Useful Tips & Links
Daily Hawaiian Words
Although only a few people speak Hawaiian, many Hawaiian words and pidgin (Hawaiian slang) are used in everyday speech.
Here’s a short and handy glossary of some of the words you’re likely to come across on a trip to Hawaii.
aloha greeting used to say hello or goodbye. Aloha can also mean love.
haole foreigner, Caucasian
hula hawaiian form of communication using dance
imu underground pit oven used for cooking luau
kama`aina native-Hawaiian or long-time resident
kane man
keiki child
lei garland of flowers, leaves, nuts, or shells
limu seaweed
lolo crazy
lua bathroom or toilet
luau feast
mahalo thank you
mahimahi dolphin fish
ohana family, relative
pali cliff
pupu appetizer, snack
ukulele stringed instrument, small guitar
wahine woman
Must know words
Aloha
Aloha is the most famous Hawaiian word. In the Hawaiian language, it can mean greeting used to say hello or goodbye. Aloha can also mean love.
Mahalo
thank you
Daily Hawaiian Gesture
The most famous gesture of Hawaii is The Shaka sign is a famous hand gesture in Hawaii that loosely translates to “mahalo” thank-you, “all right”, or the old school phrase “hang loose”. Use the shaka sign wherever and whenever you want to spread aloha.
TIPS
The Climate
Hawaii’s weather is very consistent, with only slight temperature changes throughout the year. It is the perfect place for outdoor activities with an average daily temperature of 78°- 85° F year round.
April-November: 75-85 degree Fahrenheit; 24-29 degree Celsius
December-March: 68-80 degree Fahrenheit; 20-27 degree Celsius
Clothing:
Prepare for the sun. The sun is strong nearer the equator. You will need clothes that are light, loose, and comfortable like T-shirts, shorts, a light jacket, jeans, flip flops or sandals and good walking shoes and ofcourse swim trunks or swimsuit for the beach. If you need more clothes you can find affordable clothing stores on the islands. And a nice & simple party wear or evening dress if you have any plans to go on a sunset dinner/cocktail cruise.
Public Transportation:
Getting around on Oahu is easy and cheap with one of the best bus networks in the U.S.A., the island’s “The Bus” offers convenient, efficient service to all places of interest on Oahu. Monthly passes cost $50.00 for unlimited travel. 4 Day Pass cost $25.00 valid for four (4) consecutive days of unlimited bus rides. Honored on all regular and commuter express services. For more information visit http://www.thebus.org/.
Other options Rent a car, taxis, shuttles and trolleys.
Please note: Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and the Big Island don’t provide public transportation services.
