Luaus are more fun when you speak...

Luaus are more fun when you speak like a local.

Keep this in mind:

There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet.

A is “ah” as in father

E is “ay” as in say

I is “ee” as in see

O is “oh” as in throw

U is “oo” as in moon

H, K, L, M, N, P and W are pronounced as in English.

Pepper your conversations with these Hawaiian words and phrases:

A hui hou! -- Goodbye! See you later!

Aikane -- friend, pal, buddy; friendly

aloha -- love, greetings, goodbye, pity, compassion, mercy,

affection, farewell; spirit of love, affection, kindness

Aloha wau ia ‘oe -- I love you

Hau’oli La Hanau! -- Happy Birthday!

honi -- kiss

Ho’omaika’i! -- Congratulations!

kane -- male, husband, man

keiki -- child

kolohe -- rascal, mischievous, naughty; prankster

kupuna -- grandparent, elders, ancestors

ku’uipo -- my sweetheart

mahalo -- “thanks,” gratitude

mele -- song; to sing

nani -- beautiful, pretty; beauty

‘ohana -- family, immediate and/or extended. Extremely important

in Hawaiian culture.

pua -- flower

Wahine -- woman, wife, female