Basic Conversational Hawaiian

Hawaiian Language Beginner Lessons

Ka Papa Kuhikuhi ~ Table of Contents

1. Basic Conversational Hawaiian

• Idioms, Catch Phrases, Expletives &

Interjections
• Greetings / Salutations
• Pleasantries
• "Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About
You..."
• Talking About the Weather
• Closing Statements
• Conversational Acknowledgments (Instead of
Hmmhmmm, Uh-huh, and Nods)

• Conversational Q&As: Questions and Answers

2. Do's and Don'ts

• The Do's (Commands/Imperatives)

• The Don'ts

3. Hawaiian Hospitality

4. Hawaiian Gift-giving

5. Time: Days, Months, and Seasons

6. Sounds in Hawaiian:

• Human Speech
• Human Sounds
• Animal Sounds

• Water Sounds
7. Food and Eating:

• Breakfast Foods
• Drinks / Beverages
• Condiments
• Meat / Poultry / Seafood / Etc.
• Carbohydrates
• Dairy Products
• Produce
• Desserts & Sweets

• Tablesetting

8. Toiletries / Household Items & Furniture:

• Toiletries
• Bathroom

• Bedroom

9. Sacred Hawai`i

10. Music:

• Music Words / Terminology

• Ka Mele a me Ka Oli ~ Song,Poetry & Chant
• Musical Instruments

• The`Ukulele

11. Heavenly Bodies: The Sun, the Moon and the Stars
Nâ Kino o ka Lani: Ka Lâ, ka Mahina, a me nâ Hôkû

`Ôlelo No`eau / Proverbs & Sayings

12. Thanksgiving & Table Conversation

13. Aloha: What Is It?

Aloha Words

A Glossary of Words of Aloha (English to Hawaiian)

The Hawaiian Alphabet

 Ka Pî`âpâ Hawai`i
The Hawaiian Alphabet

Pî`âpâ [PEE AH PAH] was the name of the first primer (spelling book) in Hawai`i. Like the word
"alphabet", the word pî`âpâ was formed by the first two letters of the Greek, "a" and "b". When
the missionary said, "b a ba", the Hawaiian student, using a "p" for "b", replied, "pî â pâ." It is
similar to the expression, "A, B, C's".

Letters as they appear in How to pronounce letters Phonetic pronunciation

written form: aloud to another person:

a " `â " [ AH ]

e " `ê " [ EH ]

i " `î " [ EE ]

o " `ô " [ OH ]

u " `û " [OO ]

â " `â kô " [ AH KOH ]

ê " `ê kô " [ EH KOH ]

î " `î kô " [ EE KOH ]

ô " `ô kô " [ OH KOH ]

û " `û kô " [ OO KOH ]

h " hê " [ HEH ]

k " kê " [ KEH ]

l " lâ " [ LAH ]

m " mû " [ MOO ]

n " nû " [ NOO ]

p " pî " [ PEE ]

w " wê / vê " [ WEH ] / [ VEH ]

` " `okina " [ oh kee nah ]

From my class notes:

• There are 10 vowels (five vowels without kahakô; five, with) and eight consonants, h k l
m n p w ` (`okina).
• To repeat: `okina is a consonant (a letter that is not a vowel); " `oki " means "to cut" and
" na " is an ending that makes a verb into a noun. `. In English, it is known as a "glottal
stop", which means "stop the flow of air at that point". The sounds occurs as break
between the two "oh's" in "Oh-oh, you're in trouble now!"
• Kahakô literally means " a mark which lengthens a sound." Remember this. It does NOT
mean, "raise the pitch of your voice". It does not mean, "say it louder."
• When î is written, the i is not dotted. Instead the kahakô (written as straight line over the
i) replaces the dot.

How to Spell Aloud in Hawaiian

Spelling Vocabulary

ma`aka capital, uppercase, "big"

na`ina`i lowercase, "small / little"

hua `ôlelo hou new / next word

How Does It Sound to Spell a Word in Hawaiian?

• If a vowel has a kahakô over it, it is indicated by saying "kô"
after the vowel. For example, â is spelled " `â kô ".

• Before spelling the next word, say: "hua `ôlelo hou".

• To indicate a capital letter, say the letter first then say

"ma`aka."

• To indicate a lower case letter, say the letter first then say "na`i
na`i".

Spelling Practice

Word: Word spelled aloud:

manakô "mû / `â / nû / `â / kê / `ô kô"

Lâna`i "lah ma'aka / `â kô / nû / `â / `okina / `î"

P / p ("Big/Capital p, little/lower case p") "pî ma`aka / pî na`ina`i "

Nâ `Âumâkua "nû ma`aka / `â kô / hua `ôlelo hou

/ `okina / `â kô ma`aka / `û / mû / `â
kô / kê / `û / `â "

Iz Ka`ano`i Kamakawiwo`ole " `î ma`aka / zê / hua `ôlelo hou /

kê ma`aka / `â / `okina / `â / nû / `ô
 / `okina / `î / hua `ôlelo hou / kê
ma`aka / `â / mû / `â / kê / `â / vê / `î
/ vê / `ô / `okina / `ô / lâ / `ê"

Ka Mele Pîâpâ `Ôlelo Hawai`i

Hawaiian Alphabet Song

na Mary Kawena Pukui no ka mo`opuna kâne, La`akea

by Mary Kawena Pukui for grandson, La`akea

E nâ hoa kamali`i,
O fellow children,

E a`o mai kâkou

Let us learn together

I pa`ana`au ka pîâpâ.
Til we’ve memorized the alphabet.

`Â, `ê, `î, `ô, `û,

A, e, i , o, u,

Hê, kê, lâ, mû, nû.

H, k, l, m, n.

`O pî me wê nâ panina
P and w are the last two

O ka pîâpâ.
Of the alphabet

Loan Words: English to Hawaiian with Sound Shifts

English Hawaiian Examples of English to Hawaiian:

h h home home
(home)
sh Charlotte, sheep
 Halaki,hipa

wh hu wheel huila

whiskey wekekê
w
wharf uapo
u
j i Iesû Jesus

d k diamond kaimana

t ticket kikiki

th diphtheria kipikelia

soap kopa
s
brush palaki
sh
kokiaka zodiac
z
pika pitcher
ch
Keoki George
j, soft g
kolokê croquet
k
Kilipaki Gilbert
g

l l laki lucky

r laiki rice

kolopâ (r at the end crowbar

is often dropped)

m m market mâkeke

n n Norway Nolewai

ng king kini

p p Peter Pika

b beer pia

f flour palaoa

v w velvet welaweka
 w wine
waina

A vowel is added at the end of words, very often a, as in, school

(kula).

• Missionary introductions were Hawaiianized using English

spellings, rather than pronunciations, as in: poloka (frog),
koma (comma), liona (lion), hîmeni (hymn)

There are no consonant clusters in Hawaiian:

• Adjoining English consonants are either separated by a

vowel, as in pâlumi (broom).

• Or, one of the consonants is dropped, as in kila (steel) or San

Francisco (Kapalakiko).

Pronunciation Guide

Try practicing these loan words:

Beretania Britain

Ikalia Italian

Kakalina, kakalina Katherine, gasoline

Kêpani Japanese

kika sister, cider, tiger, cassia

(Hawaiian meaning is
"slippery")

kini gin, tin, king, kin, zinc, Guinea,

Jean, Jane, Jennie
(Hawaiian meaning is
"multitude")

Kôlea Korean / Korea

Niu `Enelani New England

pepa paper

pila Bill

Pilipino Filipino

pipi beef

puke book
 Pronunciation Guide

Hybrid Words

haukalima ice cream

• hau, Hawaiian for ice

• kalima, English loan word

for cream

mîkini `apo leo recorder

• mîkini, English loan word

for machine

• `apo leo, Hawaiian for

"catching the voice"

13 hybrid entries are listed under mîkini in the Hawaiian Dictionary.

nî`au pûlumi straw broom

• nî`au, Hawaiian for coconut-

leaf midrib

• pûlumi, English loan word

for broom

nîoi pekela betel nut

nîoi pepa chili pepper

• nîoi, Hawaiian for pepper

• pepa, English loan word for
pepper

• pekela, English loan word

for betel

nûpepa puka lâ daily newspaper (lit., newspaper

issuing day)

• nûpepa, English loan word

for newspaper

• puka lâ, Hawaiian for

issuing day

`ohe puluka bamboo flute

• `ohe, Hawaiian for bamboo

• puluka, English loan word

for flute
 `ôhia loke rose apple

• `ôhia, Hawaiian for apple

• loke, English loan word for

rose

`ô`ô halo harrow

• `ô`ô, Hawaiian for digging

stick

• halo, English loan word for

harrow

pipikaula beef jerky (lit, beef rope)

• pipi, English loan word for

beef

• kaula, Hawaiian for rope

wilikî engineer (lit., key turning)

• wili, Hawaiian for turn

• kî, English loan word for

key

Lesson 1

Idioms, Catch Phrases, Expletives and Interjections

He Mau `Ikeoma, `Ôlelo pôkole hopu, `Ôlelo mâpuna, A

Me `Ôleloho`ôho

A Hawaiian Language Pronunciation Guide

Paying meticulous attention to the presence (or absence) of kahakô and `okina will vastly improve your Hawaiian
language mastery, as they have profound influences on word meanings and allow you to sound more like a native
speaker and less like a foreigner.
 Index

Vowels Accent / Stress

Vowels with Kahakô Pronunciation Resources

Consonants Kahakô & `Okina

Diphthongs Common Mispronunciations

W- and Y- Glides More Practice

Vowels
Nâ Hua Palapala Leo Kahi

• a sounds like [ah] as in above [ah buv ].

• e sounds like [eh] as in bet [beht ].
• i sounds like [ee] as in be [bee].
• o sounds like [oh] as in obey [oh bei ]

• u sounds like [oo] as in rule [rool].

Hawaiian vowels are pronounced without "off-glides", which are transitional

sounds added by the non-native speaker and away from the proper
pronunciation, as with a Southern drawl or to "prettify" the language to sound
more like English.

Example: haole (white person, non-endemic, Caucasian) is

pronounced [hao' leh],

hao as in the English word "how", a diphthong sound without a nasal twang and
leh with a short "e" sound, as in the English word, "bet".

Haole is NOT pronounced [how' lay].

Haole is NOT pronounced [how' lee].

Elongated Vowels
Nâ Hua Palapala Leo Kahi me nâ Kahakô

When a vowel has a kahakô (usually a straight line over the vowel, still unavailable on
the Internet; for our purposes, a "^" is used as a substitute), it is sounded by
emphatically elongating the vowel sound.

Vowels Sounds As in: Examples:

 â [AH] "Ahh! This is heaven." `âpala (apple)
[AH' pah lah]

ê [EH] "Hooray!" `Ê! (Hey!)

[EH!]

î [EE] "See!" `îlio (dog)

[EE' lee (y)oh]

ô [OH] "OH NO!" `ôpû (belly)

[OH' POO']

û [OO] "Oops!" Hûi! (Halloo!)

[HOO' (w)ee]

Consonants
Nâ Leokanipû

p, k About as in English but with less aspiration.

h, l, m, n About as in English.

w When it starts a word or Hawai`i

after "a", "w"- sound or
"v"-sound is acceptable.
[Hah wai' ee] or [Ha vai' ee]
Welina! (affectionate greeting)
[Veh lee' nah!] or
[Weh lee' nah!]

w After "i" and "e", usually "v"- iwi (bone) [ee' vee],
sound. Ewa (city on O`ahu) [eh' vah]

w After "u" and "o", usually kûwili (to spin in a dance)

"w"-sound. [KOO' wee lee]

wôwô (to roar, bellow)

[WOH' WOH']

` The `okina is a consonant, which sounds like the break in "Oh-oh, I

broke it." It signifies a breath break.
(`okina)

Diphthongs
Na Leo Hui O Nâ Palapala `Elua

Diphthong: [pronounced dip' thong] a vowel sound made up of two vowel sounds
pronounced together, such as ou in house, oi in noise.

As a general rule, vowels are pronounced separately EXCEPT when they appear as
diphthongs. The first vowel is always stressed, but the two vowels are not as closely
joined as in English.

• "ai" sounds like the "i" in ice.

 • "ae" sounds like I or eye.
• "ao" sounds like "ow" in how, but without a nasal twang.
• "au" sounds like the "ou" in house or out, but without a nasal twang.
• "ei" sounds like "ei" in chow mein or in eight.
• "eu" has no equivalent in English;
"eu" sounds like "eh-oo", run together, as a single syllable.
• "iu" sounds like the "ew" in few.
• "oi" sounds like the "oi" in voice
• "ou" sounds like the "ow" in bowl.

• "ui" is an unusual sound for English-speakers, sort of like the "ooey" in gooey,
but pronounced as a single syllable.

W and Y Glides
Nâ Kîkaha W a me Y

These glide sounds are automatically produced with certain vowel combinations. The
w- or y-sound can vary, sometimes barely audible and subtle to distinctly
pronounced, depending on the word and the speaker:

• W - glide examples:
o Maui [ Mau' (w)ee] (an island in the Hawaiian chain)
o `oe [oh (w)eh' ] (you)
o Auê [ au (W)EH'! ] (Oh no! Darn! Shucks!)
o lauoho [lau' (w)oh hoh] (hair)
• Y- glide examples:
o ia [ee' (y)ah] (he, she, it)

o `iâia [ee (Y)AH' (y)ah] (him, her; to him, to her)

Accent or Stress: Rules of Thumb

Kaulele: Nâ Lula Kumu

I. For all words: Accent syllables with kahakô.

o Example 1: kahakô [kah hah KOH'] a diacritical mark which indicates the
speaker should lengthen the sound of the vowel

o Example 2: kûpuna [KOO' poo nah] elders, ancestors

II. For words without kahakô: Accent syllables with diphthongs.

o Example 1: hau`oli [hau' oh lee] (happy)

o Example 2: umauma [oo mau' mah] (chest)

III. For words without kahakô or diphthongs: Accent the "next-to-last"

syllable.

o Example 1: hale [hah' leh] (house)

 o Example 2: aloha [ah loh' hah] (greetings, love, affection)

IV. For compound words (words made up of two or more words), break up the word
into its separate parts and use the "next-to-last" rule-of-thumb:

o Example 1: ku`uipo [koo' oo (y)ee' poh] = ku`u (my) + ipo (sweetheart)

o Example 2: holoholo [hoh' loh hoh' loh] (going out, carousing) = holo + holo

Exceptions exist: words containing five syllables without kahakô are stressed on the
first and fourth syllables: example: `elemakule (old man) [eh' leh mah koo' leh]. The final
stress in a word is usually louder than preceding stress or stresses.

Lesson 2

Greetings / Salutations

Aloha! Greetings! (salutations,

sympathies, expression of love
and affection)

Aloha Akua! God’s love!

Aloha mai! Aloha hither!

Aloha nô! Aloha indeed!

Aloha nui Much aloha!

Aloha nui loa! Very much aloha!

Aloha kakahiaka! Good morning! (6 a.m. to 10

a.m.)

• Aloha kakahiaka nui! Good early morning!

• Aloha kakahiaka aku! Good late morning!

Aloha awakea! Good noontime! (10 a.m. to 2

p.m.)

Aloha `auinalâ! Good afternoon (lit., declining

sun)! (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.)

Aloha ahiahi! Good evening! (6 p.m. to 10

p.m.)
Aloha e (Inoa)! Aloha, (Name)! As in, Aloha,
Craig!

Aloha `oe! Aloha to (one of) you! / May

you be loved!

Aloha `olua! Aloha to (two of) you!

Aloha `oukou! Aloha to (three or more of) you!

Aloha kâua! Aloha to you and me! / May

there be love and friendship
between us!

Aloha kâkou! Aloha to all of us!

`Ano `ai. Ancient word meaning aloha; a

warm salutation, still used.

`Ê! Hey!

`Eia nei! / Ei nei! A polite way of attracting

attention. Only used when
speaking to one person. You
there! (as between spouses,
often affectionate, replacing
"Darling!" / "Dear!"

`Eia `oe! In a kindly voice, an

affectionate welcome; in an
angry voice, displeasure. "So,
you have come!", "Well, you
have come!"

Hûi! Halloo! Yoo hoo!

Ke aloha nô! Lit., "The love indeed!"

`O `oe kâ! Oh, it's you!

Welina. A greeting similar to aloha, but

more anciently used. Also,
weli.

• Welina me ke aloha. Used as a salutation in a letter.

Lesson 3

Pleasantries
How are you?
 Pehea `oe? How are you (just one of you)?

• Pehea `olua? • How are you (two of

• Pehea `oukou? you)?
• How are you (3 or more)?
• Pehea `oe i kêia lâ?
• How are you today?

He aha ka mea hou? What's new?

Reply

Maika`i. I am fine.

• Maika`i nô. • Fine indeed.

• Maika`i nô au, mahalo. • I'm very well, thanks.

• Hau`oli au. / Hau`oli nô! • I am happy. / I'm happy

indeed.

`Oia mau. Same as usual.

`Oia mau nô. Same as usual. (more emphasis)

A `o `oe? And you?

• A `o `oe, pehea `oe? • And you, how are you?

• A pehea `oe? • And how are you?

• Maika`i `oe? • Are you fine?

`A`ole au maika`i. I am not fine.

• Luhi / mâluhiluhi au. • I am tired / fatigued.

• `Ôma`ima`i / ma`i au. • I am ill / sick.
• I am bored.
• Manakâ au.

Lesson 4

"Getting to know you, getting to know all about you…"

`O wai kou inoa? What is your name?

`O (Inoa) ko`u inoa.
Wai is the word that asks the question, who? Note that kou means
your and ko`u means my.
`O (Inoa) kou inoa?
`Ae, `o (Inoa) ko`u inoa.
`A`ole, `o (Inoa) ko`u inoa.
E kala mai ia`u, ua poina au, `o
wai kou inoa?
No hea mai `oe?
No Hawai`i mai au.
`Oia kâ? `O wau kekahi!
Akâ, i kêia manawa, noho au i
Moloka`i.
He aha kâu hana?
He (hana) au.
• mea hula / mea oli / mea
mele / haku mele
• malihini
• kumu / haumâna
• lawai`a / mahi`ai
• mâka`i / kinai ahi
• kauka / kahunapule
He haumâna `oe?
• `Ae, he haumâna au.
• `A`ole, he kumu au.
He kama`âina `oe?
He Hawai`i `oe?
• `Ae, he Hawai`i au.
• `A`ole, akâ he Hawai`i-i-
ka- pu`uwai.
• `Ae, he kanaka maoli au.
• `Ae, keiki o ka `âina wau.
My name is (Name).
Is (Name) your name?
Yes, my name is (Name).
No, my name is (Name).
Excuse me, I've forgotten, what
is your name?
Where are you from (originally)?
I am from Hawai`i.
For real / Really? Me, too.
But now, I live on Moloka`i.
What is your work / occupation?
/ What do you do?
I am a (occupation).
• hula dancer / chanter /
singer / composer
• visitor (also, newcomer)
• teacher / student
• fisherman / farmer
• policeman / fireman
• doctor / minister
Are you a student?
• Yes, I am a student.
• No, I am a teacher.
Are you a local person?
Are you Hawaiian?
• Yes, I am Hawaiian.
• No, but I am Hawaiian-at-
heart.
• Yes, I am an indigenous
Hawaiian.
• Yes, I am a child of the
land (native born).
 Lesson 5

Talking about the Weather…

Pehea kêia lâ? How's (the weather) today?

Nani noho`i kêia lâ! This is such a beautiful day!

Maka`i noho`i kê lâ! This is such a fine day!

Kekahi lâ i palekaiko wale nô. Just another day in paradise.

Auê ka nani! Oh, how beautiful!

Nui ka wela! / Wela ka lâ. It is so hot! / The sun is hot.

He lâ ______ kêia. This is a _______ day.

• anuanu / hu`hu`i • cold / chilly

• ua / makani / pouli • rainy / windy / overcast
• wela / ikiiki / mahana • hot / hot and humid / warm
• `olu`olu / mâlie • cool, pleasant / calm

• `ino • stormy

Nui ka ua! So much rain!

E nânâ! He ânuenue! Look! A rainbow!

Pi`i ka nalu! Surf's up!

Mâlie ke kai. Calm sea.

Kaiko`o. Rough sea.

`Oia no ho`i. / `Oia nô. That's for sure. / Yes, indeed.

 Lesson 6

CLOSINGS

A hui hou kâkou! Until we all meet again!

• A hui hou kâua! • Until you and I meet

again!

Aloha au / wau iâ `oe! I love you!

Aloha kekahi i kekahi. Love one another.

Aloha `oe! Farewell to you!

E noho me ka hau`oli. Be happy.

Ho`i! Return!

Kâ hea mai. Call me.

Kipa mai! Come visit!

Kipa hou mai! Come visit again!

Mahope! Later!

Mâlama pono! Take care! / Be careful.

Me ke aloha With love

Me ke aloha pau`ole With never-ending love

Me ke aloha pumehana With warm love

Me ke `oia`i`o Yours truly

Me ka pumehana With warmth

`O au nô me ka `oia`i`o I am yours, sincerely

Pili mau nâ pô maika`i. Best wishes.

• Me `oe pû. • Same to you.

• E pili mau nâ pômaika`i • May you always have

me `oe. good fortune.

Lesson 7

Conversational Acknowledgements

(Instead of Hm-hmm , Uh-huh, and Nods)

`Â. The Hawaiian version of Um,

what is said when pausing
between words.

