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Free Guide to Words to Know Before You Visit

The first thing you’ll meet in Hawaii isn’t the beach. It’s the language.
Learning a few real words helps you read signs, follow directions, and show respect from day one.
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If you’ve ever wondered how to read kāne/wahine restroom signs, what kapu means, or when to use makai and mauka, this episode is for you. We’ll also cover everyday words like aloha, mahalo, and mālama so you can connect with confidence.
In this episode of our travel podcast, we share the most useful Hawaiian words for visitors, how to say each island name, and simple etiquette to travel with care.
👉 In this episode, you will:

• Learn the day-one words you’ll see and hear, plus how to pronounce each island name with confidence.
• Understand culture and etiquette, including kapu areas and how to mālama ʻāina.
• Pick up simple phrases for food, family, hotels, beaches, and wildlife so you feel comfortable everywhere you go.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to get trip-ready language tips before you land.
🎧Related episodes with Kahanui:

• The Ban and Revitalization of the Hawaiian Language
• The True Meaning of Aloha

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📱Connect with Kahanui:

• Instagram: @ehoopilimai

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💻Related blog posts:

• What Does Kapu Mean?
• A Hui Hou Meaning

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🤓Chapters:

• 1:45 Meet Kahanuola Solatorio
• 2:48 Essential Hawaiian Words and Phrases
• 5:36 Hawaiian Vocabulary
• 16:53 Understanding 'Kanaka' and Directions in Hawaii
• 18:04 Common Hawaiian Words and Their Meanings
• 19

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About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan unforgettable Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & authentic cultural insight.

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Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island.

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