How to Greet Like a Hawaiian—With Warmth and Respect
In Hawaiian culture, a greeting isn’t just a word it’s a feeling. When you say aloha, you’re not just saying “hello.” You’re showing love, respect, and kindness. Teaching kids how to greet in Hawaiian is a fun way to introduce values that go beyond language.
What Does Aloha Really Mean?
“Aloha” is the most well-known Hawaiian word, but it carries deep meaning. It can mean hello, goodbye, love, or peace, depending on how it’s used. More importantly, it shows that you care about the person you’re speaking to.
Other warm greeting words include:
- Pehea ʻoe? – How are you?
- Mahalo – Thank you
- A hui hou – Until we meet again
Cultural Values Behind the Words
Hawaiian greetings often reflect values like kindness (lokomaikaʻi) and respect (hoʻihi). These values are passed down through generations, and kids learning the language can also learn the spirit behind it.
Interactive Greeting Activities
Aloha Circle Time
Start or end the day by saying aloha to each other in a circle. Add kind words or smiles to make it more meaningful.
Greeting Card Craft
Kids can make cards with Hawaiian greetings like “aloha” or “mahalo,” then decorate them with island-inspired drawings.
Dinolingo’s Hawaiian program for kids ages 2–14 includes games and videos that teach greetings in real-life situations. Kids hear native speakers say “aloha” and “mahalo” with warmth—and learn to repeat with the same spirit.
With printable resources, offline games, and a safe digital space, Dinolingo helps families explore language together in a fun and respectful way. Available on web, iOS, and Android.
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