Auê. Oh, wow. Oh, no. Oh, dear.

`Ê! / `Ê, `ê, `ê! Yeah! / Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hiki. Okay. Also, all right, can do.

Hiki nô. Hiki with more emphasis.

Maika`i. Good!

Maika`i loa. Very good!

Maika`i wale. How nice.

`Oia? Really?

`Oia `ia? Is that so?

`Oia kâ? For real?

`Oia kâ! You don't say!

`Oia ho`i! / `Oia no ho`i! That's for sure! I should say!

`Oia nô! Yes, that's so. Really, it's true.

`Oia paha. Yeah, I think so. That's likely it.

`A`oia! That's it!

`Oia`o nô! Really? Is that so?

Pêlâ paha. Maybe, perhaps.

`A`ole paha. Maybe not.

`A`ole pêlâ! It isn't so!

Pololei Correct.

Pono! Right!

Pono nô `oe! You're so right.

Lesson 8

Conversational Q&As (Questions and Answers)?

Aia ia hea? (Auhea?, Aihea?) Where?

• Auhea `oe? • Where are you?

• Aia i hea ka`u puke? • Where is my book?
• Aia i hea `o Pila? • Where is Bill?
• E hele ana `oe i hea? • Where are you going?

o Hele ana au i ke o I am going to town

kaona / i kahakai. / the beach.

Ma`ane`i. / I `ane`i. Right here.

Ma laila. / I laila. At that place.

Ma `ô. / I `ô. Over there.

`Ehia? How many?

• Hola `ehia kêia? • What time is it?

• `Ehia ou mau makahiki? • How old are you?

He aha? What?

• He aha kêia? • What's this?

• He __________ kêia. • This is a ___________.
• He aha kênâ? • What's that (near you)?
• He __________ kênâ. • That (near you) is a
 • He aha kêlâ?
• He __________ kêlâ.
• E aha ana `oe?
• `A`ohe. / Ua hana `oe.
• He aha kô makemake?
• He aha hou a`e?
• He aha ka pilikia?
Hiki?
• Hiki ia`u ke ho`oluhi iâ
`oe?
I ka wâ hea?
`Ike `oe?
• `Ae, `ike au.
• `A`ole au `ike.
• Pêlâ paha!
• `A`ole `oe e `ike?
Maopopo iâ `oe?
• `Ae, maopopo ia`u.
• `A`ole au maopopo.
Na wai kêia? / No wai kêia?
No hea mai `oe?
Mai hea mai `oe?
No ke aha?
No ka mea ___________.
`Oia kâ?
`O wai?
• `O wai kêia / kênâ /
kêlâ?
• `O (Inoa) kêia / kênâ /
kêlâ?
Pehea?
_________.
• What's that (over there)?
• That (over there) is a
_____.
• What are you doing?
• Nothing. / I am working.
• What do you want?
• What's next?
• What's the problem?
Can do?
• May I trouble you?
When?
Do you know?
• Yes, I know.
• No, I don't know.
• Maybe!
• You don't know?
Do you understand?
• Yes, I understand.
• No, I don't understand.
Whose is this?
Where are you from
(originally)?
Where did you come from?
Why?
Because __________.
For real? Really?
Who?
• Who is this / that (near
you) / that (over there)?
• This / That (near your) /
That (over there) is
(Name).
How?
 • Pehea kou mana`o?
• Pehea la?
• Pehea `oe e `ike ai?
• What do you think?
• How about it? / And
what?
• How do you know?

Pono paha? / Hewa paha? Is this right? / Is this wrong?

`Ua pono nô? / `Ua hewa? Is this right? / Is this wrong?

Lesson 9
Commands / Orders / Imperatives

`Auhea `oukou! Listen up (you all)!

`Âwîwî! Be quick!

E `ai kâkou! Let's all (2 or more) eat!

E `ôlelo Hawai`i / haole! Speak Hawaiian / English!

E `ôlelo Hawai`i, ke `olu`olu. Speak Hawaiian, please.

E `ôlelo hou. Say it again.

E `ôlelo mâlie. Speak slowly / calmly.

E `olu `olu, e `ôlelo Hawai`i. Please speak Hawaiian.

E ha`i mai. Tell me. Say it.

E hâlâwai kâkou! Let's meet!

E hele aku! Go away!

E hele mai! Come here!

E ho`oma`ama`a! Practice!

E ho`oma`ama`a. Practice.

E ho`omau. Continue. Keep at it.

E ho`opili mai. Repeat after me.

E kâkau iho `oe. Write it down.

E kali iki. Wait a moment.

E kôkua mai. Give me some help!

E lawe aku. Take (it) away.

E nânâ kâua i kâu puke. Let's (you and I) look at your

book.

E nânâ mai! Look over here.

E noho iho. Sit down.

E pâ`ani kâkou! Let's (2 or more) play!

E pule kâkou! Let's (2 or more) pray!

Ha`i mai! Tell me!

Hâmau ka leo! Be quiet!

Hana hou! Do it again!

Hele a hiamoe! Go to bed!

Hele aku! Go away! Beat it!

Hele mai! Come here!

Hele! Go ahead!

Ho`i! Return!

Ho`olohe! Listen!

Ho`omanawanui! Be patient!

Huli! Turn over!

Kâohi mai `oe! Hold fast!

Kôkua mai! Help me!

Komo mai! Come in!

Kulikuli! Shut up!

Mai e `ai! Come and eat!

Mâlama pono! Be careful! (Take care!)

Nânâ! Look!

Noho! Sit! Stay!

Noke. Keep at it.

 Lesson 10

Ho`okipa ~ Hospitality

"Even the poorest would generally share their scanty dish of

potatoes with a stranger. Not to entertain a guest with what they
have, is, among themselves, considered reproachful; and there are
many, who, if they had but one pig or fowl in the yard, or one root of
potatoes in the garden, would cheerfully take them to furnish a
repast for a friend." ~ Wm. Ellis

The historian Malo warns, however, against "thrusting one's self on

the hospitality of one's neighbor."

Pronunciation Guide

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian: English:
Heahea. Welcome (no precise
equivalent).
heahea, kâhea, pâ kâhea Call of welcome.
E komo mai! Mai! He mai! Come in! Come! Come!
(Welcome!)
Ho`okipa i ka malihini. To welcome guests.
Mele komo. Welcoming song.
I kû â hele mai i ka `âina, he Expression of welcome:
hale, he `ai, he i`a nou, nou ka should (you wish to) come to
`âina. the land, there is a house, poi,
fish for you, the land is for you.
E komo mai! Come in!
Mai e `ai. Come and eat.
E ho`okama`âina. Make yourself at home (said to
strangers).
He hale kou. You have a house (fig., you are
always welcome here).
Nou ka hale. The house is yours.
E noho `oe, ke `olu`olu. Sit, please. Stay, please.
He makana nâu. A gift for you.

• Na`u anei kêia? • Is this for me?

• Nâu wale nô. • Just for you.

"I hele i kauhale, pa`a pû`olo i "In going to the houses of
ka lima." others, carry a package in
hand."

To go empty-handed is an
affront and embarrassment to
both host and guest.
These days, this saying still applies. It is bad form to go to a
social gathering empty-handed. Even if your host demurs
(better not to even ask, "What can I bring?"), bring an ice chest
filled with your and your host's favorite beverages, enough for
yourself, your host and others. Bring a dish, pûpû (appetizer),
and/or dessert. While acceptable on the mainland, a bag of
chips and store-bought dip or sandwiches are poor form in
Hawai`i. Leave any leftovers with the host; stock the
refrigerator with leftover drinks in your cooler. Manini (stingy)
guests do not get reinvited. And don't forget to reciprocate. It's
the Hawaiian way.
Ua `ai `oe? Have you eaten?

• Pôloli `oe? / `Ae, pôloli • Are you hungry? / Yes,

au! I'm hungry!

• Makewai `oe? / `Ae, • Are you thirsty? / Yes,

makewai au! I'm thirsty!
I wai nâu? / I wai na`u, ke Some water for you? / Water
`olu`olu. for me please.
Ua mâ`ona `oe? Are you full? (Have you had
enough to eat?)
He `ono! Delicious!

• Nui ka `ono! • How delicious!

• `Ono loa! • Very tasty!
• `Ono ka pu`u! • Full of flavor!
• Kînâ `ole. • Flawless. (Perfect)

• Helu `ekahi! • First rate! Number one!

Ua pae ka wa`a! (I'm full) Lit., the canoe has
landed
• Lawa kêla!
• That's enough!
• Ua lawa.
• Enough.
`Ai pono, e ola. Eat right, live well.
 Mahalo nui loa. Thank you very much.
He mea iki. Just a trifle. (You're welcome.)

• `A`ole pilikia. • No trouble. (You're

welcome.)

Kipa mai. / Kipa mai hou! Come visit. / Come visit again!

Lesson 11
Hawaiian Gift-giving

`Ôlelo Hawai`i (Hawaiian): `Ôlelo Haole (English):

He makana nâu. A gift for you.

• Na`u anei kêia? • Is this for me?

• Nâu wale nô. • Just for you.

`Ôlelo No`eau ~ Wise Sayings

"I hele i kauhale, pa`a pû`olo i ka lima." "In going to the houses of others,
carry a package in hand."

To go empty-handed is an affront and

embarrassment to both host and visitor.

"He wahî pa`akai." "Just a packet of salt."

Gifts that are grown or made by the

giver are the best, as it is imbued with
the giver's spirit, creating a "mystic
bond".

"E `ôpû ali`i." "Have a stomach like a chief."

Fig., Be kind and generous as a chief.

"`A`ohe lokomaika`i i nele i ke pâna`i." "No kind heart lacks a reward."

 The Hawaiian version of the Golden Rule.

If one is treated well, generously, and

hospitably, the courtesy to the same
extent is to be returned.

Different Kinds of Gifts

`âlana Offering, especially a free-will offering.

`âlana aloha Peace offering, offering of love.

`âlana kuni Burnt offering, offering to procure

death by sorcery.

ha`awina Grant, contribution, honorarium,

donation.

ho`ina A farewell gift, especially as a parting

gift after a feast.

ho`okupu A ceremonial gift given as a sign of

honor or respect, often to a chief or
deity; church offering.

louulu A betrothal gift sent from one family to

another.

makana Gift, present; reward, award, prize.

Makana ka ho`i (What a gift!),
sometimes said sarcastically, by an
ungrateful person.

makana aloha Gift of friendship or love; freewill

offering.

makana hele Parting gift. Lit., going gift.

`oloa A gift to a newborn child.

pâlala / palaloa A gift or tax given to a chief at the

birth of a child; to honor a child with a
gift; house-warming feast.

pani Final gift in a ho`okupu (gift-giving as a

sign of honor and respect) ceremony.

wainohia A gift of affection.

Nâ Makana Makamae ~ Treasured Gifts

hulu Feather, quill, plumage. Objects made of

feathers were the most valuable,
aesthetically and materially, and were
exchanged among ali`i (royalty) and as
gifts to warriors with prowess.
niho palaoa Carved whale tooth. Rare, highly prized,
worn by high chiefs. Take a look at Uncle
Charlie's lei palaoa.

kâhili Royal feather standards.

Other gifts include canoes, adzes, bowls, pieces of kapa, and fishhooks. Valued intrinsic
gifts include feelings of kôkua (helpfulness), lokomaika`i (kindliness), and aloha.

Gift-giving with Aloha

hâ`awi lokomaika`i To give freely, openhanded.

hâ`awi wale To give freely, gratis.

ho`onu`a Give lavishly, generously, continuously.

kahiau To give generously or lavishly with the

heart and without expectation of return.

kihikau To give lavishly.

manuahi Gratis, free of charge.

pâna`i Reciprocate, whether good or bad; to

pay back, reward, or revenge. Repay
each gift with something at least
equivalent to what is received; giving
more is better.

pu`upâ To give and receive freely.

hâ`awi manawale`a / manawale`a Give gladly.

Pseudo-Gift-giving / Poor Etiquette

"Genuine (gift-giving) can only take place when no exchange of money is involved, or more
precisely, when something is given without any thought of getting something back except
the pleasure of giving and purest aloha." ~ George Hu`eu Kanahele

hâ`awi papa he`e nalu Give for the sake of receiving a gift;
trade, buy and sell.

helu Counting.

Refers to the graceless, offensive

behavior of recalling past favors to get
something back. The person so offended
often returned the gift.

kû`ai Trade. To return a gift immediately

savored of trade, and cheapened the
gift.

When one had been given a gift in a bowl

or dish, the container was kept for a
 few days before returned, filled with
something.

ku`aku`ai Give for the sake of receiving a gift;

trade, buy and sell.

maua Failure to return a gift.

Mahalo

Mahalo "Thank you", gratitude, appreciation.

There is no precise equivalent of thank you in

Hawaiian.

As with Native Americans and other Polynesians, saying thank you upon receiving a gift was
considered unnecessary and offensive. The unspoken grace and humility in receiving the
gift "spoke" volumes.

To give proper thanks for a gift, give a gift back, preferably of greater value. Each new
exchange lends value, prestige and mana to all concerned, creating a positive spiraling
effect generated by generosity and hospitality.

Mahalo nui loa. Thank you (not an exact translation)

very much.

Mahalo â nui.

`O wau nô me ka mahalo. I am, (yours) in gratitude.

>> Hawaiian Greetings & Sentiments

Lesson 12

Ka Manawa ~ Time
 Units of Time
ke kekona second

ka minuke minute

ka hola hour

ka lâ day

ka pule week

ka anahulu 10-day span

ka mahina month

ka makahiki year

ka lâpule, Sunday, the 2nd of September

ka lâ `elua o kepakemaka

Helu Uaki / Telling Time

Ua kani ka hola `umi. It is 10 o' clock.

Hapalua ka hola `umi. Half-past 10.

Hapahâ i hala ka holo `umi. Quarter past 10.

Hapahâ koe, kani ka hola `umi. Quarter to 10.

`Ane`ane ka hola `umi. Almost 10.

Ua hala iki ka hola `umi. A little after 10.

`Umi minuke i koe, kani ka hola Ten minutes before five.

`elima

Nâ Lâ o ka Pule / Days of the Week

Lâpule Sunday; Lit., day prayer.

Pô`akahi Monday; Lit., first night.

Pô`alua Tuesday; Lit., second night.

Pô`akolu Wednesday; Lit., third night.

Pô`ahâ Thurday; Lit., fourth night.

Pô`alima Friday; Lit., fifth night.

Pô`aono Saturday; Lit., sixth night.

Nâ Mahina / Months

Ianuali January

Pepeluali February

Malaki March

`Apelila April

Mei May

Iune June

Iulai July

`Aukake August

Kepakemapa September

`Okakopa October

Nowemapa November

Kêkêmapa December

`alemanaka calendar

Nâ Kau / Seasons

kupulau, la`a ulu, kau o spring

makalapua

kau wela summer

hâ`ule lau, la`a make fall

ho`oilo, kau anu winter

wâ ua, manawa ua, la`a ua rainy season

kau hua fruit season

la`a make season of dying plants

wâ he`e octopus season

Nâ Hua `Ôlelo Manawa / Time-related Words

li`u, li`uli`u, kûlô`ihi a long time, to take a long time
a pô ka lâ all day
`ane`ane almost
mau always
ka wâ kahiko ancient time
ka manawa e hiki mai ana any possible time
i ka wâ mua before; lit., in the time before
hiki mua beforehand, pre-
ma mua o ka manawa, ma mua o early
ka hola
`akahi nô first time
no ka manawa, kûikawâ for a short time, for the time
being
mau loa, i ka wâ pau`ole, kau â forever, eternal, everlasting
kau, nalo loa
manawa ka`awale free time
pinepine frequently, often
i kêlâ manawa i kêia manawa from time to time
wâ maika`i / wâ pôpilikia good times / bad times
ma hope aku hereafter
koke, hikiwawe, wawe immediate
koke, manawa `ole, `emo `ole immediately
hope, muli, nei, aku nei last (most recent)

• hope loa, muli hope • very last

• i ka pô nei • last night
• kêlâ pule aku nei • last week

• kêlâ pule aku nei a ia pule • week before last

aku
lohi, hope, mahope, kûli`u late
 • aumoe • late at night

• moe awakea • late sleeper

a`e nei, `ânô iho nei, `ânô wale lately
iho nei nô
ma hope aku later

• â `oi • a little later

• hola `elua â `oi • a little later than two
• kêia lâ aku o`clock
• later today
• Mahope aku au.
• I'll come later.
`a`ole, `a`ole loa never
a`e, hope, hiki next

• kêia pule a`e • next week

• kêia pule a`e ia pule aku • week after next

i kêia manawa, `ânô now
pinepine, nui often
(i ka) hola kûpono on time
lâ aku nei other day
kaulele overtime
ho`ohala manawa; ho`olalau pass the time
kaka`ikahi, `a`ole hana mau `ia, rare, infrequent
laha `ole, mea laha `ole
manawa `ânô real time, as in computer lingo
helu manawa recorded duration
ho`opa`a manawa reserve (time)
mahope mai, ho`ohua nô since
ka wâ kamali`i "small kid time"
kekahi wâ, kekahi manawa sometime

• kekahi manawa • some other time

• kekahi lâ • some other day

koke, auane`i, koe, aku, eia aku soon
kani strike (as a clock)
`â laila then; Â laila, hele mai ke ali`i (The
 chief then came).
â till
kâ`ei hola time zone, as Pacific or Rocky
Mtn.
helu manawa, uaki, uâki to time, as speed or duration.
kêia lâ, i kêia lâ / kêia pô, i kêia today / tonight
pô
`apôpô tomorrow

• `apôpô a iâ lâ aku • day after tomorrow

Kâ`ei Môlehulehu Twilight Zone
manawa pa`a mau usual / regular time
ho`opau manawa waste time
lâ noa weekday
hopenapule weekend
i kêlâ pule me kêia pule weekly
aia a; ke; i (adverb: future) when

hea (interrogative)

âhea (future)

inâhea (past)
`oiai, `oi, i, i ka manawa, i ka wâ while

• Ia`u • While I
• aku nei • a while ago
• ho`ohala manawa; • To while away the time
kûkahekahe (pleasantly)

• `oi ola honua • While there is time

i nehinei yesterday

• i ke ahiahi o nehinei o yesterday evening

• nehinei a iâ lâ aku o day before yesterday

Lesson 13

Human Speech
`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole
Hawaiian English
ha`ia`o (oral) instruction
`aki`aki backbiting speech
kaena bragging

• liki • bragging with

gesticulation
kama`ilio ho`onanea, keaka chat

• pua`ohi • chatterbox
nukunuku chiding or nagging
walâ`au confused talk of the
multitude; informal chatter
kama`ilio conversation
kikê dialogue
`ôhumu faultfinding, with angry
(huhû) overtones
waipahê gentleness and in speech
and manners is expressed
with this word, which
means, "smooth as
undisturbed water";
Hawaiians are averse to
loud noises and
obstreperous, rude talk.
ni`ani`a gossips, accusers,
slanderers
`okolekê kind of unintelligible play or
foreign language created for
unsavory purposes
nehiwa lascivious talk; in secret
talk, with transposed
syllables, means wahine
kake lingo, often used for secret
purposes, covert
communication between
chiefs, also for licentious
purposes
ko`eko`e marital squabbling, from the
sound of the sound of the
kapa mallet
pule prayer, uttering of
 incantations
• pupule
• lunatic
kûkâlâ proclamation; auctioneer’s
cries means, "stand and
call"
`e`ehia rapt attention, the solemn
hush of an assembly
wawâ rumor
pâkîkê saucy rejoinder; talking
back
`ôlelo haumia smutty language
pâhemahema i ka speak brokenly
ho`onohonoho `ana i nâ
hua `ôlelo
`ekemu speak but little
`ôlelo akahele, aka`ôlelo speak cautiously,
deliberately
ko`iko`i ka `ôlelo speak forcefully
`âwaha, ho`okala speak harshly, bluntly
leo `iki speak softly
hewa ka waha speak too much, hastily
namunamu speak unintelligibly, as with
an impediment or foreign
language, babbling; rapid,
indistinct articulation
kâholo ka `ôlelo speak vaguely
`ôlelo speech or language; to
speak
• alelo
• tongue
ha`i`ôlelo speech; sermon
palauolelo talking and not doing
anything; palaver
`â`â to be mute
`ûhene to converse quietly and
romantically; to tease
coquettishly; to play a merry
tune
mumule to sit silent
 `u`u`u to stammer
pa`ipa`i to tell someone what he
ought to do
ho`olele leo ventriloquism
leo voice; sound
hawanawana whispering

Lesson 14

Nâ Kani Kanaka ~ Human Sounds

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian English

kihe sneeze
[kee' heh]

ki`o to break wind, to move

[kee' oh] bowels.

• to break wind,
• pûhi`ohi`o noiselessly.
[POO' hee oh hee oh],
pûhihio [POO' hee • to break wind, audibly.
hee (y)oh]

• pûhi`u [POO' hee oo]

kunu cough
[koo' noo]
• a rattling, clattering
sound
• hawewe
[hah veh' veh]

mauli`awa hiccup
[mau' lee ah vah]

mimi, mî urinate
[mee' mee], [MEE]

mûkî suck
[MOO' KEE']

nonô snore
[noh NOH']
 neke scratch
[neh' keh]

nau gnaw
[nau]

omo swallow
[oh' moh]
• gargling or gurgling
sound of swallowing
• `olâ`olâ
[oh LAH' oh LAH']

ûhâ belch
[OO' HAH']
• hawk up phlegm

• pûhâ
[POO' HAH']

uwê wailing for the dead; tearful

[oo WEH'] crying.

