When you visit Maui and are welcomed at your place of stay, you might be told you are now part of their ‘ohana. The concept of ‘ohana in Hawai’i is based on something universal: family. For the most part, we all love our children and grandchildren.

May there be love between us (said to one person)

If you’re feeling extra grateful, use mahalo nui loa (pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee) for ‘thank you very much’.

In English “Aloha wau ia oe” means something like, “I will always love you.” Hope that helps.

Hawaiian Words for Love

The simplest and most common response is “you’re welcome.” Mahalo is used in Hawai`i so frequently that non speakers of the Hawaiian language most commonly either nod or say you’re welcome.

“Mahalo” is a Hawaiian word meaning thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, esteem, regards, or respects.

Mahalo means thank you.

According to legend, the Night Marchers were ancient Hawaiian warriors. Today, their spirits are said to roam various areas on the islands, many of which were once great battlefields. They appear as ghostly apparitions who carry torches and play drums while they chant.

In Hawaiian mythology, Nightmarchers (huaka’i pō or “Spirit Ranks,”, ‘oi’o) are the deadly ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors. Ancient Hawaiian beliefs state that any mortal looking upon or being seen in defiance toward the marchers will die violently. Barriers placed in the path of night marchers will not deter them.

Oahu

the four gods (ka hā) – Kū, Kāne, Lono, and Kanaloa. the forty male gods or aspects of Kāne (ke kanahā) the four hundred gods and goddesses (ka lau) the great multitude of gods and goddesses (ke kini akua)

god Kaulu

Milu

Māui (Maui) is the great culture hero and trickster in Polynesian mythology. Very rarely was Māui actually worshipped, being less of a deity and more of a folk hero. His origins vary from culture to culture, but many of his main exploits remain relatively similar.

Māui-tikitiki-a-Taranga

Manaiakalani

Hina

Te Fiti, another island in the film, was based on Tahiti, and the tattoos on Dwayne Johnson’s character, Maui, are modeled on Marquesan tattoos. The research trips helped the crew define and then redefine the film’s look.

hei matau

hei-tiki

Leis

The earliest fish hooks in the Americas, dating from about 11,000 B.P., have been reported from Cedros Island on the west coast of Mexico. These fish hooks were made from sea shells.

They dated one to approximately 11,000 years old and the other to between 23,000 and 16,000 years old — the earliest known example of fish-hook manufacture. The oldest previously known fish hooks are associated with the beginnings of agriculture, which in South East Asia was around 5,500 years ago, says O’Connor.

Regarded as a symbol for safe passage over water, the makau, or fishhook, brings good fortune and strength to those who wear it.

Fish have nerves, just like cats, dogs, and humans, so they can feel pain. Hooked fish endure not only physical pain but also terror. When they’re removed from their natural environment, they start to suffocate. Fish who are caught and released often still die from such injuries.