Common Hawaiian Words and Phrases
If you're just starting out in your Hawaiian language learning journey (or even if you are looking for a quick refresher course) then this page full of common Hawaiian words and phrases should prove helpful
Below you will find a variety of basic Hawaiian words like yes and no, man and woman, and thank you. There are also a couple of words that you may hear when asking directions around the islands.
Common Words and Phrases in Hawaiian:
Words in bold added during the last update. You can also view this list of common words and phrases from English to Hawaiian.
Yes and No in Hawaiian
'ae ➔ Yes
'a'ole ➔ No
Hawaiian Words for Thank You
Mahalo ➔ Thank you
Mahalo nui loa! ➔ Thank you very much!
How to Say Men and Women in Hawaiian
Kane ➔ Men (sometimes used to mark the men's bathroom)
Wahine ➔ Women (sometimes used to mark the women's bathroom)
Other Useful Phrases in Hawaiian
Kapu! ➔ Keep out! (sometimes used to mark forbidden areas)
Makai ➔ Towards the ocean (often used for directions, "go towards the ocean")
Mauka ➔ Towards the mountain (often used for directions, "go inland, or towards the mountain")
*Common Hawaiian words and phrases last updated: January 23, 2025.
Next Up
Hawaiian Numbers: Learn how to say number words in Hawaiian.
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