• mourning sounds
• kah nee `uhû
[kah nee oo HOO'],

kûmâkena
[KOO' MAH' keh nah]

Lesson 15

Nâ Kani o nâ Holoholona ~ Animal Sounds

`Ôlelo Hawai`i Hawaiian / `Ôlelo Haole English

Onomatopoeia: the formation of a name or word by

imitating the sound associated with the thing designated, as
in buzz, hiss, splash, cuckoo.

Animal Sound

manu bird `io chirp, twitter

[ee' (y)oh]

pio peep
[pee' (y)oh]

pôpoki cat `owau meow

 [oh wau']
mew, purr
nino
[nee' noh]

piopio chick piopio peep

[pee' (y)oh pee'
(y)oh]

pipi cow umô lowing

[oo MOH']

uwô bellowing
[oo WOH']

`îlio dog hae bark

[hae]

o`aoa bow wow

[oh ao' (w)ah]

haha pant
[hah' hah]

yelp
nâ
[NAH]

nunulu growl
[noo noo' loo]

kêkake, miula donkey, mule ha`u, ha`uha`u bray

[hah' oo], [ha' oo
hah' oo]

hohô heehaw
[hoh HOH']

`ehako dove nûnû coo coo

[NOO' NOO']

kakâ duck, kakâ quack

domesticated [kah KAH']

moa wahine hen kokô cluck (as after

[koh KOH'] laying an egg)

pukakâ cackle
[poo kah KAH']

pûkôkô cluck (hen in

[POO' KOH' KOH'] alarm)

lio horse ihiihi neighing

[ee hee (y)ee' hee]

kao, hipa goat, sheep mâ`â`â baa

[MAH' AH' AH']

kôlea golden plover kôlea (English equivalent

[KOH' leh (y)ah] not known)
nênê goose nênê honk
[NEH' NEH']

unele honk
[oo neh' leh]

`ekelo mynah bird `ekelo chatter

[eh keh' loh]

pueo owl ke`u hoot

[keh' oo]

pua`a pig, hog ha`u snort

[hah' oo]
grunt
hû, nû
[HOO], [NOO]

pîkake peacock Ô (English equivalent

[OH] not known)

`iole rat wîwî squeal

[VEE' VEE']

moa kâne rooster `o`o`o cockle-a-

[oh oh' oh] doodle-doo
hipa sheep `alalâ bleat; cries of all
[ah lah LAH'] young animals.
pelehû turkey kolokolo gobble, gobble
[koh' loh koh' loh]

`ûlili `ûlili bird `ûlili (English equivalent

[OO' lee lee] not known)

Lesson 16

Nâ Kani o ka Wai ~ Water Sounds

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian English

kî squirting of water
[KEE]

ninini pouring of water

[nee nee' nee]

kapîpî sprinkling of water

[kah PEE' PEE']

nakulu patter, pitter patter of

[nah koo' loo] raindrops
paka
[pah' kah]

lokuloku
[loh' koo loh' koo]

nû
[NOO]

nâkulukulu gentle dripping of raindrops

[NAH' koo loo koo loo]

`ûhâ dashing of waves against sea

[OO' HAH'] cliffs

Nê murmuring, as the sea;

[NEH'] rippling of waves

kamumu murmuring of waves; roar, as

[kah moo' moo] approaching rain; also,
rustling, as wind; crunching,
thud, thump, as of walking

Lesson 17

Mea `Ai no ka `Aina Kakahiaka

Breakfast Food

KA `ÔLELO HAWAI`I KA `ÔLELO HAOLE

(HAWAIIAN) : (ENGLISH) :

Nâ Hua `Âina Kakahiaka A Me Wai Hua

Breakfast Fruit and Fruit Juices

ka ipu `ala cantaloupe

ka meleni, ka ipu melon

ka papaia, papaya
ka mîkana,
ka hê`î

ka wai hua `ai fruit juice, fruit punch

• wai hua `ai kuawa • guava juice

• wai hua `ai `âlani • orange juice

• wai hua `ai liliko`i- • passion-orange-

`âlani-kuawa guava (P.O.G.) juice

Breakfast Entrees
ka siriala cereal

• ka pelene • bran
• ka `okamila • oatmeal
• ka hua waina malo`o • raisin

• ka palaoa lûlû • mush (Hawaiian style, made

with flour and water)

ka hua moa egg (chicken)

• ka hua palai • fried egg

• ka hua mo`a loa
• ka hua kai,
ka hua pâkâ
• ka hua me`a hapa
• ka kauô melemele
• ka kauô ke`oke`o
• hard-boiled egg
• scrambled egg
• soft-boiled egg
• egg yolk
• egg white

ka `i`o no ka `aina breakfast meats:

kakahiaka:
• bacon
• ka pekona, • corned beef, fresh
ka `i`o pua`a uahi • corned beef, canned
• ka pipi Kelemânia • sausage
• ke kini pipi, pipi kini o Portuguese
• ka na`aukake sausage
o ka na`aukake
Pukikî • ham

• ka pua`a hame

ka `uala kahiki kolikoli, hash brown potatoes

ka `uala kolikoli

ka palaoa pikeke, biscuit

ka pikeke

ke koneko doughnut

ka mâpina muffin

• ka mâpine pelene • bran muffin

ka palaoa palai pancake

• ke kale palaoa • pancake batter

• ka palaoa wai ko`ana • buttermilk pancake
waiûpaka
• unleavened pancake
• kapalaoa linalina

ka palaoa pûha`uha`u popovers

ka palaoa pâpa`a toast

 • ka palaoa pâpa`a • French toast
Palani

ka palaoa kîpo`opo`o waffle

Nâ Mea Inu `Âina Kakahiaka

Breakfast Beverages

• ke kôkô • cocoa

• ke kokoleka • chocolate

ke kope coffee

• `âlope `ole • decaffeinated

• ke kôpa`a • sugar

• ke kalima • cream

ka waiû milk

• ka waiû ho`opilipili • imitation milk

• ka waiû kia
• ka waiû `aila iki
• ka waiû he`e
• ka waiû piha
• ka pahu waiû
• condensed milk
• low-fat milk
• skim milk
• whole milk
• milk carton

• ka wai ko`ana • buttermilk

waiûpaka

Breakfast Condiments
Nâ Hô`ono`ono `ai
ka waiûpaka, ka paka butter

ka makalina margarine

ke kalima cream

ka meli, ka wai meli, ka honey

hone

ke kele jelly

• ke kele waina • grape jelly

• ke kele kuawa • guava jelly

• ke kele `ôhelo papa • strawberry jelly

ke kele pahê jam

ke kai mêpala maple syrup

ka pînekipaka peanut butter

 ke kôpa`a sugar

• ke kôpa`a hô`ae`ae • powdered sugar

• ke kôpa`a pu`upu`u • lump sugar
• ke kôpa`a `ula`ula • brown sugar

• ke kôpa`a • white (refined) sugar

ho`oke`oke

Lesson 18

Nâ Mea Inu
Drinks / Beverages

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian English
kôkô / kokoleka cocoa / chocolate

• mahamelo / masamelo • marshmallow

kope coffee

• kôpa`a • sugar

• kalima • cream
mea inu ho`ohu`ihu`i cold beverage
wai hua `ai fruit juice, fruit punch

• wai hua `ai kuawa • guava juice

• wai hua `ai `âlani • orange juice
• wai hua `ai liliko`i-`âlani- • passion-orange-guava
kuawa (P.O.G.) juice

• wai lemi • lemonade

Hawaiian drinks

• `awa • kava, root is used to make

• aumiki a narcotic drink
• fresh water mixed with
• pokiwai noni juice, drunk after
kava.

• a drink of either warm or

cold water, with sugar and
 cream.
wai `ona liquor, intoxicating drinks

• `alekohola • alcohol
• pia • beer
o `ômole o ka pia o bottle of beer
o `eke`eke pia o six-pack of beer
o pû`olo pia o twelve-pack of beer
o pahu pia o case of beer
• kini, wai ali`i • gin
• lama • rum
• waina • wine

• wekekê • whiskey
waiû milk

• wai ko`ana waiûpaka • buttermilk

• waiû kia • condensed milk
• waiû ho`opilipili • imitation milk
• waiû `aila iki • low-fat milk
• waiû he`e • skim milk
• waiû piha • whole milk

• pahu waiû • milk carton

koloaka soda water

• koka / kini koka • soda / can of soda

• `ela kinika • ginger ale

kî tea

• wai kî • iced tea

wai water

• wai hau • iced water

• wai pi`ipi`i • mineral / sparkling water
• wai paipu • tap water
• wai wela paipu • hot tap water

• pua `iwai • water fountain

Drinking-related Words
A toast!

• Kâmau! • Lit., keep on, persevere.

• Huli pau!
• `Ôkole maluna!
• Kâmau kî`aha i `olu, i
pahe`e i kô pu`u ke moni.
• Lit., overturn completely.
• Lit., anus up. (Considered
vulgar)
• Tip the glass and enjoy it ;
 let it glide down your
throat as you swallow
(song).
`ômole bottle
mea wehe kini / mea wehe can opener / bottle opener
`ômole
pola, ipu / pâ li`li`i cup / saucer
mea inu drink
inu ho`omaika`i drinking
kî`aha drinking glass

• kî`aha aniani • drinking glass, of glass

• kî`aha `ea • plastic drinking glass

• kî`aha pepa • paper drinking glass

meaomômo drinking straw
E kâmau kî`aha kâkou (3+)/kâua Let's have a drink.
(you and I).
inu to drink
inu lama, pâ kî`aha, ho`okâmau to drink intoxicants
inu â kena to drink until satisfied
pâkela inu to drink excessively
inu li`ili`i to drink sparingly
inu pâkiko to drink temperately
ho`înu, ho`ohâinu, hâinu, to give to drink
ho`okâmau
`ona drunk
pûkê kî`aha to touch glasses, as in drinking.
kî`aha inu waina wine glass

Lesson 19

Hô`ono`ono `ai
Condiments

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian English
waiûpaka, paka butter
makalina margarine
wai nîoi chili pepper water
kalima cream
meli, wai meli, hone honey
kele jelly

• kele waina • grape jelly

• kele kuawa • guava jelly

• kele `ôhelo papa • strawberry jelly

kele pahê jam
kai mêpala maple syrup
meoneki mayonnaise
masakeke mustard
kai kupekio oyster sauce
waiûpa`a pamesana Parmesan cheese
pînekipaka peanut butter
pikala pickle
mea ho`o`ono`ono `ai salad dressing
pa`akai / pepa salt / pepper

• pa`akai `alaea • red (from red earth) salt

koiû shoyu
kôpa`a sugar

• kôpa`a hô`ae`ae • powdered sugar

• kôpa`a pu`upu`u • lump sugar
• kôpa`a `ula`ula • brown sugar

• kôpa`a ho`oke`oke • white (refined) sugar

Lesson 20

Main Dishes: Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Etc.

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole
Hawaiian English
`I`o ~ Meat
pipi beef, cow

• pipi ko`ala • broiled steak

• pipi palai • fried steak
• `i`o pipi i wili `ia • hamburger
• pipi loke • roast beef

• ake pipi • beef liver

pua`a pork, pig

• pekona / `i`o pua`a uahi • bacon (lit, meat pig

• pua`a hame smoked)
• ham
• `âpana pua`a
• pork chop
hipa keiki lamb
na`aukake `Amelika hot dog
na`aukake sausage
`i`o pipi keiki veal
Nâ Manu `Ai `Ia Like Me Ka Moa ~ Poultry
moa chicken

• moa palai • fried chicken

• moa `oma • roasted chicken
• pâlaumoa • drumstick
• umauma moa • breast

• `ûhâ • thigh
kakâ duck
pelehû turkey

• pelehû `oma • roast turkey

He Mea `Ai O Ke Kai ~ Seafood
pâua abalone
`ôlepe clam
pâpa`i crab
i`a fish
ula / `ômâ lobster / Maine lobster
he`e octopus
kupekio oyster
pepeiao scallop
`ôpae shrimp
mûhe`e squid (cuttlefish)
Kêlâ Me Kêia ~ Miscellaneous
mea `ono pua`a manapua (Chinese pork-filled
bun)
pai pika, pika pizza
kinipai pot pie
nâ palaoa me nâ mea sandwich, lit, the bread with the
hô`ono`ono i waena delicious things in between
pakeki spaghetti

Lesson 21

He Mau Kôpia
Carbohydrates

KA `ÔLELO HAWAI`I KA `ÔLELO HAOLE

(HAWAIIAN) : (ENGLISH) :

ka makaloni macaroni

ka kaula `ai noodles

ka poi poi

ka laiki rice

ka mea ho`opihapiha stuffing

ka `uala potato

• ka `uala kahiki • hashed-brown potato

kolikoli • scalloped potato
• sweet potato
• ka `uala kahiki
pepeiao • irish (white) potato
• ka `uala

• ka `uala kahiki

ka `ulu cooked, unpounded

breadfruit
 ka nulu ka `îkâlia pasta

Bakery Goods

ka palaoa, ka pelena bread

• ka pelena, ka hû • unleavened bread

`ole • slice of bread
• loaf of bread
• ka pâpa`a palaoa
• round loaf of bread
• ka `omo`omo
palaoa • whole wheat
• ka pôpô palaoa

• ka huika piha

ka pelena cracker

ka mâpina muffin

ka palaoa mûha`uha`u popover

ka palaoa li`ili`i roll

Lesson 22

He Mau Mea `Ai Waiû

Dairy Products

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian English
waiûpaka butter
waiûpa`a cheese, lit., milk hard
waiûpa`a keka Cheddar cheese
waiûpa`ahakuhaku cottage cheese
waiûpa`a Pamesana Parmesan cheese
waiûpa`a Kuikilani Swiss cheese
kalima cream
`aikalima, haukalima ice cream

• kone `aikalima • ice cream cone

• pâhina • ice cream topping

waiû milk

• wai ko`ana waiûpaka • buttermilk

• waiû ho`opilipili • imitation milk
• waiû `aila iki • low-fat milk
• waiû he`e • skim milk
• waiû piha • whole milk

• pahu waiû • milk carton

waiûtepe yogurt

• waiûtepe • frozen yogurt

Lesson 23

Lau `Ai
Produce

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian English
kawowo `alapapa alfalfa sprout
`alikoka artichoke
pâpapa bean

• pâpapa ha`a • bush bean

• pâpapa laima • lima bean
• pâpapa loloa • long bean
• pâpapa koiû • soy bean

• pâpapa hihi • string bean

kawowo pâpapa bean sprout
pike beet
palakakî broccoli
kâpiki cabbage
kâloke carrot
kalipalaoa cauliflower
kelaki, kalelê celery
kûlina `ono corn, sweet
kaikona daikon
lahopipi eggplant
hâpu`u fern
garlic

• `aka`akai pîlau • lit., smelly onion

• `aka`akai pûpû • lit., bunched onion

`awapuhi `ai ginger, lit., edible onion
lekuke lettuce
Melehune, kûkaelio mushroom
`aka`akai onion

• `aka`akai lau • lit., green onion, leaves

• `aka`akai `o`a eaten with salt salmon
• green onion with purple
bulb becoming white
close to tip
• `aka`akai lina
• green onion with white
bulb with purple inside
common variety of onion

• `aka`akai kula pepeiao • big, yellowish onion

• `aka`akai kû makahiki • purplish, annual onion

• `aka`akai mahina • wild onion, lit., moon

onion
pakalî parsley
pâpapa poepoe pea
nîoi pepper, red

• nîoi kâmakahala • chili pepper

• nîoi nunui • large peppers, much

liked by Hawaiians in
relishes, lit., big pepper

`uala potato

• `uala kahiki Palani palai • French fried potato

• `uala kahiki kolikoli • hashed-brown potato
• `uala kahiki pepeiao • scalloped potato
• `uala • sweet potato

• `uala kahiki • Irish (white) potato

lakika radish
sâleta salad
ho`o`no`ono lau `ai salad dressing
 • waiûpa`a polû
• Kakalina • blue cheese
• Palani • Catalina
• Ikalia • French
• wahi hânai pipi • Italian
• Kaukani Moku • Ranch
• Thousand Island
• waina a me wîneka
• wine and vinegar
pipinola squash
kalo, `ai taro
`ôhia, `ôhia lomi, `ôhia haole, tomato
komako, kamako
`ai vegetable food, taro
lû`au young taro leaves
sûkini zucchini

Lesson 24

He Mau Monamona a me Kanakê

Desserts and Candies

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian English
mea `ono palauni, palauni brownie
mea `ono cake
kanakê candy
kanakê kalamela caramel candy
kanakê kokoleka chocolate candy
haupia coconut pudding, made with
coconut cream, sugar,
cornstarch.
mea `ono kuki, kuki cookie
monamona dessert
koneko doughnut
hauwaiûtepe frozen yogurt
hua fruit
kokoleka pâhoehoe fudge
`ûnina gelatin
`awakeke gingerbread
`aikalima ice cream

• kone `aikalima • ice cream cone

• pâhina • ice cream topping

hau kahi `ia ice shave, shaved ice
pâpapa kele jelly bean
kanakê `au, kô omômo lollipop, sucker
waiû luliluli milk shake
pakê pîneke peanut brittle
pai pie

• pai `âpala • apple pie

• pai niu • coconut pie
• pai hua • custard, egg, fruit pie
• pai pû, pai pala`ai • pumpkin pie
• pai wela nâ mea `oki`oki • hot mince pie
`ia
• piece of pie
• `âpana o ka pai
`aikalima `au popsicle
pûkini pudding

• pûkini mai`a • banana pudding

• pûkini kokoleka • chocolate pudding

• pûkini wanila • vanilla pudding

mea `ono `ôhelo papa strawberry shortcake
kûlolo pudding, made with baked or
steamed grated taro and coconut
cream.

Lesson 25
 Nâ Mea O Ke Pâkaukau
Table Setting

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian English
pola / `umeke bowl
`ie palaoa bread basket
ihoiho candle
ipukukui, kû ihoiho candlestick
`ûpâ koli kukui candlestick snuffer
lâ`au `ai, lâ`au lâlau mea `ai chopsticks
pola, ipu / pâ li`li`i cup / saucer
papa`aina, papa pâ`ina, dining table
pâkaukau `aina
pâ pepa paper plate
alelomo`o party favor
pâ plate
`ô fork
kî `aha (drinking) glass
pâ aniani glass dish
pahi knife
kâwele napkin
pâ saleta salad plate
pâ hohonu soup plate, lit., deep plate
puna spoon
uhi pâkaukau, pale pâkaukau tablecloth
moena kau pâkaukau tablemat
kî `aha inu waina wineglass

Lesson 26
 Nâ Mea Ho`onani (Ho`oma`ma`e) Kino
Toiletries

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian: English:
lopi niho dental floss; to floss one's
teeth
lûkini pô`ae`ae deodorant
houpo diaphragm
aniani mirror

• aniani pa`a lima • hand-held mirror

• aniani pâiki, aniani • small mirror to keep in

li`ili`i purse
pahi kahi razor
kopa soap
lâ`au pulupulu swab (cotton), q-tip
hainakâ pepa tissue
palaki niho toothbrush

• poho palaki niho • toothbrush container,

usually made of plastic
• kauna palaki niho
• toothbrush holder
pauka niho toothpaste

• (ke) pani • toothpaste cap

• poho pauka niho • toothpaste tube

kele ho`opahe`e Vaseline / petrolatum
Na mea lauoho / Hair accessories
nâ mea lauoho hair things
pine lauoho barrette, hairclip

• kahi `ûmi`i lauoho • folding hairclip with

teeth
`ûmi`i lauoho bobby pin
kahi comb
apo po`o hair band
palaki lauoho hairbrush

• ho`oponopono lauoho • to style hair, for play,

movie or video
production
palaholo lauoho hair gel, as in dep
holoi lauoho shampoo
Pena maka ~ Makeup
pena maka makeup

• ho`ou`iu`i, • to put on makeup

ho`onaninani, pena
maka • makeup artist, as for a
play, movie, or video
• mea pena maka production
hehelo pâpâlina blush
mahaka maka eye liner
pauka helehelena face powder

• hana / kau i ka pauka • to put on face powder

helehelena
lihilihi maka ku`i false eyelashes

• kau / komo i ka lihilihi • to put on false

maka ku`i eyelashes
palaina helehelena foundation (for makeup)
peni pena waha, peni pena lip liner
lehelehe
pena waha, pena lehelehe lipstick

• hana i ka pena waha • to put on lipstick

pena lihilihi maka mascara

• hana i ka pena lihilihi • to put on mascara

maka

Lesson 27
Ka Lumi Ho`opaupilikia ~ The Bathroom
`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole
Hawaiian: English:
Mîkini (home) ~ Appliances (home)
pe`ahi uila electric fan
lêkiô radio
oeoe uahi smoke alarm
Nâ Pono Pa`a Mau ~ Bathroom fixtures
kapu `au`au bath tub
lou kau lole clothes hook
papakau counter
linoleuma, moena `ili linoleum
waihona lâ`au lapa`au medicine cabinet
aniani mirror
kahi holoi pâ sink

• kî wai
• (ke) `au kî wai
• wai paipu
• wai wela paipu
• ho`opa`a i ke kî wai
• faucet
• faucet handle
• tap water
• hot tap water
• to turn off the water

• wehe i ke kî wai • to turn on the water

Kililau shower

• `au`au kililau • to take a shower

• kililau lima • hand-held shower
• pâpale kililau • shower cap
• pale kililau • shower curtain
• ke`ena kililau • shower stall

• (ke) po`o kililau • shower head

noho kû stool (without a back)
lua toilet

• ipu ho`opaupilikia, ipu • toilet bowl

lua • toilet handle
• (ke) `au ho`oku`u • toilet paper
• pepa hâleu, hâleu • toilet seat
• noho lua • To flush the toilet

• Ho`oku`u i ka wai o ka
 lua, ho`oholo i ka wai
kaola kâwele towel rack
ipu mimi, mîana urinal
kula ho`owela wai, pahu water heater
ho`owela wai
Kêlâ Mea Kêia Mea o ka Lumi Ho`opaupilikia
Miscellaneous Bathroom Items
anapaona , anapaona home bathroom scale
ihoiho, ihoiho kukui candle

• kûkae pele, ahi • match

• poho ahi • matchbox

• pena ahipele • pack of matches

`ûhôlo`a dispenser

• `ûhôlo`a kopa • soap dispenser

• `ûhôlo`a kâwele pepa • paper towel dispenser

kî`aha drinking glass
aniani pa`a lima hand mirror
kopa soap

• (ke) pâ kopa • soap dish

kauna palaki niho toothbrush holder
kâwele `au`au towel (bath)

• kâwele pepa • paper towel

hainakâ pepa tissue
kini `ôpala trash can
pika pua vase

• pua • flower
Nâ Mea Lumi ~ Room elements
moena / moena weleweka, carpet, mat, rug / carpeting
kâpeka
kilina / paia / papahele ceiling / wall / floor
puka komo door
 • hemo • ajar, unlocked

• hâmama • wide-open
puka uila electrical outlet
kukui lamp, light

• aniani kukui uila • light bulb

• pâlulu kukui • lamp shade
• kaukukui, waihona • lamp stand
kukui • light switch
• pana kukui • to turn off
• ho`opio • to turn on
• ho`â
• watt
• uate
ki`i picture

• môlina ki`i • picture frame

Nâ mea heluhelu: Reading materials:

• puke • book
o lepe puke o bookmark
o haka kau puke o bookshelf
• makakina • magazine

• nûpepa • newspaper
hakakau shelf
pukaaniani window

• pukaaniani `ôlepe • jalousie

• pale pukaaniani • Venetian blinds
`ôlepelepe • window curtain
• pale pukaaniani • window frame or
• môlina pukaaniani molding

• paepae pukaaniani • window sill

Lesson 28
Ka Lumi Moe ~ The Bedroom
`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole:
Hawaiian: English
Mîkini Home ~ Home Appliances
uaki ho`âla alarm clock
mîkini ho`okani lola / c.d. cassette / compact disc
(pronounced sêdê) (C.D.) player
pe`ahi uila electric fan
lêkiô radio
oeoe uahi smoke alarm
kîwî T.V.

