120 Hawaiian Quotes! Best Hawaiian Phrases, Quotes and Sayings
Hawaiian Quotes and Sayings
“Travel brings power and love back into your life.” —Rumi
“Kaohinani is a Hawaiian word meaning gatherer of beautiful things.” —Rob Brezsny
“I can always remember that experience in Hawaii pleasantly on account of Elvis.” —Minnie Pearl
“Being in Hawaii, it’s almost impossible not to be fit, I think.” —Henry Ian Cusick
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” —Henry Miller
“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” —Anatole France
“I truly believe the brightest days lie ahead for the Great State of hawaii.” —Linda Lingle
“Activities and attraction in Hawaii are designed to involve the whole family as one.” —Jay Talwar
“A vacation is like love – anticipated with pleasure, experienced with discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia.” —Unknown
“Don’t be fooled by appearances. In hawaii, some of the most powerful people look like bums and stuntmen.” —Matt King
“We need Hawaii just as much and a good deal more than we did California. It is manifest destiny.” —William McKinley
“In Hawaii, some of the biggest radio stations are reggae. The local bands are heavily influenced by Bob Marley.” —Bruno Mars
“Some people say hawaii is spoiled, but I don’t think so. It’s modern. It’s a part of today’s world.” —James MacArthur
“I grew up in Hawaii and I think it was easier because we did not have cliques at high school.” —Kelly Preston
“A slight breeze cooled the Hawaiian spring air, swaying the branches of palm trees, which cast black silhouettes against the purple and orange colors of the twilight sky.” —Victoria Kahler
“Hawaii is a special place because we have a very diverse population there, who are very respectful and tolerant of those who have differing opinions and different views.” —Tulsi Gabbard
“Life is very nice in Hawaii. I rent a place that has its own cottage so when my friends and family come to visit, they have somewhere nice to stay.” —Jorge Garcia
“It is essential that none of the other great powers shall secure these islands [Hawaii]. Such a possession would not consist with our safety and with the peace of the world.” —Benjamin Harrison
“Hawaii has always been a very pivotal role in the Pacific. It is in the Pacific. It is a part of the United States that is an island that is right here.” —Dan Quayle
“Hawaii is the best form of comfort for me. When I die, I want to be cremated, and I want half my ashes spread in the Pacific around the island, the rest on the property.” —Richard Pryor
“Come with me while the moon is on the sea The night is young and so are we Dreams come true in Blue Hawaii And mine could all come true This magic night of nights with you.” —Leo Robin
“Hawaii is a unique state. It is a small state. It is a state that is by itself. It is a -it is different from the other 49 states. Well, all states are different, but it’s got a particularly unique situation.” —Dan Quayle
“I can’t even speak Hawaiian, but if you go there and listen to a Hawaiian song, you get captured because it’s so beautiful, like the melody is just gorgeous and you know Bob Marley is on the radio every single day. It’s very reggae-influenced down there. Basically, you haven’t been to paradise if you haven’t been to Hawaii.” —Bruno Mars
“Look, Neal, Hawaii is not some magical pixie wonderland; it’s an American state populated by atomic weapons, a remnant native population and people too stupid to spell their way out of a paper bag. Most of them came here to escape pathetic lives in the forty nine other states, so in some sense, Hawaii is a scenic cul-de-sac filled with people who want to drink themselves to death without feeling judged.” —Douglas Coupland
Funny Quotes about Hawaii
“Hawaii can be heaven and it can be hell.” —Jeff Goldblum
“Hawaii is so boring because it’s always sunny.” —Daniel Dae Kim
“Eventually, I want to move to Hawaii and chill forever.” —Riley –Keough
“My best vacation memory is getting barreled at the beach in Hawaii.” —Troy Polamalu
“Hawaii’s the 50th state? I thought it was a suburb of Guam.” —Bobby Heenan
“What I know of Hawaii is from watching the ‘Brady Bunch’ shows from the seventies.” —Michael Bastian
“Hawaii is the only place I know where they lay flowers on you while you are alive.” —Will Rogers
