Aloha: The most common expression in the islands. It can mean hello and goodbye, welcome or farewell. It can also mean romantic affection or best wishes. Aloha is a general good feeling you will find everywhere on Maui!

Brah: All the bros in Hawaii are Brahs; brothers; pals.

Da’ Kine: The real thing; a whatchamacallit; "you know what I mean?".

Geev um: Give it to them; go for it; give it hell. If a surfer is up on
one Da' Kine wave, the crowd watching may yell "Geev um, Brah!".

Hale: House or building; often combined with other words to name a specific place such as Haleakala (House of the Sun).

Haole: A word that used to mean foreigner, but now means a white person or Caucasian.

Howzit?: What’s happening? How’s it going? Frequently used informally by the locals in place of "Aloha".

Hula: A native Hawaiian dance where the rhythm of the islands is captured in swaying hips and stories are told by lyrically moving the hands. Dancers wear native attire, Leis, grass skirts and even Coconut Bras!.

Huli Huli: To flip over and over; rotiserrie, also barbecue, like in Huli Huli chicken.

Humu Humu Nuku Nuku Apua'a: Hawaii's official State Fish. Also known as a Rectangular Trigger.

Kahuna: This means priest, sorcerer, doctor, or other highly skilled person. Commonly used as "Da Big Kahuna".

Kamaaina: A long time island resident or local. Oftentimes, hotels and airlines will offer special discounts called "Kamaaina Rates" to anyone who can prove their island residency.

Kane: Man. When written on a door, it means "Men’s Room".

Kapu: Forbidden; taboo; poison; keep out; or do not touch.

Keiki: Child or children; kids.

Kokua: Help or assistance, as in "Your Kokua is needed to keep these islands free of litter. Mahalo!"

Lanai: Porch or veranda; the patio. Hotel rooms usually cost more if the Lanai has an ocean or sunset view.

Lei: A traditional garland of flowers or vines. One of Hawaii’s most beautiful customs, usually given at special occasions and especially upon arrival to or departure from the islands. "Kamana-Wanna-Lei-Ya!"

Lesgo: Let’s go; do it. "Lesgo bust one Da' Kine dive, Brah!"

Lolo Buggah: A stupid or crazy guy.

Luau: A Hawaiian feast featuring Poi, imu baked pork, poke, and other traditional island foods. Make sure you bring your appetite and your Aloha Shirt!

Mahalo: Thanks or Thank You! "Mahalo Nui Loa" means "Thank you very much!".

Makai: Toward the sea or seaside. Often used when giving directions.

Malihini: A newcomer, tenderfoot or recent arrival.

Mano: Shark. Most common are the white tip reef sharks. Mostly harmless.

Mauka: Towards the mountains, also used when giving directions as in "Mauka-side of the highway."

Mauna: Mountain, often combined with other words to be more descriptive, like in "Mauna Kea (White Mountain), over on the Big Island, often has snow on it in the winter."

Moana: The ocean or the sea.

Mo’ Bettah: Real good; great idea. "Mo' Bubbles is Mo' Bettah!"

Muumuu: One of those big, long, flowery dresses that have become fashionable at almost any island occasion.

Ohana: A family. Many homes in Hawaii have an Ohana Cottage which could also be known as a guest house.

Okole: Your butt or rear end.

Ono: Delicious; delightful or the best; groovy. Ono ono means absolutely delicious. Also a much sought after white, flaky ocean fish found on many seafood menus.

Pali: Cliff. Be careful not to drive off the Pali during whale season!

Pau: Finished or done. Often used as Pau hana which means end of work or quitting time.

Pakalolo: Crazy smoke; marijuana; Maui-wowie.

Poi: A glutinous paste made from pounding taro root. Purplish in color and kind of sour tasting, it is a staple that can be found at all authentic Luaus.

Puka: A hole of any size.

Pu pu: An appetizer, snack or Hors D’oeuvres. Could be anything from cheese and crackers to chips and salsa to sushi.

Shaka: Great or excellent; "Cool!"; brilliant; having fun; good job. A hand signal originally made popular by surfers where you stick out the thumb and pinky and fold the other three fingers in; "Hang Loose!".

Slippas: This is also known as a pair of "flip-flops" or Sandals. Usually the $3.00 plastic kind you see in the drug store. Most comfortable footwear we know of! Favorites include: "Locals", "Surfers", and "Uluas" among others.

Stinkface: Frowning at someone, using facial expression to show displeasure. Also "Stinkeye".

Tako: Octopus. Very popular ingredient in Poke, a Hawaiian salsa.

Uhu: Parrot fish. Each one supposedly eats enough coral to produce a ton of new sand each year. This means when you're having a snack on the beach, you're really just "Havin' Pu pu's on Uhu doo doo!" Nice!

Ukulele: The small, four or eight stringed folk instrument with the unique Hawaiian sound. Made famous by Tiny Tim.

Wahine: A young woman or girl; female; wife. Written on a door it means "Ladies Room".

Wiki: Quick or fast; in a hurry. Often seen as "Wiki wiki" which means very fast!