• kaula uea, uea • cable

• kânela • channel

• kia pihi • remote control

mîkini wikiô video cassette recorder
(V.C.R.)
Moe ~ Bed

hao pela bed frame

pou moe bed post
lumi moe bedroom

• lumi moe haku • master bedroom

• lumi moe malihini • guest bedroom

hâli`i moe, hâli`i pela bed sheet
pâkaukau moe bedside table / nightstand
uhimoe bedspread
pilina moe bedsprings
kapa moe blanket

• kapa uila • electric blanket

• kapa huluhulu, • heavy, woolen blanket

huluhulu
kûmoe headboard
uluna pillow
 • pale uluna • pillow case
kapa kuiki quilt
Pono Hale o ka Lumi Moe ~ Bedroom Furniture
pahu `ume dresser, bureau

• `ume • drawer
• pôheo, pôheoheo • knob-style handle

• (ke) `au • handle of drawer

pâkaukau / noho table, desk / chair
lako kâkau stationery supplies

• kânana • stationery
• kâleka aloha • greeting card
• pepa / peni / penikala • paper / pen / pencil

• po`oleka / kau i ka • postage stamp / to put

po`oleka on a stamp
Nâ Aloha o ka Lumi Moe ~ Bedroom Greetings

Aloha kakahiaka! Good morning!

• E ala e! • Wake up! , arise!

(Good night!)

• E hiamoe pono `oe. / • Sleep well.

e hiamoe maika`i `oe.
• See you in the
• A hui hou i kakahiaka. morning.
Kêlâ mea kêia mea o ka lumi moe
Miscellaneous bedroom items
ihoiho, ihoiho kukui candle

• kûkae pele, ahi • match

• poho ahi • matchbox

• pena ahipele • pack of matches

waihona lole closet (clothes)

• kâ lole • clothes hanger

kî`aha drinking glass
hainakâ pepa tissue
kini `ôpala trash can
pika pua vase
 • pua
• flower
Nâ Mea Lumi ~ Room Elements
moena / moena weleweka, carpet, mat, rug / carpeting
kâpeka
kilina / paia / papahele ceiling / wall / floor
(ke) pani puka door, as opposed to
doorway
• hemo / hâmama
• kikihi • ajar, unlocked / wide-
• `ami puka, `ami îpuka open
• paepae puka • door frame, molding
• pani puka uea makika • door hinge
• puka uai, `îpuka uai • door threshold
• pôheo puka, • screen door
pôheoheo puka • sliding door
• doorknob
• ko`o puka, ko`o
`îpuka • doorstop
puka uila electrical outlet
kukui lamp, light

• aniani kukui uila • light bulb

• pâlulu kukui • lamp shade
• kaukukui, waihona • lamp stand
kukui • light switch
• pana kukui • to turn off
• ho`opio • to turn on
• ho`â
• watt
• uate
ki`i picture

• môlina ki`i • picture frame

Nâ mea heluhelu: Reading materials:

• puke • book
o lepe puke o bookmark
o haka kau puke o bookshelf
• makakina • magazine

• nûpepa • newspaper
hakakau shelf
kelepona telephone

• wili • dial
 • `apo kelepona • telephone receiver

• puke kelepona • telephone book

pukaaniani window

• pukaaniani `ôlepe • jalousie

• pale pukaaniani • Venetian blinds
`ôlepelepe • window curtain
• pale pukaaniani • window frame or
• môlina pukaaniani molding

• paepae pukaaniani • window sill

Lesson 29

Sacred Hawai`i

`Ôlelo Hawai`i `Ôlelo Haole

Hawaiian: English:

`âina land
[AI' nah]

• aloha `âina  love of the land, a very old

[ah loh' hah AI' nah]
Hawaiian concept, to judge
from the many sayings
(perhaps thousands)
illustrating deep love and
reverence for the land.
 e.g., the song,
Kaulana Nâ Pua

Motto of Hawai`i

Ua mau ke ea o ka `âina i ka pono.

[oo' (w)ah mau keh(y)eh (y)AO' kah AI' nah (y)ee ka poh noh]

"The life of the land is preserved in righteousness

(harmony / balance)."

Akua, akua God, god, goddess, spirit,

[ah' koo (w)ah] ghost, devil, image, idol,
corpse; divine, supernatural,
godly
"For lack of a better term, this word is generally translated as
 god. However, the Polynesian concept of god does not parallel
that of the traditional all-powerful, all-present divinity of Western
man.

The Polynesian "gods" are the personal ancestors of the people

who, with the passage of time, acquired so much mana (spiritual
power) that they could do supernatural works; the gods are called
upon as family members." J. Gutmanis

• aloha akua  love of god; divine love,

[ah loh' HAH' koo (w)ah] pity, charity

 `î  supreme, best, great

[EE']

 Ka `î i mamao  "The supreme one at a

[kah EE' (y)ee mah mao'] distance"

 `i`o  true, genuine, significant

[ee' oh]  The true god
 Ka akua `i`o
[KAH' koo (w)ah ee' oh]

`anâ`anâ black magic; sorcery by

[ah NAH' ah NAH'] means of prayer and
incantations

• maunu  bait; objects used in black

[mau' noo] magic, as hair, spittle,
parings, excreta, clothing,
food leavings.

`aumâkua family or personal spiritual

[au' MAH' koo(w)ah] guide or "god"; a general
term for spirits higher than
human beings; deified
ancestors, guardian spirits
and angels who may manifest
in nature; God-self, higher
self. Fig., a trustworthy
person.
A symbiotic relationship exists between person and `aumâkua, the
personal guardians of each individual and their family and the ancient
source gods from whom Hawaiians were descended.

`Aumâkua can manifest in nature. The form varies family to family.

Whatever its form, the `aumakua is one specific shark, owl, etc. However,
all members of the species are treated with respect of family members.

If family aumâkua, these manifestations were not harmed or eaten; in

turn, `aumâkua warned and reprimanded in dreams, visions, and calls.

"`Aumâkua are intimate members of the human family, spiritual

relationships with them are especially close and their presence is sought
for feast and festivity, as well as in time of crisis. They act as healers and
advisors, counteracting troubles and punishing faults." ~ J. Gutmanis

`Aumâkua could appear as:

 • pueo  owl
[poo(w)eh(y)oh] (as at Mânoa, O`ahu, Ka`û and
Puna)

 manô  shark
[mah NOH'] (all islands except Kaua`i)

 `io  hawk
[ee' (y)oh] (Hawai`i)

 `elepaio  flycatcher bird,

[eh leh pai' (y)oh] goddess of canoe makers

 `i`iwi  scarlet honeycreeper bird,

[ee ee' vee] its feathers were used extensively
`iwi in featherwork.
[ee' vee]

 `alae  mudhen,
[ah lae'] a black wading bird with red frontal
plate; its cry is a bad omen.

 he`e  octopus,
[heh' eh] commonly known as squid

 puhi  eel
[poo' hee]

 `iole li`ili`i  mice

[ee(y)oh' leh lee' ee lee' ee]

 `iole  rat
[ee(y)oh' leh]

 `îlio  dog
[EE' lee (y)oh]

 mo`o  lizard, reptile

[moh' oh]

 pe`elua  caterpillar
[peh' eh loo' (w)ah]
`enuhe
[ee noo' heh]
nuhe
[noo' heh]
`anuhe
[ah noo' heh]
poko
[poh' koh]

 pôhaku  rock
[POH' hah koo]

 leho  cowry shell

[leh' hoh]

 ao  cloud
[ ao ]

 mea kanu  plant

[meh' (y)ah kah' noo]
hâ breath, also life’s breath,
[HAH'] four; to breathe, exhale; to
breathe upon after praying
and before prognosticating.

• ane  breath of life, passing as a

[ah' neh] breeze.

 mauli ola  breath of life, power of

[mau' lee(y)oh' lah ] healing

heiau place of worship, shrine.

[hei' (y)au']

Some heiau were elaborately constructed, massive stone platforms,

others, simple terraces. Many are preserved today.

There were heiau for treating the sick, for the increase of food crops, for
insuring good fishing, for insuring or stopping rain, for mo`o (reptilian)
spirits, and for success in war.

hô`ailona omen, sign, portent, symbol

[HOH' ai loh nah]

• The `alae (mudhen) is called manu ke`u ahiahi, the bird

that croaks in the evening (considered a bad omen).

• Ka hekili pâ malo`o (the thunder without rain) is

considered an omen.

• kâula  prophet, seer, magician, as

[KAU' lah] in Lanikâula, powerful kâula
of Moloka`i.

 kilo  stargazer, reader of

[kee' loh ] omens, seer, astrologer,
necromancer.

 nânâ ao  cloud interpreter, one who

observes the clouds; to
observe omens in the clouds;
seer, forecaster.

 nânâ uli  to study the sky for

omens; one who does so.

 `ôuli  sign, omen, portent,

prognostication, nature,
symptom, character; mood in
grammar

 ha`i `ôuli  to prognosticate, declare

the future according to signs;
to interpret omens.

ho`okupu offering, ceremonial gift-

[hoh' oh koo' poo] giving

ho`oma`ema`e `ana purification, spiritual

[hoh' oh mah' eh mah' eh ah' nah] cleansing

• hâwai  to purify with water; a

[HAH' vai'] temporary long, gabled house
in which priestesses
assembled for purification
ceremonies.

 hi`uwai  water purification

[hee oo wai'] festivities on the second
night of the month of Welehu
(near the end of the year).
The people bathed and frolicked in the sea or stream after midnight, then
put on their finest kapa and ornaments for feasting and games.

• huikala  to absolve entirely; forgive

[hui' kah lah] all faults, excuse, cleanse and
purify morally; pardon,
atonement, absolution;
ceremonial cleansing.
 E huikala `oukou iâ `oukou
iho
(Sanctify yourselves).

 kapu kai  ceremonial sea bath for

[kah' poo kai'] purification

 kapukapu kai  to purify by sprinkling with

[kah' poo kah' poo kai']
salt water (kava, ordinarily
kapu to women, might be
made noa, or free of kapu by
sprinkling the place in this
fashion, usually termed pî kai.

 kî  ti, a woody plant. Green ti

[KEE'] leaves are believed to afford
protection from spirits and to
purify a menstruating woman.

 lele uli  to dispel darkness; to

[leh' leh (y)oo' lee] purify or cleanse, as in a
religious ceremony.

 lele wai  to purge, cleanse, purify

[leh' leh wai'] with water of purification.

 pî kai • to sprinkle with sea

[PEE' kai'] water or salted fresh
water to purify or
remove kapu, as
formerly done after a
death or after a boy's
subincision.

 pî kai kea  to sprinkle with white sea

[PEE' kai' keh'(y)ah] (from waves and not from
 salted fresh water)

 pî kai `ôlena  to sprinkle with sea water

[PEE' kai' OH' leh nah] or salt water, mixed with a bit
of `ôlena (ground turmeric
root) to purify or remove
kapu.

ho`oponopono mental cleansing: family

[hoh' oh poh' noh poh' noh]
conferences in which
relationships are set right
with prayer, discussion,
confession, repentance,
mutual restitution and
forgiveness.

hula Hawaiian dance with spiritual

[hoo' lah] origins.

`ike to see, to know; to receive

[ee' keh] revelations from the gods

• `ike pâpâlua  to have the gift of second

[ee' keh PAH' PAH' loo(w)ah] sight and commune with the
spirits; supernatural
knowledge; E.S.P.

 haili moe  premonition, as in a dream

[hai' lee moe']

 hihi`o  a dream or vision, as while

[hee hee' oh ] dozing

 mea punihei i nâ mea  mystic

âiwaiwa
[meh'(y)ah poo nee HEI (y)ee NAH'
meh'(y)ah (y)AI' vai' vah]

inoa name, considered sacred;

[ee noh'(w)ah] name chant or song
Naming has strong spiritual significance, often connected with a
dream or vision. Babies are carefully and meaningfully named,
and their names are alterable over time.

Often, names described personality or physical characteristics,

social standing, unique skills or aptitudes, and aspirations.

• Ola ka inoa  "The name lives" (a family

[oh' lah kai' noh(w)ah] name is given to a child).

 He inoa no ka lani  a name chant in honor of

[hei' noh(w)ah noh kah lah' nee] the chief

 inoa pô  dream name, as a name for

[ee noh(w)ah POH'] an infant received in a dream;
it was thought that if the
name were not given, the
child would be sickly or die.
 inoa `û lâ leo  a name given to a child by
[ee noh(w)ah OO' LAH' leh' oh] a supernatural voice, usually
heard right before the child's
birth; a voice name.

iwi bone, the bones

[ee' vee ]
nâ iwi
[NAI' vee]

The bones of the dead, considered the most cherished possession, were
hidden, and hence there are many figurative expressions with iwi,
meaning life, old age.

o Kô kô iwi `âina hânau.

Your own land of birth.

o Na wai e ho`ôla i nâ iwi

Who will save the bones?
Fig., who will care for one in old age and in death?

• kaula`i iwi  to talk too much of one's

family affairs or ancestors, to
tell the cherished stories, and
chants of one's ancestors ( a
taunt to those who reveal too
much of the Hawaiian past).

 kaula`i lâ  to bleach in the sun, to dry

out the bones, meaning to
expose the bones of the
ancestors, a crime.

kahu minister, guardian

[kah' hoo]

kahuna priest, sorcerer, magician,

[kah hoo' nah] wizard, expert in any
profession (male or female);
in the 1845 laws, medical
professionals were called
kahuna.

• kahuna `anâ`anâ  sorcerer who practices

black magic or counter
sorcery, as one who prays a
person to death.

 kahuna a`o  teaching preacher,

minister, sorcerer

 kahuna ha`i `ôlelo  preacher, especially an

itinerant preacher

 kahuna ho`o hâpai keiki  medical expert who

induced pregnancy

 kahuna ho`opi`opi`o  malevolent sorcerer, as

 one who inflicts illness by
gesture, as rubbing his own
head to give the victim a
severe headache or head
injury.

 kahuna ho`oulu `ai  agricultural expert

 kahuna ho`oulu la hui  priest who increased

population by praying for
pregnancy

 kahuna hui  a priest who functioned in

ceremonies for the deification
of a king or who detected
symptoms of sorcery in one
sick or dead.

 kahuna kâ lai  carving expert; sculptor

 kahuna kâ lai wa`a  canoe builder

 kahuna ki`i  caretaker of images, who

wrapped oiled, and stored
them, and carried them into
battle ahead of the chief.

 kahuna kilokilo  priest or expert who

studied the skies for omens.

 kahuna lapa`au  medical doctor, medical

practitioner, healer. Lit.,
curing expert

 kahuna makani  a priest who induced

spirits to possess a patient
so that he might then drive
the spirits out, thus curing
the patient. Lit., spirit priest.

 kahuna pule  preacher, pastor, minister,

parson, priest. Lit., prayer
expert
Kahu "implies the most intimate and confidential relations between the
god and its guardian or keeper", while the word kahuna suggests more
of the professional relation of the priest to the community" ~ Emerson

kala to forgive, pardon, excuse;

[kah' lah] prayer to free one from any
evil influence; to practice
counter-sorcery;

spiritual cleansing.

kanaka lele angel. Lit. flying person.

[kah nah' kah leh' leh]
kapu sacredness, holy,
[kah' poo] consecrated; prohibition;
taboo

kuahu altar
[koo'(w)ah hoo ]

kupua demigod or culture hero,

[koo poo'(w)ah] especially a supernaural
being possessin several
forms as Kamapua`a and
Laenihi; one possessing
mana; to posses kupua
(magic) powers.

la`a sacred, holy, devoted,

[lah' ah] consecrated, set apart for
sacred purposes, dedicated.

• waihona mea la`a  place for sacred objects,

treasure chest

la`a kea sacred light, sacred things of

[lah' ah keh'(y)ah] day, as sunshine, knowledge,
happiness. Lit., light
sacredness

E nânâ `ia ka pulapula i ka la`a kea i ka la`a uli.

May the descendants be cared for in times of light
and times of misfortune.

• ho`omâlamalama  enlighten
[hoh' oh MAH' lah mah lah
mah]

 kaiao  dawn, to enlighten;

[kai' (y)ao'] Ua kaiao kâkou
(We are enlightened).

 mâlamalama  light of knowledge,

[MAH' lah mah lah mah] enlightenment; shining,
radiant, clear

 na`auao  enlightened
[nah au' (w)ao']
ao
[ao]

lani sky, heaven; heavenly,

[lah' nee] spiritual; royal, high-born

• alohilani  brightness of heaven, a

term applied to the heavenly
courts of the goddesses Uli
and Kapo.

 Kuaihelani  a famous legendary place

in the high heavens, a home
 of the deified dead. `Elua nô
mâpuna hoe, kû `oe i
Kuaihelani (two paddle dips
and you reach Kuaihelani).

 Lanikeha  legendary part of heaven;

frequent name for residences
of high chiefs, e.g.,
Kamehameha III’s residence
in Lahaina.

 lani nu`u  highest heaven

 papalani  heavenly stratum, heaven

and all the spiritual powers;
upper regions of air, upper
heavens, firmament

makani wind, breeze; ghost, spirit; a

[mah kah' nee] wind priesthood with powers
over mystic spirits

• makani noho  spirit that possesses a

medium and speaks through
him. Lit., spirit that takes
possession

mâlama to serve, honor, as God, care,

[MAH' lah mah] tend, protect, to care of , care
for.

• mâlamalama  light of knowledge,

enlightenment; shining,
radiant, clear

Ê ku`u Akua, e mâlama au iâ `oe ma ka no`ono`o.

O my God, let me serve you in thought.

mana supernatural or divine power,

[mah' nah] mana, miraculous power;
miraculous; divinely
powerful, possessed of mana,
power, spiritual; spiritual
essence, spiritual force (chi,
ki, prana); branch.

