What Does Mahalo Mean?

Mahalo means thanks in the Hawaiian language.

According to the Hawaiian Language Library, the word mahalo can be used to express gratitude or even admiration.

1. Thanks, gratitude; to thank. Mahalo nui loa, thanks [you] very much. ʻŌlelo mahalo, compliment. Mahalo ā nui, thanks very much.

2. Admiration, praise, esteem, regards, respects; to admire, praise, appreciate.

Sunrise over Hanauma Bay on Oahu, Hawaii

Learning The Hawaiian Language

The Nā Puke Wehewehe ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is an awesome electronic source for those wanting to learn the Hawaiian language or looking up some Hawaiian words on the go. Afterall, living in Hawaii — there are many times a day we use or see the Hawaiian language.

Embracing The Culture

More and more establishments are doing their part to incorporate the Hawaiian language and culture into their businesses. From parking structures, like the one at SALT at Kakaako, labeling their parking floors with the numbers in Hawaiian to huge hotels like Disney Aulani which offer daily Hawaiian cultural lessons (such as hula) to their guests.

Hawaii Life is a great example of a local business doing their part in not only embracing the Hawaiian culture, but desiring to keep the culture alive. Our first HLMO (otherwise known as Hawaii Life Motto). “We are Hawaii Life. And so we have an obligation to understand this place, the culture and the people” 

Hawaii Life backs up its HLMO with the Hawaii Life Charitable Fund (HLCF). The most recent organizations we’ve supported are:

• Hawaiian Islands Land Trust
• Friends of the Children Justice Center
• Anaina Hou Community Park

As a person that is part Native Hawaiian, it’s amazing to be part of an organization that cares so deeply about the Hawaiian culture.