“I don’t see myself as the next Carmen Dell’Orefice. I’d rather be fat and happy, sitting on a beach in Hawaii eating pizza.” —Marie Helvin
Inspirational Quotes About Hawaii
“Hawaii is absolutely beautiful.” —Rachelle Lefevre
“I left my heart in Hawaii.” —Anon
“If in doubt, paddle out.” —Nat Young
“Hawaii is paradise born of fire.” —Rand McNally
“Hawaii is the land of everyday rainbows.” —Anon
“Out of water, I am nothing.” —Duke Kahanamoku
“Ohana is a human circle of complete Aloha.” —Hawaiian Saying
“In the beginning, there was only ocean.” —From Disney’s Moana
“Be the Aloha you wish to see in the world.” —Anon
“The growth of love is the essence within the soul.” —Hawaiian Saying
“May our love last forever. / E hoomau maua kealoha.” —Hawaiian Saying
“Love gives life within. / Ua ola loko i ke aloha.” —Hawaiian Proverb
“A heart as big as a house. / He ‘opu halau.” —Hawaiian Saying
“Hawaii is a beautiful place to bring up a family.” —Henry Ian Cusick
“Big waves aren’t measured in feet, but in increments of fear.” —Buzzy Trent
“Love all you see including yourself. / Kahuna nui hale kealohalani makua.” —Hawaiian Proverb
“The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun.” —Phil Edwards
“[Hawaii is] the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean.” —Mark Twain
“Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.” —Van Morrison
“For me the magic of Hawaii comes from the stillness, the sea, the stars.” —Joanne Harris
“After all, Hawaii is the best land. / O Hawaii no ka aina maikai.” —Hawaiian Proverb
“Joy is in the voice of love. / He ‘olina leo ka ke aloha.” —Hawaiian Proverb
“The sea is very calm. All is very peaceful. / La’i lua ke kai.” —Hawaiian Proverb
“May there always be Tradewinds behind you, Rainbows above you, and Aloha all Around you.” —Kauai Blessing
“Distance is ignored by love. / ‘A ‘ohe loa i ka hana a ke aloha.” —Hawaiian Saying
“Cross the sea like a bird. / ‘Au i ke kai me he manu ala.” —Hawaiian Saying
“Hawaii is paradise. It sounds cheesy to say it, but there’s music in the air there.” —Bruno Mars
“Whether a visitor or kama’aina (resident), the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands inspires the heart and mind.” —Anon
“A humble person walks carefully so as not to hurt others. / Ku’ia kahele aka na’au ha’aha’a.” —Hawaiian Proverb
“The only good thing about leaving Hawaii is that you really appreciate it when you return.” —John Richard Stephens
“I thought my book was done, then we went to Hawaii and the whole last chapter happened.” —Mariel Hemingway
“Chasing kids on the beach and sleeping is the closest I come to exercising while in Hawaii.” —Adam Scott
“There is life in a kind reply. / Ua ola no i ka pane a ke aloha.” —Hawaiian Saying
“Always make every person, place or condition better than you left it. / E hele me ka pu’olo.” —Hawaiian Proverb
“You don’t have to live in Hawaii – or even be Hawaiian – to embrace the Aloha Spirit.” —Mark Ellman
“May there Always be Warmth in your Hale (House), Fish in your Net, and Aloha in your Heart.” —Hawaiian Blessing
“Live your life while the sun is still shining. / Oi kau ka lau, e hana I ola honua.” —Hawaiian Proverb
“It is natural for people to behave in a loving way. / Ua kuluma ke kanaka i ke aloha.” —Hawaiian Saying
“Most of what Hawaii has to offer is no secret. Pipeline is probably the most famous wave in the world.” —Kelly Slater
“Kauai is my place where I go to get centred. It’s always my place to come back and feel normal again.” —Alana Blanchard
“Nature is where it all begins for the Hawaiians. In fact, they call themselves keiki o ka aina ‘children of the land’.” —M.J. Harden
“Hawaii is the only place in the fifty states where you can see the stars of the entire northern and southern hemispheres.” —John Richard Stephens
“Die in the ocean and his corpse will float ashore on Lanai. / Make auanei i ka moana a pae kupapau i Lanai.” —Hawaiian Saying
“I love to surf. Hawaii has some of the best waves in the world and the most consistent as well. That’s always fun.” —Brendon Urie
“For me personally, snorkelling in a cove in Hawaii, floating along, and looking at all the animals and the colours – I mean, that’s pretty peaceful.” —Stephen Hillenburg