"Mana is a spiritual force/supernatural power that at times

shows physical manifestations. It can be acquired as a gift of
the gods, through ritual, won through prayers or actions, the
force of words, or through inheritance." ~ J. Gutmanis

• ho`omana  to worship

 mana loa  great power, almighty

 mana weu lani  branch with divine foliage

(chief)
 manamana  to impart mana, to deify;
branches; fingers, toes

 mana piha  supreme, absolute power

mana`o thought, idea, belief,

[mah nah' oh] meaning, suggestion, mind

• ka mea i man`o `ia  the one thought of (the

intended victim of sorcery)

 mana`o `i`o / kûpa`a /  faith, confidence; to have

paulele confidence; to believe

 kâlele  To have faith

manawa time, turn, season, date;

[mah nah' vah] affections, seat of emotion,
heart, feelings

• manawa mau loa  eternal, eternity

 manawa pono / manawa  opportune time

kû pono

 manawale`a  a generous heart, charity,

alms, donation; to give freely
and willingly; gratis, free,
benevolent, beneficent

 mai kêia manawa â mau  from now to eternity; from

loa aku now on and forever

mauli life, heart, seat of life; ghost,

[mau' lee] spirit

• ka lâ i ka mauli ola  sun as the source of life

 Mauliola / Lonopûhâ  god of health / god of

healing

 mauli ola  breath of life, power of

healing

 mauli hiwa  choice or precious life

mo`o lizard, reptile of any kind,

[moh' oh] dragon; serpent; water spirit.

na`au intestines, bowels, guts;

[nah au' ] mind, heart, affections; of the
heart and mind. Fig., child.

• na`au ali`i  kind, thoughtful, forgiving,

loving, possessed of aloha,
beneficent, benevolent,
loving heart.
 na`au aloha  filled with aloha,
beneficent, benevolent.

 na`au pono  upright; just; right-minded;

upright heart

`ohana family
[oh hah' nah]

• kupuna grandparent, ancestor,

[koo poo' nah] relative or close relative of
the grandparent’s generation,
grandaunt, granduncle.

pôhaku rock, stone, mineral, tablet

[POH' hah koo]

• kahalili  sanctified stone used by a

priest in `anâ`anâ sorcery; to
exhibit wrath or displeasure
due to jealousy.

 kahaloa  a stone brought before a

priest in sorcery prayers.

 pôhaku `aumakua  stone believed possessed

by an `aumakua god.

 pôhaku kupua  stones with mana to

prolong life or cure sickness

 pôhaku o Kâne  Stone monuments that

were places of refuge
(pu`uhonua) where families
made offerings, such as pig,
red fish, kava, and tapas, to
atone for wrong-doing. Lit.,
stone of Kâne.

pule prayer, magic spell,

[poo' leh] incantation, blessing, church
service, church; to pray,
worship, say grace, ask a
blessing, cast a spell.

Prayer is the exchange between a person and his/her god/s.

Hawaiians saw manifestations of the gods everywhere, and
their prayers were as frequent as conversations with close
friends.

"The potency of the prayers offered to these gods comes not

only from the reminders of family ties but can also come
from the sincerity of the person paying, from the power
inherent in the words used, and from the mana the prayers
have acquired through repeated and successful use. It can
also come form the skill of the one who is offering the
prayer." ~J. Gutmanis
 • `âmama  Finished, of a pre-Christian
[AH' mah mah] prayer (said almost at the end
of a prayer); to finish a
prayer, to pray and sacrifice.
`Âmama, ua noa (the prayer is
said, the kapu is over).

 `eli`eli  to dig often. Fig., firmly

[eh' lee eh' lee] rooted, profound, deep as a
kapu, or its removal;
reverence.

 `Âmama, `eli`eli kapu,  "The kapu is over,

`eli`eli noa. profound has been the kapu,
[AH' mah mah, eh' lee eh' lee kah' profound is the freeing."
poo eh' lee eh' kee noh'(w)ah ]

 `Eli`eli kau mai.  "May a profound reverence

[eh' lee eh' lee kau' mai'] alight" (solemn supplication
at the end of a prayer).

 ho`ôla ma`i me ka pule /  faith healing

lâ`au kâhea

 kuleana pule  necessary prayers, prayer

responsibilities

 lele wale  to fly, jump, move of one's

own accord or for no reason;
in ancient prayers, to speed
on, as a prayer to a god.
`Âmama, ua noa, lele wale
(The prayer is finished, the
kapu is lifted; go, prayer ( or,
the kapu is lifted and quite
departed).

 pômaika`i  blessing, blessed

 waipâ  request, prayer as to the

gods

 Pêlâ ka`u waihâ me ka`u  "Such is my request and

waipâ aku iâ `oe e ke akua. prayer to you, O God."

`uhane spirit, soul, ghost

[oo hah' neh]

• kô ka `uhane  spiritual things

 lele ka `uhane  the soul leaves (death)

 mana `uhane  spiritual power

 pili `uhane  spiritual

 po`i `uhane  soul-snatching

 pono `uhane  spiritual welfare

 pu`u kû `akahi  tarrying place of souls

 `uhane hau ka`e  wandering, friendless

spirits

 `uhane hele  a traveling spirit, usually of

a living person.

 `uhane kia`i  guardian spirit

 `uhane kîhei pua  a spirit partially controlling

a person and giving him
strength, animation or
talents.

 `uhane noho  a spirit possessing a

person completely and
talking through him.

 `uhane `ole  without a soul; shameless,

like a beast

 `uhane `ololi  thin, shriveled soul or

ghost

wai water
[wai] [vai]

• Ho`okahi wai `o like  The sameness of a single

dye. Fig., unity.

 E wai kahi ka pono i  Better sweeten with a

mânalo single color. Fig., unity to find
serenity.

 Ho`olana i ka wai ke ola  Life floats on water (near

death)

 wai `apo  water caught in a taro leaf,

often used in ceremonies, as
it was regarded as pure in not
having touched the ground.
fig., beloved mate, spouse.
lit., caught water.

 wai ea  sea water used for

purification. lit., water of life.

 wai hâ  water upon which the hâ

(breath) of the priest has
been expelled in order to
impart mana; to give mana by
breathing upon an image or
person; to request earnestly
in prayer.
  wai hua  water-drop caught as in a
taro leaf, much liked for
purification and medicine, as
it has not touched the earth.

 wai hui kala  water for purification

 wai `ihi  sacred blood, as of royalty.

fig., prominent, royal

 wai lani  rain water, especially as

used for medicine and
purification

 waipâ  request, prayer, as to the

gods

 waiwai  value, wealth, rich;

richness

 waiwai nui  great wealth, fortune

Lesson 30

Nâ Hua `ôlelo Puolo / Music Words

puolo music

mea ho`okani pila musician,

especially one who
plays Hawaiian
music

pila any stringed From the English,

instrument fiddle.

pila ho`okani instrumental music ho`okani = to make

sound

ho`okani, ho`okani to play music

pila

Kani ka pila! Play music!

General Music Terminology

hô`ailona mele clef hô`ailona = symbol

• hô`ailona bass clef leo kâne = male

mele leo voice
kâne, leo
kâne

• hô`ailona treble clef leo wahine = female

mele leo voice
wahine, leo
wahine

kî key, pitch; to tune

• kî alaka`i tonic, keynote Lit., leading key

• kî, ki`ina o ka pitch ki`ina = voice

leo, kani intonation

• ki`ina leo high pitch

ki`eki`e

• leo ha`aha`a low pitch

kîho`oikaika staccato mark (dot ikaika = strong

or wedge) over a
note

kô huamele duration

kî hô`alu slack key (the first and last strings of

theguitar are tuned to D, instead of E; the
strings are picked individually and not
chorded).

hui, mele hui chorus (of a song)

pana o ka mele rhythm, beat pana =

heartbeat,
pulse

pâ beat, rhythm, as of a
dance or instrument;
thump of a gourd down
on a pad, with one quick
slap of the fingers as the
gourd is raised.

• Pâ maila ka The sweet sound of a

leo hone o violin reached here.
ka waiolina.

pâleoleo rap music

 Nâ Huamele / Notes

huamele musical note

• huamele laina line note

• hua `oko`a, po`o whole note

• po`olima, hua hapa half note

• hua hapahâ quarter note

• po`omana eighth note

• po`omanalua sixteenth note

• po`omanakolu thirty-second note

• `oi sharp

• emi flat

Alapi`i Mele, Pâkôlî / Musical Scale

pâ kô lî hâ nô lâ mî pâ

do re mi fa so la ti do

Nâ Lele / Intervals

lele interval, the difference in pitch between two tones,

 always followed by a number from one to six,
especially lele kolu, and interval of a third, as from
C to E, or lele lima, an interval of a fifth. Minor
intervals are followed by hapa, as lele kolu hapa,
an interval of a minor third. Lele may also be
followed by pâ- and a number, to skip that number
of notes.

kanihapa half-step interval in kani = sound

music, a minor second.
hapa = part

kanipiha whole step interval in kani = sound

music, a major second.
piha = full

Nâ Hua Mâhoe / Chords

hua mâhoe, he mau hua chord, chords hua = note
mâhoe
mâhoe = twins

• hua mâhoe mêkia major chord mêkia = major (English)

• hua mâhoe minor chord mâina = minor (English)

mâina

• hua mâhoe `eono sixth chord `eono = sixth

• hua mâhoe seventh chord `ehiku = seventh

`ehiku

• hua mâhoe `eiwa ninth chord `eiwa = ninth

Band Terminology

pâna puhi `ohe , hui band (of wind

puhi `ohe instruments)

• `ale`o puhi `ohe bandstand

• alaka`i pâna band leader / master alaka`i = leader

• maile pana band master’s baton

 Lesson 31

Ke Mele a me ke Oli ~ Song and Chant

mele Song, anthem, or chant of any kind; poem,

poetry; to sing, chant (preceded by both ke
and ka); vocal music.

oli Chant, not danced to, especially with

prolonged phrases chanted in one breath,
often with a trill (`i`i ) at the end of each
phrase.

hîmeni Hymn, any song not used for hula.

Transliterated from the English, hymn.

kaona Hidden meaning, as in mele

and oli; concealed reference,
as to a person, thing or place;
words with double meanings
that might bring good or bad
fortune.

No wai ke kaona o kêia mele?

Who is being referred to in veiled language in that
song?

Kaona ho`o`ino`ino (pejorative innuendo).

For an example, learn the meaning of the words to
Kaulana Nâ Pua.

Ka Po`e o Ka Mele / The People of Song

anaina Audience.

haku mele Composer, poet; to compose songs or

chants.

In Hawaiian thinking, ka haku o ke mele (the owner of a song or a

chant) is the one for whom it was composed (rather than the
composer). Thus, the following distinction is made:

Kâna mele means "his/her song", that which is sung or

 composed BY that person. No ownership is implied.

Kona mele also means "his/her song", that which has been
composed FOR that person. Ownership is understood.

ho`opa`a Drummer and hula chanter. Lit., the

memorizer.

ROOT WORDS:
ho`opa`a (to make pa`a (solid),
memorize)

ka`i pu`ukani Vocal coach.

ROOT WORDS:
ka`i (to lead) + pu`ukani (singer)

mea hîmeni Singer of hymns or any song not

used for hula.

Root words:
Mea (person, thing) + hîmeni (hymn,
song)

mea oli Chanter.

ROOT WORDS:
mea (person, thing) + oli (chant)

pu`ukani Singer. Also used as an adjective:

sweet-voiced as in singing; sweet-
toned.

Root words:
pu`u (mound, throat) + kani (sound).

Ho`omele / To Sing
English uses the word, sing, in many contexts. Ka `Ôlelo Hawai`i is
more context-specific, using different words for various modes of
singing.

mele To sing, to chant (preceded by both ke

or ka). Ho`omele, to cause to sing or
chant.

hîmeni To sing hymns or any song not used for

hula.

 hîmeni aku ka po`e hîmeni.

The singers sang.
memele Plural of mele, to sing.

Nâ po`e memele.
The singers.

Eia nâ `ânela ke memele nei.

Here the angels sing.

hea To sing or recite a name chant.

kani To sing, as birds.

koihonua To sing genealogical chants; to sing

such chants; also, presto (in music,
quick part).

hô`oma`oma To pretend to sing; to work the mouth

but not sing with others.

ha`iha`i To sing with a breaking voice, a style of

singing thusly; rising and falling of the
voice; quavering.

Ma ka leo kauô, ho`ânu`unu`u, â ho`oha`iha`i .

With loud voice, vibrating, rising and falling.

kolekolea To sing of the kâhuli, a land shell. Fig., a

child that runs about wildly.

kani le`a To sing cheerfully, as birds.

Kinds of Songs
mele Song, anthem or chant of any kind; poem,
poetry; to sing, chant.

mele ahiahi Evening song, vesper.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + ahiahi (evening)

mele aupuni Anthem.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + aupuni (government)

mele hai pule Hymn, religious song.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + pule (prayer)

mele hapa haole Hawaiian type song mostly in English words.

 ROOT WORDS:
mele + hapa (part) + haole (white person,
foreigner)

mele hô`ala Awakening song.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + hô`ala (to awaken, to arise)

mele ho`âlohaloha Serenade.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + âlohaloha (express love and
affection)

mele ho`oipoipo Love song.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + ho`oipoipo (wooing, making love)

mele Lullaby.
ho`onânâkeiki
ROOT WORDS:
mele + ho`onânâ (to soothe) + keiki
(child/children)

mele inoa Name chant, composed in honor of a person.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + inoa (name)

mele kâhea Chant or song for admittance to a hula

school.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + kâhea (to call, to cry out, to invoke)

mele ka`i Chant or song sung while dancers come out

before the audience; a procession song.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + ka`i (to lead)

mele ka`i ho`i Chant or song sung while dancers leave the
audience; a recession song.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + ho`i (return)

mele ka`i kaua Battle song.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + ka`i (to lead) + kaua (war)

mele kani kau Dirge, mourning song.

 ROOT WORDS:
mele + kani (sound) + kau (chant,
lamentations)

mele komo Welcoming song.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + komo (to enter, join)

mele kuahu Altar chant.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + kuahu (altar)

mele ma`i Genitals song.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + ma`i (genitals)

mele `oli Joyful song.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + oli (joy, happiness)

mele paikau A march; marching song.

ROOT WORDS:
mele + paikau (march, drill, parade)

mele ukali hua Alphabet song, as one repeating the vowels.

kumu
ROOT WORDS:
mele + ukali (following) + hua kumu (basic
letters)

Ka Leo / Voice
leo Voice. Also means: tone, tune, melody,
sound, command, advice, syllable, verbal
message; to speak, to make a sound.

Kona leo = his/her voice

Kâna leo = his/her tune

leo kâne Bass

leo uô
pako ROOT WORDS:
kâne = male; uô = bellow, loud ;
pako, transliterated from English.

hâ`oi Baritone
 ROOT WORDS:
hâ (breath) + `oi (sharp)

leo kâne ki`eki`e Tenor

ROOT WORDS:
leo (voice) + kâne (male) + ki`eki`e (high)

`aeko, `aleko, leo Alto

waena
ROOT WORDS:
`aeko, `aleko, tranliterated from English;
leo (voice) + waena (in between)

leo wahine, Soprano

kopolano
ROOT WORDS:
leo (voice) + wahine (woman);
kopolano, transliterated from English.

leo ki`eki`e Falsetto

ROOT WORDS:
leo (voice) + ki`eki`e (high)

Singing Terminology
`i`i Admired deep, rasping sound in chanting;
tremor (vibrato); guttural quality of some
sounds, as back vowels or strongly aspirated
"h".

hone Sweet and soft, as music; sweetly appealing,

as perfume or a memory of love; to sound
softly.

nahenahe Soft, sweet, melodious, as music or a gentle

voice.

polinahe Soft and gentle, as low music or a breeze.

ka hui maika`i Harmony

`ana o nâ leo mele

`ea, leo Melody, tune

kî Key, pitch and clef

• kî alaka`i Keynote

ROOT WORDS:
 kî (key) + alaka`i (leader)

• kî, ki`ina o Pitch

ka leo, kani
ki`ina = voice intonation

• ki`ina leo High pitch

ki`eki`e
ROOT WORDS:
ki`ina (voice intonation) + leo (voice) +
ki`eki`e (high)

• leo ha`aha`a Low pitch

ROOT WORDS:
leo (voice) + ha`aha`a (low, humble)

hua kani Tone

leo halulu Deep tone

ROOT WORDS:
halulu = roar, thunder

leo lele puni A musical interlude of a full tone.

ROOT WORDS:
leo (voice) + lele (leaping) + puni (desired)

leo nahenahe Sweet voice

ROOT WORDS:
leo (voice) + nahenahe (sweet, melodious,
mellow)

mâpuna leo Wafted voice

ROOT WORDS:
mâpuna = bubbling spring

ho`oko`iko`i Deepen the voice.

ROOT WORDS:
ho`o (to) + ko`iko`i (to stress, to weigh down)

`apo leo Record the voice.

ROOT WORDS:
`apo (catch, grasp) + leo (voice)

`aha mele Concert, song concert, song festival

ROOT WORDS:
`aha (gathering) + mele (song)

`aha mele Indoor concert

 maluhale
ROOT WORDS:
`aha mele + malu (shade) + hale (house)

`aha mele Outdoor concert

kaupokulani
ROOT WORDS:
`aha mele + kaupoku (ridgepost) + lani
(heaven)

Lesson 32

Nâ Pila / Musical Instruments

Sources:

pila `ume`ume accordion `ume`ume = tugging

pila any musical

instrument, but esp.
strings

pila `aha any string musical `aha = cord, string

instrument

pila hâpa, hâpa pa`a autoharp hâpa = harp, from the

lima English.

`ûpoho, kukima bagpipe `ûpoho = sound made

by clapping body with
cupped hands

panakiô banjo

panakiôlele banjolele banjo + `ukulele

pila kû nui, pila nui bass viol, string bass kû = stand; nui = large

pû keleawe brass instrument keleawe = brass

pû koa bugle Lit., soldier horn

kalioneke clarinet

pû pihi poko cornet pihi = button; poko =

short

pahu drum
`ohekani puluka, puluka flute

pû puhi Palani French horn Palani = French

kîkâ guitar

pila puhipuhi harmonica puhipuhi =blowing

hâpa harp

pû ho`okani horn Lit., sound-making horn

nî `au kani Jew’s harp nî `au = midrib of

coconut front

melokiana melodeon

`okana organ

piano piano

kakopone, pû kakopone saxophone

pû puhi uai trombone uai = sliding

pû pihi trumpet Lit., horn with buttons

pila kuolo, waiolina violin, fiddle kuolo=rubbing.

`ukulele `ukulele Click here for more info.

pû `o`ohe woodwind instrument

Nâ Hâme`a / Gadgets, Thingamajigs, Gizmos, Doohickies

`ûmi`i kaula capo, as used on fretted instruments

to raise the pitch of all strings.

pahu case

ana manawa metronome

pohokuikilani music box

hao ho`okani, (ke) `ô ho`okani tuning fork

Lesson 33
 Ka `Ukulele / The `Ukulele

This `ukulele page is dedicated to my friend,

ka `ukulele the `ukulele. Lit., jumping / leaping

flea, probably from the Hawaiian
nickname of Edward Purvis, who was
small and quick and who popularized
the instrument brought to Hawai`i by
the Portuguese.

E kaomi ma`ane`i no "Ka Mo`olelo o Click here for "The Story of the
ka `Ukulele." `Ukulele."

Nâ Hua `Ôlelo Kumu / Root Words

`uku flea, louse

`uku lele flea (Siphonaptera)

`Ôlelo no`eau: Saying:

"`A`ohe `uku lele nânâ i `aki. "Not a flea to bite." Fig., perfect
comfort.

lele to fly, jump, leap, hop, skip

E Pela `O Ia Pololei, E `Ôlelo `O Ia Pololei.

Spell It Right, Say It Right.

E pela `o ia pololei: Spell it right:

• " `Okina, `û, kê, `û, lâ, `ê, lâ,`  "Oh kee nah, OO, KEH, OO, EH,
ê" LAH EH"

 Mai poina i ka `okina.  Don’t forget the `okina.

E `ôlelo `o ia pololei: Say it right:

• [oo koo leh leh]  [oo koo leh leh]

 `A`ole pololei: [yook koo lay lee]  Incorrect: [yook koo lay lee]
 `A`ole loa: [yook]  Never: [yook] 
(mino`aka = smile =  )

`Ukulele Parts

ka `ôpû [kah OO POO] the body Lit., the stomach,

belly

ke nî `au nui [keh NEE au noo the bridge Lit., the large
(y)ee] midrib of the
coconut frond or
the large nut.

ka wâ [kah WAH] the fret Lit., interval

ka papa kî [kah pah pah KEE] the head Lit., board key

ka puka [kah poo kah] the hole

ke `au [keh au] the neck Lit., handle

ke nî `au [keh NEE au] the nut, peg Lit., midrib of the
coconut frond

ke nî `au li`ili`i [keh NEE au lee ee the head nut Lit., little nut.
lee ee]

ke kaula [keh kau lah] the string Lit., rope, cord,

string

• nâ kaula  [NAH kau lah] the strings

• he mau  [heh mau kau lah] strings

kaula

• ke kaula  [keh kau lah oh G string Lit., string

o luna loo nah lo (w)ah] uppermost
loa

G: pronounced
[GEE] ?

