Free Guide to Words to Know Before You Visit

The first thing you’ll meet in Hawaii isn’t the beach. It’s the language.
Learning a few real words helps you read signs, follow directions, and show respect from day one.
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If you’ve ever wondered how to read kāne/wahine restroom signs, what kapu means, or when to use makai and mauka, this episode is for you. We’ll also cover everyday words like aloha, mahalo, and mālama so you can connect with confidence.
In this episode of our travel podcast, we share the most useful Hawaiian words for visitors, how to say each island name, and simple etiquette to travel with care.
👉 In this episode, you will:

• Learn the day-one words you’ll see and hear, plus how to pronounce each island name with confidence.
• Understand culture and etiquette, including kapu areas and how to mālama ʻāina.
• Pick up simple phrases for food, family, hotels, beaches, and wildlife so you feel comfortable everywhere you go.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to get trip-ready language tips before you land.
🎧Related episodes with Kahanui:

• The Ban and Revitalization of the Hawaiian Language
• The True Meaning of Aloha

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📱Connect with Kahanui:

• Instagram: @ehoopilimai

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💻Related blog posts:

• What Does Kapu Mean?
• A Hui Hou Meaning

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🤓Chapters:

• 1:45 Meet Kahanuola Solatorio
• 2:48 Essential Hawaiian Words and Phrases
• 5:36 Hawaiian Vocabulary
• 16:53 Understanding 'Kanaka' and Directions in Hawaii
• 18:04 Common Hawaiian Words and Their Meanings
• 19:59 Pronouncing Hawaiian Island Names Correctly
• 27:45 Resources for Learning Hawaiian Language

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This Hawaii travel podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a Hawaii vacation to the islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)
Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)
Talk Story, Hawaiian Style Band (w/ permission)