Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
puka:
a hole of any size.
Puka
is used by all island residents, whether talking about a pin-
hole in a rubber boat or a tunnel through a mountain.
pupu:
an appetizer; a snack; hors d'oeuvres; can be anything from cheese and crackers to
sushi. Often, bars or nightclubs offer them free.
pupule:
crazy; nuts; out of your mind
pu'u:
hill, as in Pu'u 'Ula'ula (Red Hill)
tapa:
a traditional paper cloth made from beaten bark. Intricate designs were stamped in
using beaters, and natural dyes added color. The tradition was lost for many years but is
now making a comeback, and provides some of the most beautiful folk art in the islands.
Also called Kapa.
taro:
the staple of old Hawai'i. A plant with a distinctive broad leaf that produces a starchy
root. It was brought by the first Polynesians and was grown on magnificently irrigated
plantations. According to the oral tradition, the life-giving properties of taro hold mys-
tical significance for Hawaiians, since it was created by the gods at about the same time
as humans.
ti:
a broad-leafed plant that was used for many purposes, from plates to hula skirts. Espe-
cially used to wrap religious offerings presented at the
heiau.
tutu:
grandmother; granny; older woman. Used by all as a term of respect and endearment.
ukulele:
uku
means “flea” and
lele
means “jumping,” so “jumping flea.” The way the
Hawaiians perceived the quick finger movements used on the banjo-like Portuguese folk
instrument called a
cavaquinho.
wahine:
young woman; female; girl; wife. Used by all ethnic groups. When written on a
lavatory door it means “women's room.”
wai:
freshwater; drinking water
wela:
hot.
wiki:
quickly; fast; in a hurry. Often seen as
wiki wiki
(very fast), as in “Wiki Wiki Mes-
senger Service.”
Useful Phrases
Aloha ahiahi
Good afternoon
Aloha au ia 'oe
I love you
Aloha kakahiaka
Good morning
Aloha nui loa
Much love
E komo mai
Welcome
Ha'uoli la hanau
Happy Birthday
Ha'uoli makahiki hou
Happy New Year
Mahalo nui loa
Thank you very much