• ke kaula  [keh kau lah eh C string Lit., string two

`elua loo (w)ah]
C: pronounced
[SEH]

• ke kaula  [keh kau lah eh E string Lit., string three

`ekolu koh loo]
E pronounced:
[EH]
 • ke kaula  [keh kau lah eh A string Lit., string four
`ehâ HAH]
A pronounced:
[AH]

Kinds of `Ukulele

ka `ukulele Ohta-san the Ohta-san `ukulele named for a famous

`ukulele artist.

ka `ukulele hâ `oi the baritone `ukulele hâ `oi = `ehâ + `oi =

four

ka `ukulele leo `ekahi the soprano `ukulele leo `ekahi = voice two

ka `ukulele leo `ekolu the tenor `ukulele leo `ekolu = voice three

ka `ukulele leo Lili`u the Lili`u `ukulele leo Lili`u = voice Lili`u;
named for Queen
Lili`uokalani.

ka `ukulele pahu kîkâ the cigar-box `ukulele pahu = box

kîkâ = guitar

ka `ukulele pûniu the coconut shell pû = sounding

`ukulele
niu = coconut

ka `ukulele `ea honu the turtle shell `ukulele `ea = shell of Hawksbill
turtle;

honu = turtle

ka `ukulele `elua puka the double-hole `ukulele `elua puka = two holes

ka `ukulele `ewalu kaula the eight-string `ukulele `ewalu kaula = eight

strings

ka `ukulele `okia the cutaway `ukulele `oki= cut

Nâ Hâme`a / Gadgets, Thingamajigs, Gizmos, Doohickies

`ûmi`i kaula capo, as used on fretted instruments

to raise the pitch of all strings.

pahu case

• pahu `ukulele  `ukulele case

  kâkai pahu `ukulele  `ukulele case handle

ana manawa metronome

hao ho`okani, (ke) `ô ho`okani tuning fork

`Ukulele Links and Book / Music Resources

Ho'olohe i ke kani honehone o A Brief History of the `Ukulele

ka `ukulele:

Listen to the sweet sound of

the `ukulele:

`Ukulele Homepage, Hawai`i `Ukulele Guide

by my buddy Bu

`Ukuleles by Kâwika (w/ sound Vintage `Ukuleles & Hawaiian

clips) Guitars

`Ukulele News (online edition) To order books / music:

The Hawaiian Music Island

To join `ukulele discussions Usenet: alt.music.hawaiian

with Bradda Bu and other
`ukulele enthusiast, go to the Examples of Bradda Bu's aloha
newsgroup, alt.music.hawaiian. from the na`au: click here.

, `ukulele

Lesson 34
Nâ Kino o ka Lani:
Ka Lâ, Ka Mahina, a me Nâ Hôkû
Heavenly Bodies:The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars

Ka Lâ / The Sun
lâ sun, sun heat; sunny, solar; also,
means day, date.

sunrise

• pukana lâ • Lit., outlet + sun.

• puka `ana o ka lâ • Lit., opening of the sun.

 kahikole  early morning sun.

Lit., to have lost the red glow of
 dawn.

Ua kahikole ka lâ.
The sun is up and has lost the glow of dawn.

• kahikû  before noon sun.

Lit., to rise higher, of the sun, to a
stage between kahikole and kau i
ka lolo.

 kau i ka lolo  sun at noontime

Lit., (the sun) rests on the brains.

Kau i ka lolo: believed to be a time with great mana as a

person's aka (shadow, image) was no longer visible and
thought to have the person's sacred head (lolo = brains).

napo`o ana o ka lâ Sunset.

Lit., setting of the sun.
po`o = depression

• alaula  sunset glow, also light of the

early dawn.
Lit., road + flaming.

Ke alaula a Kâne.
The flaming road of Kâne. Fig., the eastern sky.

Ka wehe `na o ke aluala, `oia ka paoa.

The opening of the flaming pathway is the dawn.

• aka`ula  red sunset.

Lit., shadow + red.

Aka`ula was looked upon a sign that rain will clear, akin
to "red at night, sailor's delight."

"mai ka lâ hiki â ka lâ ka lâ kau " "from sunrise to sunset".

Fig., a whole day or whole life
span.

ho`olâ to sun
Lit., to sun; to put out in sunlight.
• kaula`i lâ
• pâpa`a lâ • sunbath.
Lit., expose + sun.
• `ili pâpa`a • sunburned.
Lit., burnt + sun.

• sun-burned skin.
Lit., skin + burnt.

lua kâlai lani circle (orbit) around the sun

pôhaka lâ sunbeam.
Lit., splotch + sun.
mâlamalama o ka lâ
sunlight.
pâ`ana a ka lâ Lit., light / illumination of the sun.

sunshine

pâ kuhikuhi manawa sundial.

Lit., board + pointing + time.

pua nânâ lâ sunflower.

Lit., flower + look + sun.

pouli ka lâ sun eclipse.

Lit., dark the sun.

Lâpule Sunday
Lit., day of prayer
• Hua ho`opôkole `ana, Lp.
• Abbreviation, Sun.

Na mea no ka lâ Sun accessories:

• makaaniani kala, • sunglasses

makaaniani lâ • sun hat, sun bonnet
• pâpale `o`oma
• sunscreen lotion.
• `aila pale lâ Lit., oil + protect + sun.

Nâ Hua `Ôlelo Hou o ka Lâ

Modern Sun Terms
lâ solar

kâ`ei kau lâ solar constant

lapa ahi lâ / kiko lâ solar flare / sunspot

`ale ahi lâ solar granule, gigantic waves of

gas which roll across the surface
of the sun.

puapua`i lâ prominences, i.e., puffs of gas

which gently drift above the
surface of the sun.

`ûomo ikehu lâ solar panel

manehu lâ solar power

pâhawewe lâ solar radiation

poe lâ solar system

Ka Mahina / The Moon

mahina moon, month; moonlight.
Lit., in + Hina (goddess of the
moon); also, malama (light,
moon, light).

Mahina Kauakahi Moon Kauakahi

mahina hou new moon.

Lit., moon + new / again.
mahina hapalua
half moon.
mahina piha, mahina poepoe Lit., moon + half.

full moon.
Lit., moon + full, moon + round.

Hoku Palemo moon which sets before daylight

Hoku Ili moon which sets after daylight

Hoku: Night of the full moon. When this moon set

before daylight it was called Hoku Palemo, Hoku that
slips away. When it set after daylight, it was called
Hoku Ili, grounded Hoku. Ka mahina o Hoku is the full
moon of the night.

Mâhealani: sixteenth day of the lunar month, night of

the full moon.

luahoana halo or rainbow around the moon

or sun.
Lit., pit + polished.

pô mahina moonlight night.

Lit., night + moon.

mahina hapalua mua waxing moon.

Lit., first half of the moon.
mahina hapalua hope
waning moon.
Lit. last half of the moon.

Hina-i-ka-malama Goddess of the moon.

Lit., Hina in the light .

mâlamalama o ka mahina Moonlight.

Lit., light of the moon.
• mâhinahina
• pale moonlight
• "Ka pâ kônane a ka
mahina." • "The moonlight shines
brightly."

Nâ mea o ka mahina: Moon-related things:

• mahina meli • honeymoon

Lit., moon + honey
 Nâ Hôkû / The Stars
ka hôkû the star
he mau hôkû stars

Constellation

huihui Lit., gathering, cluster, collection.

ulu hôkû

Nâ hôkû o ka lani a me nâ huihui ona.

The stars of the heavens and their constellations.

hôkû `ae`a (also: hôkûala, planet.

hôkûlewa) Lit., star + wandering.

hôkû `ai `âina probably same as alanui o nâ

hôkû ho`okele.
Lit., stars ruling the land.

hôkûlele meteor, shooting star, any moving

star. Meteors are not actual stars,
but pieces of rock or metal that
burn up as they shoot through the
air.
Lit., star + leaping.

hôkûli`ili`i small star, asteroid.

Lit., star + little.

hôkûpuhi paka comet.

Lit., star + tobacco-smoking.

hôkû ukali satellite star.

Lit., star + accompanying.

hôkû welowelo shooting star, comet.

Lit., star + streaming.

kilo hôkû, kilo, kilo lani stargazer

Nâ Hôkû a me Nâ Huihui
The Stars and Constellations
Humu, Ho`ohumu Altair, a main sequence (ordinary
in size) star in Aquila
constellation, said to have been
used for navigation from Hawai`i
to Tahiti; #12 in brightness.
Lit., to stitch, to bind together.

Kao, Hôkû`ula, Melemele, Antares, a supergiant star; #16 in

Auhaele, Welehu brightness. Kao = dart.
Hôkûle`a Arcturus (probably), a
navigational star; a zenith star
above Hawai`i; a low temperature
(with an orange-red glow) giant
star; #4 in brightness.
Lit., star + clear/happy, "star of
gladness".

`Aua, Kaulua-koko, Koko Betelgeuse, a supergiant star

which shines with a low
temperature red color; #9 in
brightness.
`Aua: Lit., lean, as fish.

Koko: Lit., blood

Nâ Hiku Big Dipper constellation.

Lit., the seven.

Also known as Ki`aha ( a modern

term) for tumbler, mug, "dipper".

Ke-ali`i-o-Kona-i-ka-lewa Canopus, a supergiant star; #2 in

brightness.
Lit., the chief of Kona in the
heaven.

`Iwakeli`i Cassiopeia constellation.

Lit., frigate bird + the little.

Nânâmua Castor.
Lit., look + ahead.

Hôkû-kau-ahiahi, Hôkûkau`ôpae Evening Star (Venus)

Lit., star + placed + evening, star
+ placed + shrimp.

Ke-ho`oea, Keoe (probably) Lyra, a constellation which

includes the star, Vega.

Hôkû`ula (perhaps) Mars.

Lit., star + red.

Hôkûnohoaupuni Milky Way, a galaxy (star group)

with more than 100 billion stars,
including the sun.
Lit., star + ruling.

Morning Star (Venus when seen

in the morning)
Hôkûao, Hôkûloa, Hôkûali`i, Lit., star + dawn, star + long, star
Hôkûkomohana + chief, star + west.

Hôkûpa`a North Star (Polaris)

Lit., star + immovable.

`Oliona Orion constellation.

 • Maiakû
• Stars in Orion's belt.
• Nâ-kao
• Stars in Orion's belt and
sword. Lit., the darts.

Makali`i Pleiades, also known as the

Seven Sisters, a loose cluster of
stars in the constellation Taurus.
Lit., tiny, very small, fine, wee,
small-meshed.

Nânâhope Pollux, a giant star with a yellow-

red glow, #17 in brightness.
Lit., look + back.

Puana-kau Rigel, tutelary (guardian) star of

West Maui;a giant star which
sparkles with a blue light (high
temperature); #7 in brightness.

Hôkûho`okelewa`a / (possibly) Sirius, a main sequence (ordinary

Kauanomeha in size) star with a blue-white
gleam; #1 in brightness, i.e., next
to the sun, the brightest star. This
star was used by navigators and
fishermen.

Lit., star + to guide canoe / placed

in holy stillness.

Hôkûke`a Southern Cross.

Lit., star + cross.

Keoe (probably) Vega, a main sequence (ordinary

in size) star that appears white;
#5 in brightness.

Lit., a sweet potato.

Lesson 35

`Ôlelo No`eau / Proverbs & Sayings

Nâ Kino o ka Lani:
Ka Lâ, ka Mahina, a me nâ Hôkû

`Ôlelo No`eau: Ka Lâ / The Sun

 # 18

Ahu kupanaha ka lâ i Mânâ.

Peculiar is the action of the sun in Mânâ.

Said of a delusion. Mânâ, Kaua`i is a place where

mirages were once seen.

# 33

Aia i ka wela ke po`o o ke keiki i ka lâ.

When the head of the sun is warmed by the sun.

When he is old enough to toddle or creep by

himself into the sunlight.

# 155

`A`ohe ipu `ôpio e `ole ka mimino i ka lâ.

No immature gourd can withstand withering
in the sun (without care.)

No child can get along without adult supervision.

# 395

Ha`ale i ka lâ ka mea mahana.

Has left the warmth of the sun.

Has died.

# 619

He `ike `ana ia i ka pono.

The morning is full of strength for youth, but when the sun is
high they become tired and run.

Said of the young who do not work as persistently as their parents

 -- they start well but soon quit.

# 635

He `îna`i na ka wela a ka lâ
Meat consumed by the heat of the sun.

Said of one who has a severe sunburn.

# 744

Hele ka ho`i a hiki i Kalia, ua napo`o ka lâ.

When one reaches Kealia at last, the sun is set.

Said of one who procrastinates. A play on alia (to wait).

# 839

He Napo`opo`o i `ikea ke po`o,

he Napo`opo`o no i `ikea ka pepeiao.
A (person of) Napo`opo`o whose head is seen;
a Napo`opo`o no whose ears are seen.

A play on napo`o (to sink), as the sun sinks in the west.

Not matter what your claim to rank may be, we can see that
your mindfulness of etiquette is equally low.

# 983

He weo ke kanaka; he pano ke ali`i.

A commoner is dark; a chief is darker still.

A commoner is reddened in the sunlight and is as

approachable as day; but a chief surrounded by
kapu is as unapproachableas the black of night.

# 990
 Hiki mai ka lâ ma Ha`eha`e,
maluna mai o Kuki`i.
The sun rises at Ha`eha`e, above Kuki`i.

Ha`eha`e, in Puna, Hawai`i, is often called the gateway

of the sun. Kuki`i is a place in Puna.

# 1144

Hulili ka lâ i ke kula o Makahu`ena,

he huaka`i `oi`o.
When the sunlight vibrates over the plains of
of Makahu`ena, a procession of ghosts
is going through.

A saying used when the heat of the sun appears to vibrate.

The huaka`i `oi`o is a procession of departed
chiefs and their followers.

# 1144

Hulili wela ka lâ o Maunaloa.

The sun is shining on Maunaloa makes
it vibrate with heat.

Maunaloa, Moloka`i, is a very warm place.

# 1164

I hole `ia no ka i`e i ke kau o ka lâ.

The time to cut designs in a tapa beater
is when the sun is high.

Do your work when you can do your best.

# 1422
 Ka lâ i ka Mauliola.
The sun at the source of life.

Mauli-ola (Breath of Life) is the god of health.

# 1427

Kala kahiko i au wale ai ka lâ.

The sun has gone down long since.

A reply to one who asks about something that took

place a long time ago.

# 1428

Ka lâ koi hana o Lahainaluna.

The sun of Lahainaluna urges one to work.

Daytime at the Lahainaluna School occupied

with studying and working.

# 1484

Ka moa i hânai `ia ka lâ, ua `oi ia

i ka moa i hânai `ia i ka malu.
A chicken fed in the sunlight is stronger
than one fed in the shade.

If you want a strong child, raise the child

with plenty sunlight.

# 1488

Ka moku kâ`ili lâ o Manokalanipo.

The sun-snatching island of Manokalanipo.

Kaua`i, the northwesternmost island of the group,

beyond which the sun vanishes at dusk.
 Manokalanipo was an ancient ruler of Kaua`i.

# 1524

Kapakahi ka lâ ma Wai`anae.
Lopsided is the sun in Wai`anae.

Used to refer to anything lopsided, crooked, or not right.

First uttered by Hi`iaka in a rebuke to Lohi`au and
Wahine`ôma`o for talking when she warned them not to.

# 1611

Kau ka lâ i ka lolo, ho`i ke aka i ke kino.

The sun stands over the brain, the shadow
retreats into the body.

Said of high noon, when the sun is directly overhead and

no shadows are seen -- an important time for some
ancient rites and ceremonies.

# 1618

Kaula`i na iwi i ka lâ.

To bleach the bones in the sun.

To talk freely and unkindly of one's family to outsiders.

# 1630

Ka`û malo `eka, kua wehi.

Ka`û of the dirty loincloth and black back.

The soil of Ka`û is not easy to till. The farmers there

squatted on their haunches and worked the soil with
short digging sticks. The sun darkened their backs.

# 1643
 Ka wahine hele lâ o Kaiona,
alualu wai li`ulâ o ke kaha pua `ôhai.
The woman, Kaiona, who travels in the sunshine pursuing
the mirage of the place where
the `ôhai blossoms grow.

Kaiona was a goddess of Ka`ala and the Wai`ane Mountains. She

was a kind person who helped anyone who lost his way in the
mountains by sending a bird, an `iwa, to guide the lost one
out of the forest. In modern times Princess Bernice
Pauahi Bishop was compared to Kaiona in songs.

# 1706

Keiki kâohi lâ o Kumukahi.

The child that hold back the sun at Kumukahi.

Praise of an outstanding youth of Puna. Kumukahi is the eastern

point of Hawai`i, the place where the sun comes up.

# 1811

Ko`ele na iwi o Hua i ka lâ.

The bones of Hua rattled in the sun.

A warning not to talk too much of one's kin. Also, a reminder that
trouble is sure to befall those who destroy the innocent. Hua was a
chief of Maui who heeded the lies of jealous men and ordered the
death of his faithful priest, Luaho`omoe. Before he died, he sent his
sons to the mountains for safety, because it was foretold by gods
what was to come over the land. After his death, drought and famine
came. Many died, including the chief Hua. There was no one to hide
his remains, so his bones were left exposed to sun and wind. Also
expressed Nakeke na iwi…

# 1848

Konohiki lua ka lâ i Olowalu.

The heat of the sun rules in Olowalu.

Said of one who permits the heat of anger to possess him.

 Olowalu, Maui is known for its warm climate.

# 1908

Kûkulu kala`ihi ka lâ i Mânâ.

The sun sets up mirages at Mânâ.

Said of a boastful person who exaggerates.

# 2012

Li`uli`u wale ka nohona i ka lâ o Hauola,

a holoholo i ke one o `Alio.
Long has one tarried in the sunlight of Hauola and walked on
the sands of `Alio.

Said in praise of an aged person. There is a play on

ola (life) in the name Hauola.

# 2058

Mai ka hikina a ka lâ i Kumukahi

a ka welona a ka lâ i Lehua.
From the sunrise at Kumukahi to the
fading sunlight at Lehua.

From sunrise to sunset, Kumukahi, in Puna, Hawai`i, was called the

land of the sunrise, and Lehua, the land of the sunset.
This saying refers to a life span -- from birth to death.

# 2062

Mai ka lâ hiki a ka lâ kau.

From the sun's arrival to the sun's rest.

Said of a day, from sunrise to sunset. This phrase is much used in

prayers. Any mention of the setting of the sun was avoided in
prayers for the sick; instead one referred to the sun's rest, thus
 suggesting rest and renewal rather than permanent departure.

# 2063

Mai ka lâ `ô`ili i Ha`eha`e a hâli`i

i ka mole o Lehua.
From the appearance of the sun at Ha`eha`e till it spreads its
light to the foundation of Lehua.

Ha`eha`e is a place at Kumukahi, Puna, Hawai`i, often

referred to in poetry as the gateway of the sun.

# 2064

Mai ka `ô`ili ana a ka lâ i Kumukahi a ka lâ iho

aku i ka mole `olu o Lehua.
From the appearance of the sun at Kumukahi till its descent
beyond the pleasant base of Lehua.

From the sunrise at Kumukahi, in Puna, Hawai`i, to the sunset

beyond the islet of Lehua.

# 2070

Mai ke kai kuwâ e nû ana i ka ulu

hala o Kea`au a ka `âina kâ`ili lâ
o lalo o ka Waikû`auhoe.
From the noisy sea that moans to the hala grooves of
Kea`au, to the land that snatches away the sun,
below Waikû`auhoe.

From Puna, Hawai`i, where the sun was said to rise, to Lehua,
beyond Waikû`auhoe, where it vanishes out of sight.

# 2126

Malô ka wai i ka lâ.

 The water dries up in the sun.

Joy withers in the presence of wrath.

# 2136

Mânâ kah kua welawela.

Mânâ where the back feels the heat (of the sun).

Refers to Mânâ, Kaua`i.

# 2164

Mo`a nopu ka lâ i ke kula o Ho`olehua.

The sun scorches the plain of Ho`olehua.

Refers to Ho`olehua, Moloka`i.

# 2298

Nau na ku`i o ka niho o ka lâ.

The teeth of the sun gnash.

Said of a very warm day in which the heat is almost unbearable.

#2306

Ne`e papa ka helu a ka lâ i Punahoa.

The sun continued to scorch at Punahoa.

The fight didn't end quickly.

# 2387

`Oi ka niho o ka lâ i Kûmanomano.

 Sharp are the teeth of the sun at Kûmanomano.

A very hot place is Kûmanomano. A play on manomano (much).

# 2388

`Oi kau ka lâ, e hana i ola honua.

While the sun yet shines do all you can.

While there is earthly life (ola honua), do all you can.

# 2417

O ka lâ ko luna, o ka pâhoehoe ko lalo.

The sun above, the smooth lava below.

Said of a journey in which the traveler suffers from the heat of the
sun above and the reflected heat from the lava bed below.

# 2653

Pili pono ka lâ i Kamananui.

The sun is very close to Kamananui.

A play on Ka-mana-nui (The-great-power). When the person in power

becomes angry, everyone around him feels
uncomfortable, as in the scorching, blistering sun.

# 2654

Pili pono ka lâ i Papa`ena`ena.

The sun concentrates its heat at Papa`ena`ena.

Said of the heat of temper. A play on `ena`ena (red-hot).

# 2855

Ua wela ka lâ, ke `oni nei

 kukuna o ka hâ`uke`uke.
The sun is too warm, for the spikes of
the hâ`uke`uke are moving.

Anger is growing, and those near the angry one are moving out of
the way. The hâ`uke`uke is a sea urchin.

# 2870

Ulu o ka lâ.
Growth of the sun.

Said of the light of sunrise just as the sun's rim

touches the horizon.

# 2890

Uwê o Kânepûniu i ka wela a ka lâ.

Kânepûniu complains of the heat of the sun.

Said when someone complains of the heat. From the chant by

Hi`iaka, who saw Kânepûniu (Kâne-of-the-coconut), a supernatural
tree at Wai`anae, O`ahu, on a very warm day.