“When love is given, love should be returned, anger gives no life. / Aloha mai no, aloha aku; o ka huhu ka mea e ola `ole ai.” —Hawaiian Proverb
“The beauty of Hawaii probably surpasses other places. I like the Big Island and the two mountains, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, where you can look out at the stars.” —Buzz Aldrin
“I grew up in a musical family; the majority of my growing up was done in Hawaii. It’s what we do. You sing, you dance, you play ukulele and you drink.” —Dwayne Johnson
“Hawaii is still the single most frequent fantasy destination, not because of political stability or conveniences, but because Hawaii seduces the imagination. It’s the perfect postcard – no props, no filters.” —Robert Wintner
“If you want to surf, move to hawaii. If you like to shop, move to New York. If you like acting and Hollywood, move to California. But if you like college football, move to Texas.” —Ricky Williams
“If you look at a map, you see that Hawaii is in the middle of nowhere. It’s 17 hours of straight flying from London. It’s very far away, and sometimes you feel as if you’re on another planet. But I like that. Also, that’s ideal for writing.” —Paul Theroux
“Growing up here in Hawaii, I loved swimming, surfing and having fun in this paradise we are lucky to call home. But I gradually realised that I was actually happiest when I was doing things for other people, doing things to protect our water, oceans and beaches.” —Tulsi Gabbard
“I went to Maui to stay a week and remained five. I never spent so pleasant a month before, or bade any place goodbye so regretfully. I have not once thought of business, or care or human toil or trouble or sorrow or weariness, and the memory of it will remain with me always.” —Mark Twain
“Hawaii is like an isolated jewel set in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. And like facets of a gem, the islands have their own unique qualities. Travellers who take the time to look beyond their obvious beauty will discover a chain of islands that is at once lush and stark, modern and ancient, simple and exotic.” —Rita Ariyoshi
“I can’t even speak Hawaiian, but if you go there and listen to a Hawaiian song, you get captured because it’s so beautiful, like the melody is just gorgeous and you know Bob Marley is on the radio every single day. It’s very reggae-influenced down there. Basically, you haven’t been to paradise if you haven’t been to Hawaii.” —Bruno Mars
“No alien land in all the world has any deep strong charm for me but that one (Maui), no other land could so longingly and so beseechingly haunt me, sleeping and waking, through half a lifetime, as that one has done. Other things leave me, but it abides; other things change, but it remains the same. For me the balmy airs are always blowing, its summer seas flashing in the sun; the pulsing of its surfbeat is in my ear; I can see its garlanded crags, its leaping cascades, its plumy palms drowsing by the shore, its remote summits floating like islands above the cloud wrack; I can feel the spirit of its wildland solitudes, I can hear the splash of its brooks; in my nostrils still lives the breath of flowers that perished twenty years ago.” —Mark Twain
Hawaiian Food Quotes
“Even the sweetness of a freshly cut pineapple from Hawaii is a sermon.” —J.A. Medders
“Fresh seafood reminds me of Hawaii and eating raw ahi fish on the beach with a little soy sauce – instant sashimi.” —Marie Helvin
“I love to lounge, and I particularly love to eat outdoors. It’s a throwback to my childhood in Hawaii. I have memories of coming out of the sea and eating corn chips with a strawberry vanilla slush.” —Marie Helvin
“Summer in Honolulu brings the sweet smell of mangoes, guava, and passionfruit, ripe for picking; it arbors the streets with the fiery red umbrellas of poinciana trees and decorates the sidewalks with the pink and white puffs of blossoming monkeypods. Cooling trade winds prevail all summer, bringing what the old Hawaiians called makani ‘olu’ ‘olu-– ‘fair wind’.” —Alan Brennert
“Quotes about Hawaii” Hawaiians & Hawaiian Culture
“The Hula is the heartbeat of the Hawaiian People.” —David Kalakaua
“No one has family in Hawaii. Everyone is family in Hawaii.” —Richie Norton
“Ohana means family and family means no one gets left behind.” —Lilo and Stitch
