Sampling of common Hawaiian words

• aloha (ah-LOW-ha): encompasses many meanings including love, affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, pity, kindness, sentiment, grace, charity; also, hello, goodbye, farewell.

• Hawai'i (ha-VAI-ee): both the official name for the island known as the Big Island and for the chain of the Hawaiian Islands.

• kalo (KAH-low): taro, a sacred plant considered an ancestor to the Hawaiian people.

• kapu (KAH-poo): taboo, prohibited, forbidden, sacred, holy, no trespassing, keep out.

• keiki (KAY-kee): child, offspring, descendant, youngster, son, lad, kid, cub.

• kupuna (kuu-POO-nah): elder, grandparent, ancestor.

• kokua (ko-KOO-ah): help, aid, assistance, assistant, associate, deputy.

• mana (MAH-nah): supernatural or divine power, powerful, authority.

• 'ohana (OH-hana): family, relative, kin group, related.

• 'ono (OH-no): delicious, tasty, savory. (Ono, spelled without the 'okina, is a large mackerel-type fish.)