and pinky finger while curling the three middle fingers, used to convey the aloha spirit, greeting, or gratitude.
rubbah slippahs
(RUB-bah-SLIP-pahz)
Flip flops; the standard, everyday casual footwear in Hawaii, typically made of rubber or foam.
pūpū
(POO-POO)
Appetizers, snacks, finger foods, or hors d'oeuvres typically served before a meal or at a party.
puaa
(poo-AH-ah)
A pig, swine, or pork meat, often referring to wild boars hunted in the mountains or the centerpiece of a traditional luau.