“In Hawaii, we have something called Ho’oponopono, where people come together to resolve crises and restore peace and balance.” —Duane Chapman
“Hawaiian English is like kahiko, the ancient dance, the kanaka dance of tradition, she says, harsh moves, slaps, and full of pounding force.” —Garrett Hongo
“The Hawaiian people have been from time immemorial lovers of poetry and music, and have been apt in improvising historic poems, songs of love, and chants of worship.” —Lilikalā K. Kameʻeleihiwa
“Hawaiian music is the roots for the Hawaiian people. It tells the history of where we came from. Not having Hawaiian music in my life would be like losing half of my body— because Hawaiian music helps me to be a better person.” —Kevin Brown
“We, the Hawaiian people, who are born from the union of Papahanaumoku and Wakea, earth mother and sky father, and who have lived in these islands for over 100 generations, will always have the moral right to the lands of Hawai’i now and forever, no matter what any court says.” —Lilikalā K. Kameʻeleihiwa
“That greeting is Aloha–love, I love you, my love to you. Good day–what is it more than an impersonal remark about the weather? How do you do–it is personal in a merely casual interrogative sort of way. But Aloha! It is a positive affirmation of the warmth of one’s own heart-giving. My love to you! I love you! Aloha.” —Jack London
Hawaii Travel Quotes
“Hawaii is a paradise born of fire.” —Rand McNally
“The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean.” —Mark Twain
“I believe Hawaii is the most precious jewel in the world.” —Don Ho
“Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.” —Paul Theroux
“I feel very honored that the Hawaiian spirits chose to contact me.” —Steven Magee
“Coming to Hawai’i is like going from black and white to color.” —John Richard Stephens
“I live in Hawaii, and the trails and mountains here are just magic.” —Alex O’Loughlin
“Incredible as it might seem, Hawaii is like a gigantic raft, drifting slowly with the centuries.” —Terence Barrow
“Beating the drums for Hawaii is not hard to do… the place just grows on you.” —James MacArthur
“Any frequent visitor to Hawaii is fixated on mapping how the islands have changed since their last visit.” —Hanya Yanagihara
“At the end of the world, the sunset is like a child smashing a pack of crayons into God’s face.” —Craig Stone
“Hawaii is the island of big dreams for both islanders and guests. Those dreams born in paradise can indeed come true.” —Sharon Linnea
“Aloha is the unconditional desire to promote the true good of other people in a friendly spirit out of a sense of kinship.” —Abraham Akaka
“Hawaii is still the single most frequent fantasy destination, not because of political stability or conveniences, but because Hawaii seduces the imagination. It’s the perfect postcard, no props, no fillers.” —Robert Wintner
“Mount Kilauea spilled glowing lava-like cords of orange neon-lighting from seemingly nowhere. In the blackness that engulfed the night, electric heat lit flowing streams that fell into the sea, disappearing in a cloud of steam with a sizzling splash.” —Victoria Kahler
“Hawai’i is the only place in the fifty states where you can see the stars of the entire northern and southern hemispheres. Here, stars that can’t be seen from the mainland are visible, along with stars that aren’t visible from Australia.” —John Richard Stephens
“Everywhere I went in the wild corners of Hawaii, I found that the biology was as astonishing as the beauty. The landscapes have value beyond the enchantment of a waterfall or the surreal drama of an expanse of slick rock with bits of green life taking hold. Exploring these islands intrigues the mind and stirs the imagination, for nature in Hawaii is at her most inventive and extravagant best.” —Cynthia Russ Ramsay
Hawaiian Phrases
Aloha: This is one of the most often used Hawaiian word, even by those who do not fully understand its exact meaning. Aloha can be used to say “Hello” or “Goodbye.” and it has a deeper meaning to the Hawaiian people. Aloha also means kindness, love and affection. For example, in Hawaii people do things ‘with aloha’ like surfing, working or living, etc. To do something with ‘Aloha’ means to do it with your soul.
