Learning Hawaiian words can sometimes look intimidating. Once you learn the basic rules to the language, it becomes easier.  Hawaiian only has 13 letters -5 vowels (a,e,i,o,u) and 7 consonants( h,k,l,m,n,p,w) and the ` (okina or glottal stop).  There is also the kahako (a bar over the letter means to sound out the letter a little bit longer. A consonant is always followed by a vowel, therefore all Hawaiian words end in a vowel. It’s easier if you break down the words into single syllables. One that most common words to ask visitors is to pronounce the Hawaii state fish, Humuhumunukunukuapua`a. Go ahead try it.Hu-mu-hu-mu-nu-ku-nu-ku-a-pu-a-a, ok now pronounce it who-moo-who-moo-new-coo-new-coo-ah-poo-ah-ah. The w is pronounced as a v traditionaly, therefore Hawaii would be prononced  huh-vie-ee.

Here are some common words and phrases:

Keep in mind that the kahako has been omitted due to not having a keyboard with the  kahakô.

Ho`olu komo la kaua -Please join us

Mahalo nui loa ni ho`olaule`a me la kaua-Thank you for celebrating with us: Mahalo nui loa na ho’olaule’a me la kaua

Hele Mei Hoohiwahiawa-Come celebrate: Hele mei hoohiwahiwa

Mele Kalikimaka- Merry Christmas  (pronounced may-lay ka-lee-key-ma-ka)

Hau`oli Makahiki Hou- Happy New Year  (pronounced how-oh-lee ma-ka-hee-key ho)
Aloha Au Ia ‘Oe - I Love You

Me Ke Aloha - With love
A hui hou kakou - Until we meet again Mahalo -Thank you
Mahalo nui loa -Thank you very muchAloha `oe -Farewell to you