Learning ‘Ōlelo
Hau’oli Makahiki Hou
(how-oh-lee mah-kah-he-key ho)
Hawaiian phrase. In Hawaii people say Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou when they wish someone a Happy New Year. It’s a direct translation from the English: hau‘oli means “happy” or “glad,” hou means “new” or “fresh,” and makahiki is easily translated into “year, age; annual.” Like most English adoptions into Hawaiian it works in a Spanglish sort of way.
But anciently makahiki referred to a season that began around mid-October and lasted four lunar months. During this time there was feasting, religious observances and ceremonies, games, sports, dancing, a respite from work, and a kapu on war. It was a time of peace and prosperity in honor of the god Lono.
May you and your ‘ohana enjoy the aloha of the makahaki season all year long.
Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!
Example
English: Happy New Year!
Pidgin: Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
Pidgin Dictionary
Mele Kalikimaka
(mel-lee kah-lee-kee-mah-kah)
(Phrase) Hawaiian for Merry Christmas.
Example
Aunty Lehua wishes you and yours Mele Kalikimaka this holiday season!
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
Pidgin Dictionary
lānai
(LAH-naheye)
(n) Hawaiian for porch, patio.
Example
English: They like to set those kinds of glass balls on their coffee tables, but I’m only going to sell the small ones. The big ones are for us. They’ll ;ook nice on the patio.
Pidgin: They like those popo aniani for put on the coffee table. But I only going sell the small kine. The big kine’s for us. Look nice on the lānai.
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
Pidgin Dictionary
kolohe
(koh-LOH-heh)
(v) Hawaiian for mischievous, naughty, a rascal.
Example
English: Mitsy laughed. “Oh, Kahana! How I delight in your rascally nature! You haven’t changed a bit!”
Pidgin: Mitsy laughed. “Oh, Kahana, you still kolohe, ah you!”
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
Pidgin Dictionary
kaona
(kah-OH-nah)
(n)The hidden meaning of a song, poem, chant, dance, etc. When you see old folks laughing about innocent songs about fishing or mist, you’re missing the kaona.
Example
English: The hidden metaphors in that song are so powerful!
Pidgin: Kaona, yeah?
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
Pidgin Dictionary
hana hou
(HAH-nah ho)
(phrase) Hawaiian for again, do it again. It’s often called out when a performance is especially pleasing or powerful.
Example
English: Wow! George, I wish I could see that again!
Pidgin: Hana hou! Hana hou!
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
Pidgin Dictionary
aloha pō
(ah-low-hah po)
(n) Hawaiian phrase for good night.
For Example:
“Aloha pō, Zader,” said Uncle Kahana. “Sleep tight.”
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
Pidgin Dictionary
ʻohana nui
(OH-hah-nah new-ee)
(n) Hawaiian word for extended family, clan.
For Example:
Everybody’s going to be there to see the pavilion, Zader, the whole ‘ohana nui! ~One Shark, No Bite
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
Pidgin Dictionary
hālau
(HAH-lau)
(n) Hawaiian word for a hula school.
For Example:
“The boys in my hālau are learning a new shark hula. It’s about these guys who are lost, yeah, out in the open ocean in a canoe and this shark comes and leads them back to land.” She side stepped, then ʻuwehe’d, arms out. “Real powerful.” ~ Lili, One Boy, No Water
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
Pidgin Dictionary
crack seed
(KRAK-seed)
(n) Pickled, preserved, or dehydrated fruit snacks; can also refer to other local island snacks typically sold at a crack seed store.
Example
Jay’s favorite crack seed was rock salt plum. Char Siu loved lemon peel, but my favorite was candied ginger. ~ Zader, Niuhi Shark Saga
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
Pidgin Dictionary
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When you’re allergic to water, growing up in Hawaii isn’t always paradise.
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Everything you thought you knew is a lie.
