A Musical Language of Love

     The centuries-old Hawaiian language is as musical and rich as the islands themselves.  If you’re planning a visit, you might want to brush up on the phrases that will endear you to your island hosts.

     The Hawaiian alphabet is made up of only 12 letters –vowels a,e,i,o,u, and consonants h,k,l,m,n,p,w -  with a vowel always following a consonant and always the last letter of the word, like Aloha. It’s easiest to pronounce words by breaking them apart after every vowel: A – lo – ha, and make a quick pause with an accent mark (‘) like Hawai’i, Sometimes the letter W is pronounced the same as V as in the traditional pronunciation of Hawai’i, phonetically huh-vi-ee.

    One of the most familiar and powerful words - Aloha – is a popular greeting used to say hello or goodbye. It can also mean love and affection and be used in a combination with other words, such as aloha Kakahiaka, which means good morning; aloha auinala used as a greeting that means good afternoon; and aloha ahiahi for good evening. Because of aloha’s unique meaning and popularity, Hawaii is called the Aloha State. Aloha is more than a mere word, but a way of living and treating each other with love and respect, and according to Kahunas (priests), it is living in harmony.  It’s even law in Hawaii – [§5-7.5] Aloha Spirit serves as a reminder to treat people with deep care and respect, just like their ancestors did.

Get in the Aloha spirit and try these Hawaiian words and phrases:

And at AAA, we wish you dreamy days in Hawaii – No Keia La, No Keia Po, A mau Loa – from this day, from this night, forever more.  For an Aloha Wa ho’omaha, see a AAA travel agent and save during Malaki.  See, you’re catching on and in the spirit.

Members receive an exclusive benefit with Pleasant Holidays

Receive a $50 certificate per booking for the purchase of optional sightseeing or activities. Not applicable to air-car only packages.

» See details and ways to save

Hawaii the Big Island

The Big Island has it all: fiery volcanoes and sparkling waterfalls, black-lava deserts and snowcapped mountain peaks; tropical rainforests and alpine meadows. But it's the gold-, black-, and even green-sand beaches that are unforgettable.
» Search Hawaii Vacations

Kauai

Kauai is sheer paradise, with moody rainforests, majestic cliffs, emerald valleys, palm trees swaying in the breeze, daily rainbows, and spectacular golden beaches. Vacationing on Kauai is all about location - the place to stay is on the sunny south coast Poipu area.
» Search Kauai Vacations

Maui

McGregor Point overlooking Maalaea Bay on the west coast offers great whale-watching locations. You'll also enjoy the scenic Road to Hana. At the end of the drive, you'll find Oheo Gulch (also known as the Seven Sacred Pools), with some of the most dramatic and accessible waterfalls on the islands.
» Search Maui Vacations