BACK TO INDEX
Pronunciation Guide

`Ôlelo No`eau: Ka Mahina / The Moon

# 1471

Kamali`i `ike `ole i ka helu pô:

Muku nei, Muku ka malama;
Hilo nei, kau ka Hoaka.
Children who do not know the moon phases:
Muku is here, Muku the moon;
Hilo comes next, then Hoaka.

The first part of a child's chant for learning the names of

the moon phases. Also said of one who does not know
the answer to a question or is ignorant. He is compared
to
a small child who has not learned the moon phases.

# 1612

Kau ka mahina.
The moon is shining.

A remark made in fun when a bald head is seen.

# 2431

O ka `Ole ia, mai `Okekukâhi a

`Olekupau.
It is the `Ole nights from `Okekukâhi to
`Olekupau.

No. Absolutely not. A play on `ole (nothing). `Olekukâhi,

`Olekulua, `Olekukolu, and `Olekupau are moon
phases in the lunar month.

# 2527

O `Olepau ka mahina;
o palaweka ka mahina;
o hina wale ka mahina;
o hâhâ pô`ele ka mahina.
`Olepau is the moon phase;
hazy is the light of the moon;
quickly goes the light of the moon;
quickly goes the light of the moon;
one gropes in the dark.

Said of one who is vague or hazy in explaining his

thoughts, or of one whose knowledge is vague.

# 2595
 Pali ke kua, mahina ke alo.
Back (as straight) as a cliff,
face as bright as the moon.

Said of a good-looking person.

BACK TO INDEX

Pronunciation Guide

`Ôlelo No`eau:
Nâ Hôkû / The Stars
# 1145

Hului kôkô a Makali`i a kau i luna.

The carrying net of Makali`i takes all and
suspends them on high.

Said of a stingy person. Makali`i was a supernatural

chief of ancient times who gathered all the food plants
in a net and hung them in the sky among the stars of
the Pleiades.
The result was famine.

# 2513

O na hôkû no na kiu o ka lani.

The stars are the spies of heaven.

The stars look down on everyone and everything.

# 2514

O na hôkû o ka lani ka i `ike ia Pae.

Aia a loa`a ka pûnana o ke ke kôlea,
loa`a `oia ia `oe.
 Only the stars of heaven know where Pae is. Pae
was a priest in the reign of `Umi. He was so
lucky in fishing that the chief desired his bones
for fishhooks after his death.

When Pae died, his sons hid his bones so well that
none of the chiefs and priests could find them. The
sons would say, "When you find the nest of the plover,
then will you find him." But `Umi enlisted the help of a
noted priest of Kaua`i, who saw the ghost of Pae
drinking from a spring in Waimanu Valley. Thus were
the bones of Pae found and made into fishhooks for
the chief. The sons of Pae were reminded that the
chief was using their father's bones for hooks by his
constant cry, "O Pae, hold fast to our fish!"

# 2515

O na hôkû o ka lani, o Pa`aiea ko

lalo.
The stars are above, Pa`aiea below.

Refers to Kamehameha's great fishpond, Pa`aiea, in

Kona, Hawai`i. Its great size led to this saying -- the
small islets that dotted its interior were compared to
the stars that dot the sky. The pond was destroyed
during a volcanic eruption.

Lesson 36

Hau`oli Lâ Ho`omaika`i,
Thanksgiving Menu Thanksgiving Table Conversation
 Ka Papa Mea`ai
Menu

pelehû turkey
[peh leh HOO']

pua`a hame ham

[poo ah' ah hah' meh]

mea ho`opihapiha stuffing

[meh' (y)ah hoh' oh pee' hah pee' hah]

kai `ôpû giblet gravy

[kai' OH' POO']

laiki rice
[lai' kee]

`uala sweet potato

[oo (w)ah' lah]

`uala kahiki irish potato

[oo (w)ah' lah kah hee' kee]

kai `ôhelo cranberry sauce

[kai' OH' heh loh]

kûlina `ono sweet corn

[KOO' lee nah oh' noh]

lau `ai me mea salad with dressing

hô`ono`ono lau `ai
[lau' ai' meh meh' (y)ah HOH' oh' noh oh'
noh lau' ai']

palaoa li`ili`i a me waiû rolls and butter

paka
[pah lao' (w)ah lee' ee lee' ee ah meh wai'
(Y)OO' pah' kah]

wai water
[wai' / vai']

waiû milk
[wai' (Y)OO']

waina wine
[wai' nah]

pia beer
[pee' (y)ah]

pai pû pumpkin pie

[pai' POO']

haukalima ice cream

[hau' kah lee' mah]

kope coffee / tea

[koh' peh]

kalima a me kopa`a cream & sugar

[kah lee' mah a meh koh pah' ah]
 Thanksgiving Table Conversation
Hau`oli Ho`omaika`i! Happy Thanksgiving!
[hau' oh lee hoh' oh mai' kai'!]

Hau`oli Lâ Pelehû! Happy Turkey Day!

[hau' oh lee LAH' peh leh HOO'!]

Auê nô ho`i e! Goodness!

[au' (W)EH NOH' hoh' ee (y)eh!]
I'm hungry.
Pôloli au. I'm thirsty.
[POH' loh lee (y)au'.]
Makewai au.
[mah ke wai' (y)au'.]

E kâmau kî`aha kâkou! Let's have a drink!

[eh KAH' mau' KEE' ah hah KAH' kou'!]

`Ane`ane anei e mâkaukau ka Is dinner almost ready?

pâ`ina?
[ah' neh ah' neh ah' nei (y)eh MAH' kau' kau' kah PAH' ee
nah?]

`Ae, ua mâkaukau. Yes, it's ready.

[ae' oo' (w)ah MAH' kau' kau'.]

E ho`â`o paha `oe i wahi pûpû? Will you try some appetizers?
[eh hoh' AH' oh pah' hah oe' (y)ee vah' hee POO' POO'?]

`Ono kêia pûpû! This appetizer is delicious!

[oh' noh KEH' (y)ee (y)ah POO' POO'!]
What is this?
He aha kêia?
[heh (y)ah hah KEH' (y)ee (y)ah?]

`Ô`io poke kêia. This is chunked and marinated

[heh OH' ee(y)oh KEH' (y)ee (y)ah.]
raw bonefish.

Makemake au i kêia poke! I like this poke!

[mah' keh mah' keh (y)au' (y)ee KEH' (y)ee (y)ah poh' keh!]

Ka ho`okûkû kinipôpô peku i ke The football game's on TV.

kîwî.
[kah hoh' oh KOO' KOO' kee' nee POH' POH' peh' koo (y)ee
keh KEE' VEE'.]

`O wai e pa`ani? Who's playing?

[oh vai' (y)eh pah ah' nee?]

`O wai la! Who cares?

[oh vai' lah!]

Ua kau `ia nâ mea `ai ma ke The food is on the table.

pâkaukau. Come and eat!
[oo' (w)ah kau' ee(y)ah NAH' meh (y)ah AI' mah keh PAH'
kau' kau'.]
Mai e `ai!
[mai' ej ai'!]

Auê nô ho`i kêia! Good gracious! (Look at) this!

[au' (W)EH NOH' hoh' ee KEH' (y)ee (y)ah!]
Your food is splendid!
He maika`i maoli kâu mea `ai!
[heh mai' kah ee mao' lee KAU' meh (y)ah ai!]

E noho kâkou ma ke pâkaukau. Let's sit down at the table.

[eh noh' hoh KAH' kou' mah keh PAH' kau' kau'.]

Hô, nunui ka `ai! Wow, so much food!

[HOH', noo nui' kah ai'!]
 E pule i ka pule ho`omaika`i kâkou. Let us pray a prayer of thanks.
[eh poo' leh ee kah poo' leh hoh' oh mai' kah ee KAH' kou'.]

Ke ho`omaika`i a mahalo nei mâkou We give our thanks to You for

iâ `Oe no kêia `ai. this food.
[keh hoh' oh mai' kah ee (y)ah mah hah' loh nei' MAH' kou'
(y)ee (Y)AH' oe' noh KEH' (y)ee (y)ah ai'.]

E inu paha `oe i wahi kî`aha waina, Will you drink a glass of wine
ai`ole pia paha? or some beer?
[eh (y)ee' noo pah' hah oe' (y)ee vah' hee KEE' ah hah vai'
nah, ai' oh leh pee (y)ah pah' hah?]
(water or some milk?)
(wai ai`ole waiû paha?)
[wai' (y)ai' oh leh wai' (Y)OO pah' hah?]

I wahi waina no`u. A little wine for me.

[ee vah' hee vai' nah noh' oo.]

Inu ho`omaika`i! A toast!

[ee' noo hoh' oh mai' kah ee!]
To forever!
Kâmau!
[KAH' mau'!]

E `ai kâkou! Let's eat!

[eh ai' KAH' kou'!]

He aha ka`u e hâ`awi aku ai iâ `oe? What shall I offer you?

[heh (y)ah' hah kah' oo (y)eh HAH' ah vee (y)ah koo (w)ai
(y)ee(Y)AH' oe'?]

Ua makemake anei `oe i wahi lau I will ask you for a little salad.
`ai.
[oo' (w)ah mah' keh mah' keh (y)ah nei' oe (y)ee vah' hee lau'
ai'.]

Ua makemake anei `oe i wahi Will you have some ham?

hame?
[oo' (w)ah mah' keh mah' keh (y)ah nei' oe' (y)ee vah' hee
hah' meh?]

`Ae, mahalo. Yes, thank you.

[ae', mah hah' loh.]
I will take some ham.
I wahi hame na`u.
[ee vah' hee hah' meh nah' oo.]

I wahi pelehû? Some turkey?

[ee vah' hee peh leh HOO'?]

I wahi pelehû na`u ke `olu`olu `oe. I'll have some turkey, please.
[ee vah' hee peh leh HOO' nah' oo keh oh' loo oh' loo oe'.]

I wahi `êheu nâu? Will you have a wing?

[ee vah' hee EH' heu' NAU'?]

Makemake au i ka `uhâ pelehû me I want the drumstick, with

mea ho`opihapiha a me kai `ôpû. stuffing and giblet gravy.
[mah' keh mah' keh (y)au' (y)ee kah oo HAH' peh leh HOO'
meh meh (y)ah hoh' oh pee' hah pee' hah ah meh kai' OH'
POO'.]

He `ono maoli kêia pelehû! This turkey is delicious!

[heh oh' noh mao' lee KEH' (y)ee(y)ah peh leh HOO'!]
Compliments to the chef!
Mahalo i ka mea kuke!
[mah hah' loh (y)ee kah meh' (y)ah koo' keh!]

Aia i hea ka `iwi `ô? Where's the wishbone?

[ai' (y)ai' heh' (y)ah kah ee' vee OH'?]

E hâ`awi au nâu i ka laiki, `uala, Shall I give you rice, sweet

ai`ole `uala kahiki? potato or white potato?
[eh HAH' ah vee (y)au' NAU' (y)ee kah lai' kee, oo (w)ah' lah,
ai' oh leh oo (w)ah' lah kah hee' kee?]

`A`ole , `a`ohe o`u makemake. No, I do not wish any.

[ah oh' leh, ah oh' heh oh' oo mah' keh mah' keh.]

E `olu`olu hâ`awi mai i ka pa`akai. Please pass the salt.

[eh oh' loo oh' loo HAH' ah vee mai' (y)ee kah pah ah kai'.]

Eia ke koiû. Here's the soy sauce.

[ei (y)ah keh koi' (Y)OO'.]

`O ka pepa kênâ? Is that pepper (near you)?

[oh kah peh' pah KEH' NAH'?]

E `olu`olu e hâ`awi mai i ke kûlina Please pass me the sweet

`ono. corn.
[eh oh' loo oh' loo (w)eh HAH' ah vee MAI' keh KOO' lee nah
oh' noh.]

Eia nâ palaoa li`li`i. Here are the rolls.

[ei (y)ah NAH' pah lao' (w)ah lee' ee lee' ee.]
Allow me to hand you one.
E `ae mai ia`u e hâ`awi aku i
ho`okahi nâu.
[eh ae' MAI' (y)ah' oo (w)eh HAH' ah vee (y)ah' koo (y)ee hoh'
oh kah' hee NAU'.]

`A`ohe â kâkou waiûpaka? Don't we have any butter?

[ah oh' heh AH' KAH' kou' wai' (Y)OO' pah' kah?]

Eia ka waiûpaka. Here's the butter.

[ei' (y)ah kah wai' (Y)OO' pah' kah.]

E `ai iho! Eat!

[eh AI' hoh!]
Eat heartily!
E `ai ho`omâ`ona! Eat like a pig.
[eh AI' hoh oh MAH' oh nah!]
`Ai â pua`a.
[ai' AH' poo (w)ah' ah.]

I kêia lâ `a`ohe nâ ikehuâ i kêia mea Today, there are no calories in

`ai. this food.
[ee KEH (y)ee (y)ah LAH' ah oh' heh NAH' (y)ee keh hoo
(W)AH' (y)ee KEH' (y)ee (y)ah meh (y)ah ai.]

Ua lawa? Enough?
[oo' (w)ah lah' vah?]
Full?
Piha? Are you satisfied?
[pee' hah?]
Ua mâ`ona `oe?
[oo' (w)ah MAH' oh nah oe' ?]

Pa`e ka wa`a! The canoe has landed!

[pah' eh kah vah' ah!]
(Fig., I am full!)

E `ai kâkou i ka monamona! Let's have dessert!

[eh ai' KAH' kou (w)ee kah moh' nah moh' nah!]

I kope ai `ole i kî nâu? Coffee or tea for you?

[ee koh' peh (y)ai' oh leh (y)ee KEE NAU'?]

He inu kope au. I drink coffee.

[heh (y)ee' noo koh' peh (y)au'.]

Ua `ono kûpono anei kou kope. Is your coffee sweetened

[ooh (w)ah oh' noh KOO' poh noh (y)ah nei' kou' koh' peh?]
enough?

`Ono au i ke kope ikaika, me ka Yes, and I like it strong without

waiû `ole. milk.
 [oh' noh (w)au' (y)ee keh koh' pei' kai' kah, meh kah wai'
(Y)OO' oh' leh.]

`A`ala kêia kope! This coffee smells good!

[ah ah' lah KEH' (y)ee (y)ah koh' peh!]

Mai Moloka`i mai kêia kope `ono. This delicious coffee is from
[mai' moh loh kah' ee mai' KEH' (y)ee (y)ah koh' peh oh' noh.]
Moloka`i.

E ho`â`o ana au i `apana `u`uku o I will try a small piece of that

kêlâ pai pû me haukalima. pumpkin pie with ice cream.
[eh ho AH' oh (w)ah' NAU' (w)ee ah pah' nah oo oo' koo oh
KEH' LAH' pai' POO' meh hau' kah lee' mah.]

`Ono maoli kêia pai pû. This pumpkin pie is truly

[oh' noh mao' lee KEH' (y)ee (y)ah pai' POO'.]
delicious.

`A`ole, `a`ohe mea hou ke `olu`olu No, nothing more, if you

`oe. please.
[ah oh' leh, ah oh' heh meh' (y)ah hou' keh oh' loo oh' loo oe'.]

Ua loa`a ia`u he pâ`ina I had an excellent

Ho`omaika`i maika`i loa. Thanksgiving dinner!
[oo' (w)ah loh' (w)ah ai (y)ah' oo he PAH' ee nah hoh' oh mai'
kah ee mai' kah ee loh (w)ah!]

Piha maika`i au. I am well filled.

[pee' hah mai' kah ee (y)au'.]

Pûha! Burp!
[POO' hah!]
Belch!
Kîhâ! Excuse me!
[KEE' HAH'!]
E kala mai ia`u!
[eh kah' lah MAI' (y)ah oo!]

Mâ`ona maika`i au. I'm comfortably full.

[MAH' oh nah mai' kah ee (y)au']

Mâ`ona loa au. I'm very satisfied.

[MAH' oh nah loh' (W)AU']

Maka hiamoe au. I'm sleepy!

[mah' kah hee (y)ah moe' (y)au'!]

Aia i hea ka lumi ho`opau pilikia? Where's the bathroom?

[ai' (y)ai' heh' (y)ah kah loo' mee hoh' oh pau' pee lee kee'
(y)ah?]

Aloha ahiahi! Good night!

[ah loh' HAH' hee (y)ah' hee!]
I'm going to sleep.
Ua hele au e hiamoe.
[oo' (w)ah heh' leh (y)au' eh hee (y)ah moe'.]

Hau`oli Ho`omaika`i! Happy Thanksgiving!

[hau' oh lee hoh' oh mai' kah ee!]
My gratitude to all of you!
Mahalo au iâ `oukou!
[mah hah' loh (w)au' (y)ee (Y)AH' ou' kou'!

Pôkeokeo, pôkeokeo, pôkeokeo! Gobble

[POH' keh (y)oh keh (y)oh, POH' keh (y)oh keh (y)oh, POH'
keh (y)oh keh (y)oh!]
 Lesson 37

Aloha is…
love,
affection,
compassion,
mercy,
sympathy,
pity,
kindness,
sentiment,
grace,

and charity.

Aloha is a…
greeting,
salutation,
regards,
 sweetheart,

lover,

and a loved one.

Aloha is being…
beloved,
loving,
kind,
compassionate,

charitable,
and lovable.

Aloha is to…
love…

be fond of…
show kindness, mercy, pity, charity, affection…
 venerate…
remember with affection…
greet…
and hail.

"Aloha!" is…
"Greetings!"
"Hello!"
"Good-by!"
"Farewell!"
"Alas!"

Lesson 38

A LOH A WORDS
Root Words of Aloha
Front, face, presence
alo
Prefix, perhaps short for lo`o, to
lo obtain

Affection, love, greeting; to greet,

oha show joyous affection or friendship,
 joy:

Spreading as vines; thriving; to

grow lush.

To breathe, exhale; to breathe upon,

hâ as kava after praying and before
prognosticating; breath, life.

Four, fourth. Hâ and multiples of

four are sacred or formulistic
numbers.

Stalk that supports the leaf and

enfolds the stem of certain plants,
as taro, sugar cane.

Trough, ditch, sluice.

Aloha ahiahi Good evening

aloha `âina love of the land or of
one's country,
patriotism.
aloha akua love of god; divine love,
pity, charity
aloha ali`i royalist, royal love
aloha hoahânau brotherhood
aloha `ia beloved, pitied
Aloha `ino! What a pity! Alas!
(An expression of regret, either
great or small)

Aloha kakahiaka Good morning

Aloha kâkou May there be love /
friendship among us,
greetings to more than
two persons.
Aloha kâua May there be love /
friendship between us,
greetings to one
person.
aloha lua name given to the
kamole plant in hana
 aloha sorcery. Lit.,
mutual love.
aloha makua considerate and
thoughtful of parents
and elders, filial.
Aloha `oe May you be loved or
greeted, greetings to
you (one person).
aloha `ole pitiless, merciless,
ungrateful, without love
or affection.
Aloha pumehana Warm aloha, affection
hana aloha Love magic; to practice
love magic.
ho`âlohaloha to make love, express
affection, gratitude or
compassion;
expression of love or
affection; to give
thanks; loving, lovable.
Ke aloha nô! Aloha! Greetings!
Lâ Ho`âlohaloha Thanksgiving Day
Me ke aloha With love
mea aloha loved one, beloved
`O wau iho nô me ke I remain, with very best
aloha regards
palapala ho`âlohaloha written condolence

Lesson 39

A
absorbed

• absorbed in an interesting,  kili`opu

happy pastime, as love-
making; contented
 • What pleasure was love- • Ua kili`opu mâua i ka pô nei.
making for the two of us last
night.

affectionate

• aloha  aloha

 to cherish, love, caress;  ho`oheno

affectionate, demonstrative of
affection; expression of affection,
as a song

 to show affection  mahamaha

 affectionately  me ke aloha

alluring

• beautiful and alluring  nani e makahehi `ia ai

o beautiful, pretty
• nani
o admiration, desire for,
wonder; amazement; • makahehi
attractive, entrancing;
to admire; be
entangled

 attractive, alluring; attraction  `ume

 inviting, attractive, alluring,  onaona

lovely
• kole maka onaona
• sweet-eyed kole (a fish),
said of a person with
alluring eyes

 attractive, sweet, alluring  ho`ônaona

• What attractive, sweet eyes • Hô`ônaona ho`i nâ maka o

this boy has. kêia keiki.

aloha aloha

amorous `ano kuko, li`a, ake ho`oipoipo

ardent `i`ini nui, ake nui

• ardent love-making • ho`okela o ka ho`oipoipo,

 hiû a wela

arouse ho`âla, pai, ho`opaipai, hô`eu,

ho`â, ho`ohana
• arouse (sexually)
• ho`okala

attract, lure `ume, ala`ume, hônênê,

ho`ônaona
• attract with the eyes
• attracted • maka ki`i
• ume `ia, nênê, ona, laka
• attraction
• `ume, `ume launa, `ume
mâkêneki; `umena

B
baby / babe pêpê / pê

bath, to take a bath `au`au

• bubble bath • `au`au hu`a

bed; to go to bed moe

• bedtime • wâ hiamoe, manawa moe

beguiling ho`owalewale, ho`ohei mana`o,

kâpehe

beloved aloha `ia, mea aloha, milimili, milia,

mili, maka, hiwahiwa, nênê hiwa,
`ômea, `ano`i, mea nui, hiwa lani,
kaupili Fig., laua`e, lei, pâkau,
`ônohi kau maka, ki`i `ônohi

betroth ho`opalau

• betrothal • palau, ho`opalau

• betrothed • palau, ho`opalau `ia

blessing pômaika`i, pule, pule

ho`opômaika`i

blind makapô

• Love is blind. • Makapô ke aloha.

blush pi`i ka `ula, we, nono `ula, mâ,

 `âpane, ho`okoko

bosom poli

breathless pauaho, paupauaho

C
candle, candles ihoiho, nâ kukui

candy kanakê

• box of chocolates • pahu o nâ kokoleka

card kâleka

• sentiment • aloha

caress hamo, ho`oheno, hole, kûwili

• caress repeatedly • milika`a

carnal kô ke kino

• carnal desire • kuko

• to know a man carnal • pâkanaka

celebration ho`olaule`a, hana ho`ohiwahiwa

(as to honor an individual)

charming mâhie, ho`omâhie, ho`opunihei,

ho`ohoihoi

cherish pûlama, ho`oheno; ha`aheo (with

pride); nênê, ho`olaua`e,
ho`omoamoa, ho`opulakaumaka;
hôkeo (secretly); moamahi

cherished pûlama `ia, mili nanea, milimili

nanea

cherub, as in Cupid kelupa, transliterated from the

English
• arrow
• pua, pua pana
• to shoot with an arrow
• pana
cloud nine ao `eiwa

compliment, felicitate `ôlelo ho`omaika`i, `ôlelo mahalo

concentrate kau nui ka mana`o, no`ono`o pono,

ho`opalau; ho`ohui like (bring
together)

consume `ai, ho`opau, kemu, hamu

• consumed • `aina; pau, pauka`a

(completely)
• consummate
• hana`i`o (finish)

content `olu`olu, hau`oli, luana

• contented • la`i, la`i ka nohona, `olu`olu,

luana, kili`opu, `ai i kalo mo`a

converse (quiet, romantic) `uhene

coquette wahine ho`oha`i

• coquettish • `ano ho`ohai

court, to woo ho`oipo, ho`oipoipo, ho`onipo

• courtship • ho`oipoipo `ana

coy ho`omâhie, palai maka, hô`eno,

hani

cozy `olu`olu

cruise holoholo moku, holo moana

D
delicious `ono, mikomiko

• very delicious • `ono loa

delight hau`oli, `oli`oli, hau`oli`oli, hoihoi,

ho`ohoihoi, puni, ohaoha

• hia, puni, milimili nanea,

• to delight in hia`ai
• delighted • ohohia, kamahoi, hia`ai,
• delightful hia`ai`ono
• mâhie, ho`ohie, le`a, hia`ai
• most delightful
 • hia`ai`ono

desire makemake, `i`ini, `ano`i. hia, make,

ake, puni, `upu. Also: `i`i, kuko,
makhehi, ha`eha`e, mana`o,
kauhua, nipo, ninipo, pu`u, ko`i`i,
`îloli, ho`omakauli`i, ha`e

• kûli`a, li`a, `ena aloha,

lanakoi
• to desire greatly • pa`uhia
• overwhelmed with desire • `a`â maka

• `Ano`i aku e `ike iâia.

