Climb through clouds, trek ancient trails, then feast by firelight at Mauka Warriors Luau
When you arrive in Hawaii and join a traditional luau like Mauka Warriors Luau, you might feel a bit confused hearing unfamiliar words. Don’t worry! Here are 10 common Hawaiian words you can remember quickly to better understand and connect with the local culture.
1. Aloha
“Aloha!” is the first word you’ll hear when you arrive in Hawaii and also the last one when you leave. You’ll see it everywhere: on signs, T-shirts, even menus. But “aloha” isn’t just “hello” or “goodbye.” It also means love, connection, kindness, and welcome.
At Mauka Warriors Luau, when the MC says “Aloha, welcome to our ʻohana!”, it means they’re welcoming you like a member of the family.
Aloha - Greetings from the ocean
2. ʻOhana
In Hawaiian culture, ʻohana means family, but it’s not limited to blood relatives. It includes close friends, neighbors, or anyone you love, care for, and are willing to protect.
Mauka Warriors Luau is where this idea truly comes to life, as guests from all over sit together, share a meal, talk, dance, and laugh like one big family even if they’ve just met.
Ohana is a very meaningful concept
3. Mahalo
When a performer finishes a hula dance, you’ll hear them say “Mahalo nui loa!” which means “Thank you very much.” Mahalo is a sincere expression of gratitude that reflects the Hawaiian spirit of respect and harmony.
Remember this one because it might become a catchphrase on your trip to Hawaii!
4. Luʻau
The word “luau” originally referred to a dish made with taro leaves, a common food served at traditional ceremonies. Over time, “luau” came to mean the entire celebration, a big gathering with food, hula dancing, music, and ancestral rituals. It has become an important part of Hawaiian community culture.
Luau has gradually become a cultural feature closely associated with the lives of Hawaiians.
There are also other familiar words like:
Hula – the traditional dance of Hawaii.
Imu – an underground pit oven heated with stones and ash, used to cook kalua pig – the centerpiece of a luau meal.
Kalua pig – a traditional Hawaiian dish, slow-roasted in an imu for many hours.
Lei – a flower garland symbolizing welcome, respect, and good luck.
Mana – sacred energy that exists in all beings and ceremonies.
Hoʻokipa – hospitality. There’s no better place to feel Hawaiian hospitality than at the Mauka Warriors Luau.
Why Should You Learn a Few Hawaiian Words Before Attending a Luau?
Because real travel is about experiencing the culture of a place, not just taking check-in photos. And in Hawaii, that cultural experience begins with a greeting.
Picture this: you step into the grounds of Mauka Warriors Luau. The performers greet you with warm smiles and say “Aloha, e komo mai!” (Welcome!). And you respond with a smile and a heartfelt “Mahalo.” That simple moment breaks down the barrier between visitor and local.
Let the imu fire, the hula dance, and the sound of pahu drums at Mauka Warriors Luau bring you a true Hawaiian cultural experience. We limit the number of guests each evening to keep the atmosphere intimate.
If you’re reading this, maybe the universe is calling you to join the Mauka ʻohana.
Book your spot today so you don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mahalo – and see you at the sacred fire night of Mauka Warriors Luau!