Howzit?: Howzit is a Hawaiian slang term for how are you?
Lanai: Lanai means patio or balcony. Let’s have a drink on the lanai.
E hele kāua: This is a fun phrase: E hele kāua means let’s party.
Malasada: A malasada is a Portuguese donut and likely the best donut you’ll ever eat.
Mahalo (Mahalo Nui Loa): Mahalo means Thank you. Mahalo nui loa means Thank you very much.
Aloha wau iā ‘oe: Aloha wau ia ‘oe – this phrase is a favorite of ours. It means I love you.
A Hui Hou: A hui hou is a great phrase for when you leave someone you admire, it means until we meet again.
E hele kāua i ke kahakai: This is a phrase you could use everyday while you’re visiting Hawaii, it means let’s go to the beach.
Auntie & Uncle: Aunt & Uncle are terms of endearment used by children in reference to elders regardless of whether they are part of the family.
Shaka: A Shaka is the very popular hand gesture of extended thumb and pinkie. This gesture symbolizes the Aloha spirit or the feeling of friendship, understanding, or solidarity.
Pupu: You will read this term on many of the restaurant menu’s you see in Hawaii, it means appetizer. A plate of appetizers is called a Pupu platter.
No Ka ‘Oi: No ka ‘oi means the best or the finest. In Hawaii, you may hear this phrase this way; ‘Maui no ka ‘oi” or ‘Kauai no ka ‘oi.’
Aina: ‘Aina is pronounced “eye-nah” and it means the land or, literally, that which feeds us. Hawaiians live very close to the land, so they believe you should treat the ‘Aina with dignity and respect because it sustains them.
E Como Mai: E como mai means welcome or come on in. You can use this phrase to invite people to come into your business or your home. Many businesses have a sign placed above their door that reads, ‘E como mai’.
Mauka and Makai: Mauka is the mountain and makai is the ocean. Anywhere you look in Hawaii, you will see the Mauka or the Makai. So often in Hawaii you will hear directions that refer to ‘Go towards the mauka’ or ‘the makai.’
Kama’aina: Kama’aina literally translated means, child of the land. Kama’aina also describes a local Hawaiian resident regardless of ethnicity or racial background. Often you may hear about a Kama’aina discount that is created for locals. Kanaka specifically means a person of Native Hawaiian ancestry.
Honu: Honu means turtle and is an important term to Hawaiians. To locals, the Honu is a symbol of wisdom and good luck. Specifically, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle is the only indigenous reptile in Hawaii. For Hawaiians, the Honu is a form of a guardian spirit, or amakua.
Haole: Haole is a person who is not a native Hawaiian, especially a white person. This term can often be meant as derogatory, although this is not always the case. The meaning of this term like with many terms is based on how you use it, not how you say it.
Heiau: A heiau (pronounced “hey-ow”) is a shrine or place of worship, or a sacred place. Heiaus are all over the islands, and sometimes the signs are old and hard to read. If you come across a heiau in your wanderings, please assume it is kapu and stay out of it.
Pau Hana: Pau hana means the time after work. It is considered a time for relaxation, informal socializing with friends and family (Ohana), and enjoyment. When visiting Hawaii, you will see special offers in bars and restaurants that are like Happy Hour or Pau Hana specials. Pau Hana is what many locals say when they are finished working for the day.
Ohana: An important word in the Hawaiian culture, Ohana means family in an extended sense of the term, including blood-related or family of an adoptive nature. The term Ohana emphasizes that families are bound together, and members must cooperate and remember one another. In Hawaiian culture, family is everything. Often, children who grow up together or people who work closely together and have a mutual respect for one another will refer to each other as part of their family or their Ohana.