• to stare, as in desire

• Great desire to see him/her.

desirous make`e

determined mana`o pa`a, pa`a ka mana`o,

kûpa`a, moepo`o, `onipa`a, kîlua

devoted aloha, la`a, la`ahia, puni, ilo, pili

aloha (loving)

Do you like this? Yes, I do. Makemake `oe i kêia. `Ae,

makemake nô.

dote on puni

dove manu kû

• cooing of a dove • kuhukukû

• soft-eyed dove (endearing • nûnû maka onaona

term)

dream moe`uhane, moe

• recollected dream • haili moe

• erotic dream • moe kaha`ula, aikaha`ula,
kaha`ula
• dream of a cherished wish
• moemoeâ

E
embrace pû`ili, pûliki, pûlikiliki, pû`iki, pili
koke, `âpona, kûwili, apo

• kilipue, pukuku`i
• embrace tightly

emotion No general term, but emotions may

be described by descriptive words
following: pu`uwai, na`au, as in
pu`uwai hau`oli (happiness)

• pi`ipi`i `ôlelo
• words of emotion • lalawe ke kino
• transported with emotion
• hû a`e ke aloha
• to feel emotion of love

emotionally excited, as with hate, hôpûpû

love, lust

enchanted heihei

encourage ho`opaipai

endearing ho`âlohaloha

endearing terms

• the singular possessive, my • ku`u, as in ku`u ipo

sweetheart • kô, as in kô ipo
• the singular possessive, your
sweetheart • nei, as in Hawai`i nei (my
beloved Hawai`i)
• beloved

enjoy luana, walea, nanea, ho`ohoihoi,

`oli`oli, le`a

enjoyable nanea, ho`onanea, walea, le`ale`a,

kapakapa, luakaha

enjoyment `oli`oli, hau`oli, hoihoi

entice kono, ho`okonokono, `ume,

ho`ohahai, ho`owalewale

entrance, as in "to charm" ho`ohia`ai, ho`ohoihoi, punihei,

makahehi

eternity wâ (au) pau`ole, wâ (au) mau loa

everlasting pau `ole, mau loa

excite, arouse ho`opîhoihoi, hô`eu`eu,
ho`olalelale, ho`ouluulu

• exciting
• stir up (excite)
• heart-stirring
• to stir with life
• `eu`eu, ho`opîhoihoi
• ho`opi`ipi`i, hô`eu, hô`eu`eu
• hô`oni pu`uwai
• `înana

exclaim, as in delight kani`û

expression kâleo, mâpuna leo, mâpuna `ôlelo

• sweet expression of face or • maka onaona

eyes
• ho`okahi nô mâpuna leo a ke
• a single expression by the aloha
lover

exquisite nani makamae, `auli`i

F
family `ohana; pilikana

fancy, as in "to take a fancy to" ho`ohihi`ho`okohu

favorite punahele, milimili, hiwahiwa, maka,

hulu manu

February Pepeluali

feelings na`au, loko, ha`awina, manawa

(poetic)

finger, third or ring manamana pili

fire ahi

• to light or kindle a fire • ho`â ahi

• fireplace / firewood / kapuahi / wahie / nâ ahipele

matches

fireworks kao lele, ahikao, `ôahi

flirt ho`ohai, ho`oha`i wale, ho`oha`ilua;

ho`oheihei (to ensnare)

• maka ki`i
• flirtatious eyes
flower, flowers pua, nâ pua

• bouquet • pôkê, pôkê pua, pûpû

• bud / rosebud • liko / liko ka loke
• flower that attracts • pua lê`î
• rare choice flower • pua laha `ole

• flower that never dies (of a • pua mae `ole

sweetheart)

fond puni, laka, aloha

fondle milimili, milika`a, mili, hamo,

ho`oka`awili

for

• For you. • Nâu.

• For me? • Na`u?

fragrance `a`ala, `ala, onaona, auhea; moani

(wafted)

friend hoaloha, hoaaloha, makamaka (o-

class); aikâne (a-class); hoa pili
(intimate, personal); hoa

• ko`u hoaaloha, ko`u

makamaka, kâ`u aikâne
• my friend
• He aikâne, he pûnana na ke
• A friend, a nest of fragrance onaona.
(poetic).

friendly ho`âlohaloha, ho`ohoaloha,

laulauna, maka launa, heahea,
ho`olauna

friendship pilialoha, laule`a, `imi hale

frisky lelele, `anapau, kiani, kîka`elekê

frolic lapa, kûlapa, pâ`ani lapa, `anapau

funny ho`omâke`aka, kû i ka `aka,

ho`okolohe

G
garland lei
gentle akahai, mâlie, laka, waipahê

gentleman keonimana

• act as a gentleman • ho`okeonimana

gift, present makana, ha`awina

giggle hene ka `aka, `aka iki, hene iki,

henehene

give hâ`awi

• give gladly • hâ`awi manawale`a,

manawale`a

glance `alawa, `ala`alawa, kilohi, leha,

maka leha, maka lena, kokoe
maka, ki`ina `ônohi maka

Gods of love Lono-i-ke-aweawe-aloha, Makani-

ke-oe, Laukapaliki, Hono-a-lele

good-natured waipahê, `olu`olu, wawali, waliwali,

pûnolunolu

goodness pono, maika`i, hemolele

good will lokomaika`i

gracious lokomaika`i, `olu`olu, waipahê

grateful ho`omaika`i

• grateful heart • na`au ho`omaika`i

• I am grateful for your • Ho`omaika`i au i kou kôkua
help/support. mai.

• I am very gratefully yours • `O wau nô me ka ho`omaika`i

gratification mahalo, le`a (sexual)

gratitude, homage ho`omaika`i, mahalo

great nui, nunui

• very great • nui loa, lele`oi

• greatest, utmost • nui, po`okela, heke, hapa nui,

hapa loa, kaupoku

greeting aloha, aloha aku

 • greetings of love / affection
• farewell greeting • Aloha, `Ano`ai, Welina me ke
aloha
• to press noses in greeting • Â hui hou, Aloha

• honi

H
happiness hau`oli, `oli, `oli`oli; laule`a, hoihoi,
le`a, hau`oli`oli, kûle`a

In poetry, coolness, fragrance, and

rain may signify happiness.

• to cause happiness • ho`ohau`oli

• place of happiness, comfort, • kahua o Mali`o

pleasure (poetical)

happy hau`oli

• to be happy • noho me ka hau`oli

• happy-eyed • hau`oli nâ maka

heart pu`uwai Fig., na`au, loko, poli,

umauma, manawa

• pana
• heart beat • manawale`a
• generous heart • `i`ini o ka na`au, makakêhau
• heart’s desire
• ho`oniua pu`uwai
• heart-stirring

heaven lani, papa lani, lewa, aouli, pa`a-i-

luna
• highest heaven
• apo-a-lewa, lewa lani, lani
• heavenly kua ka`a

• lani

hold hands, go hand in hand kui lima, kuikui lima

home home, kauhale

• homeland • one hânau` `âina hânau,

 • homeland of ancestors
kulaiwi
• homesick • kuakahi; êwe `âina o ke
kupuna

• aloha kaumaha i ka home

honest pono, kûpono, ho`okamani `ole

honey meli, wai meli, wai pua, hone

honeymoon mahina meli

honor ho`ohanohano, hanohano;

ho`onani, ho`ohiwahiwa, pâpahi,
mâlama, pa`ihi, hano hâweo

• a great honor • he ho`ohanohano nui

• Honor your lover. • Mâlama i kâu ipo.

• Placed in a position of honor. • kau i ka hano

hope mana`olana, `upu, pono, lana ka

mana`o

• lana ka mana`o, ho`olana,

• hopeful hâlana ka mana`o

hug pûliki, pûku`i, apo

• hug ardently • kilipue

humility, humble ha`aha`a

• Love is humble. • Ha`aha`a ke aloha.

humor ho`omâke`aka, piha `eu

• hilarity • piha le`ale`a, ho`omâke`aka,

lua`âpana

hunger pôloli, make `ai

• My day of hunger survives • Ku`u lâ pôloli, â ola i kou

through your love. aloha.

husband kâne, pilikua, kâne i `ili

• affectionate reference to • lei

husband
• ali`i kâne
• polite reference, not said of
 one’s own husband

I
infatuate ho`ohei, ho`ohei mana`o, li`a nui

• infatuated • ona

• infatuated with desire • ulupuni i ka makemake

inspire ulu, ho`oulu, ho`olalelale

• inspiration • mea ho`o`ulu i ka mana`o,

ulu, a`o loko

interest, as in concern hoihoi, kuleana

• interested • hoihoi

• interesting • hoihoi, nanea, walea

intimate pili koke, kuluma

• hoa pili • hoa pili

J
joy hau`oli, `oli, `oli`oli, le`a, le`ale`a

• to give joy • hô`oli, ho`ohau`oli

• My heart leaps for joy. • Lele ko`u houpo i ka `oli`oli.

• joyful, joyous • piha hau`oli

juicy wai nui

K
keepsake, memento, souvenir mea ho`omana`o, pa`aloha,
pukana
• souvenir of a beloved
• pukana aloha

kindness lokomaika`i, `olu`olu, `olu, aloha,

na`au ali`i, akeake, hulu,
kolokolohai

• treat with kindness • aulike, aloha aku, ho`olako

kiss honi; kiki, ihi, hô mai i ka ihu

 • to kiss repeatedly • honihoni

know `ike

• to know well, thoroughly • walewaha, mâkaukau, ma`a

• to know definitely • `ike pono

• to know sexually • `ike; pâkanaka (know a male

sexually)

L
lady haku wahine

laughter `aka` hô`aka, `aka`aka

• burst of laughter • hehê, hû ka `aka

• provoke laughter • hô`aka, hô`aka`aka,

ho`omâke`aka

lei lei

leisure manawa nanea, manawa walea,

wâ ka`awale

life ola

In poetry, rain and mist may signify

life.
• nohona hau`oli
• happy life
• `eu`eu, hô`eu`eu, ele`eleu,
• full of life `eu

light ao, lama, malama , kukui

• dazzling light • hulili

• light of knowledge • mâlamalama, `ama,
• sacred light mâ`ama`ama
• ignite • la`a kea
• lighten • hô`â, hô`a`â
• ho`omâmâ
• You are the light of my life.
• O ka ao o ko`u ola o `oe.

lighthearted na`au kaumaha `ole, le`a ka na`au

look nânâ, kilo

 • look longingly
• look heavenward • mâkilo, `aiau
• kilo lani, hika`a lani
• look with favor
• maliu

lovable ho`âlohaloha, ho`oheno,

henoheno, ho`ohenoheno, aloha

love aloha, `ano`i, nipo, kaunu,

ho`oipoipo, ho`oheno, puni, oha,
mahamaha

mist, rain, spray and coolness may

represent love in poetry.
• kipona aloha, halehale ke
• deep love aloha
• loved one • mea aloha, aloha
• With love, • Me ke aloha,
• an expression of love for a • pa`ipunahele
favorite • mele ho`oipoipo
• love song • hana aloha
• love magic • hôkeo
• to cherish secretly, as love • pilialoha
• to be in a bond of love • Mâpu mai ko`u aloha.
• My love surges forth.
• ho`oipo, ho`oipoipo,
• to make love hô`aloha, ho`onipo,
hô`inâ`inau, kaunu, kaulu

love affair pili ho`oipoipo

lovebird manu aloha

love letter / love note leka aloha / leka pôkole aloha

love pangs koni, konikoni lua, `eha konikoni lua

i ka pu`uwai

lover ipo, aloha, huapala, hoa kaunu,

`ano`i
• ardent lover
• sweet-natured lover • ipo ahi
• lover (slang) • ipo laua`e
• to sleep with a lover • kûmû
• moe ipo
• a lover for the late night
• he hoa kaunu no ke aumoe

loving aloha, âlohaloha, ho`âlohaloha,

 na`au ali`i, `ôpû ali`i, pu`uwai aloha

loyal, loyalty, steadfast, kûpa`a

steadfastness

luscious `ono

lust kuko, `a`ako, `ako, wela

M
marriage male `ana, moe, noho pû `ana,
ho`âo
• marriage proposal
• to perform the marriage • noi male
ceremony • ho`omale
• families united by marriage • alohiki
• married • ho`omale
• married couple • pa`a male
• bride • wahine male hou, wahine
• bridegroom mare
• matrimony • kâne male hou, kâne mare
• male, makelimonio
• United in the pure bonds of
matrimony. • Ua ho`opili `ia ma ka pelika
ma`ema`e o ka male.

massage lomi, lomilomi

mate, companion hoa, koko`olua, lua

• to mate • moe, male, ho`omau, ho`âo

matter, as in, to be important `ano nui, mana`o nui

mature makua, kanaka makua, o`o

• Your gentleness has • `O kô ahonui ka i ho`omakua

matured me. mai nei ia`u.

mean, as in, signify mana`o

• meaning • mana`o, mana`o nui, `ano

measureless, without bounds ana `ole, palena `ole, mânu`unu`u

memory ho`omana`o, hali`a

• cherished memory • hali`a aloha

make merry le`ale`a, wela ka hao (fig.)

music mele (vocal), ho`okani

(instrumental)
• sweet (as music)
• hone, nahenahe, polinahe

O
overwhelm po`ipû, popo`i, uhi, lalawe

• Suffering of love is • `O ka `eha a ke aloha ke

overwhelming, here in my lalawe nei, eia lâi loko, i ku`u
heart. manawa.

P
passion konikoni, koni, kaunu; hekili (fig.)

• burst of passion • kîkîao

• culmination of sexual • le`a, huahua`i
passion
• ko`iko`i, `ino
• passionate

peace malu, maluhia, la`i

• quiet peace • kîpû aheahe

• to make peace • ho`omalu, ho`omaluhia
• rest in peace • e ho`omaha me ka maluhia

• peace after passion • la`i ke kaunu

perfume lûkini, wai lûkini, wai `ala, wai

hô`a`ala, mea `ala, onaona, moani

poetry, poem mele

precious makamae, hiwahiwa, nênê hiwa,

`alamea, hulu, liho

Q
quiver kapalili, ha`alelule

R
relationship pili, pilina, pilikana

• loving relationship • pilialoha

• relationship by friendship • hale aikâne, pili kâmau

• inseparable relationship • pilina wehena `ole, pili wehe

`ana `ole

remember ho`omana`o, ho`omaopopo,

hâ`upu, hali`a, hâli`ali`a, haili,
ho`ono`ono`o, pa`ana`au

• fondly remember • hali`a aloha

reverence ano, ho`âno, `ihi, hô`ihi, `ihi lani

• revered • mahalo `ia, `iu, `ihi`ihi,

weliweli

romance pili ho`oipoipo, pilialoha

• romantic • ho`oipoipo

S
satin pâhoehoe

sense, sensory `ike

• sense of taste • `ike i ka `ono

• sense of sight • `ike i ka maka
• sensual • kuko i kô ke kino
• goose bumps, goose flesh • `ôkala, `ôkakala, lî ka `ili, lî ka
`i`o
• sensation of inner quaking • manene
accompanying sexual desire

sensitive, as in perceptive `ike ho`omaopopo

sex No Hawaiian term for the word,

sex.
• sexual passion
• sexual excitement • kola,huahua`i
• mane`o, kola
• sexual part
• ma`i (genitals), wahihuna

sexual intercourse ai, ei, hana ma`i, moe, pi`i,

panipani, aina
share, to share mahele, pu`u

snuggle ne`ene`e â pili

special kûikawâ, mea i wae `ia

spouse kâne, wahine, kekahi, kahi,

`epukane, hoa `inau, wai `apo (fig.);
pili `ao`ao, moe mau

• Pehea kahi o `olua?

• How is your spouse?

sweet (as a lover) laua`e, henoheno

• sweet (as eyes or • onaona

disposition) • momona, mona, kuhikuhi
• sweet (as taste)
• `a`ala, hone, `ala, nae,
• sweet (as fragrance) anuhea, onaona

sweetheart ipo, aloha, kâne, huapala, wai

puna, hoa `inau, `ano`i pua

T
thrill kapalili ka houpo, nâku`i, ilihia (as
by beauty); lalawe

• konikoni lua i ka pu`uwai

• thrill in the heart

throb koni, konikoni, kapalili

• throbbing ache, as of love • `eha koni

• throbbing in the heart • konikoni lua i ka pu`uwai

titillate mane`o, ho`omâne`one`o, ho`okola

together pû

• to do together • hana like, `ilau

• close togeher • pili, pîna`i
• to put or bring together • ho`opili, kâpili
• Let’s be together. • E pili kâua.
• Let us live together. • Ho`okahi nô kô kâua noho pû
 `ana.
• to pull together or cooperate
• huki like, alu like

touch pâ, ho`opâ, pili, meu, hani,

ho`ohani
• to touch lightly
• kahi, hamo
• to touch the skin
• pâ `ili

trustworthy paulele `ia

U
unmarried male `ole

• bachelor, unmarried man • wahine `ole, kanaka i male

`ole
• bachelorette, unmarried
woman • wahine male `ole

unsurpassed palena `ole, lua `ole, ana `ole,

launa `ole

V
Valentine’s Day Ka Lâ o Lono-i-ke-aweawe-aloha

(Literally, "The day of the god of

love and mercy"; a term coined in
1980)

value, worth waiwai, minamina, waiwai kaulike,

waiwai `i`o

• waiwai, makamae
• valuable

W
warmth mahana, pumehana

wedding male `ana

• wedding feast • `aha`aina male

• Come to our wedding. • Hele mai `oe i kô mâua male
`ana.
• wedlock
• nohomale, nohona male

whisper hâwanawana, hâwana, hamumu

wife wahine, wahine male, pilialo, hânau
kama, Fig.: lei, hulilau

wink `imo, hô`imo, `amo, `âwihi

winner mea lanakila, mea eo

wit, sagacity, wisdom akamai, na`auao

with me

• to associate, be with • pili

• with me / with you / with us • me a`u / me `oe / me mâua

wonderful, marvelous kupaianaha, kupanaha, kamaha`o,

kamahoi, mea `ê, makahei,
âiwaiwa, pâha`oha`o` pâha`o

Y
yearn ake, `i`ini, nipo ninipo, niponipo,
li`a, ha`e, `îloli, ho`îloli

yes `ae, `ê; eô (in answer to a call by

name, or to acknowledge a name
chant in one’s honor

you (singular) `oe

• you here (sometimes • eia nei, ei nei

affectionate) • nâu, nou
• for you
• kâu, kou, kô (affectionate)
• your