'Ōlelo Corner

Lonoikamakahiki!

Makahiki begins with the rising of Makaliʻi and marks the Hawaiian new year—a season of peace, renewal, and abundance dedicated to Lono. It is a time to rest, reconnect, celebrate through harvest and friendly games, and offer our very best to our ʻohana and community as we welcome the growth of the year ahead.

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Phrases for Makahiki

Aloha Makahiki Hou!

Happy New Year!

Lonoikamakahiki!

Lono of the Makahiki!
A declaration of praise during ceremonies marking the arrival of the Makahiki.

Ua pūlama ʻia i ka wā Makahiki.

Cherished during the Makahiki season.
Used to express care, renewal, and attention given during this peaceful, sacred time.

Hoʻokupu no Lono.

An offering for Lono.
Refers to Makahiki rituals of presenting hoʻokupu to honor the god Lono.

ʻAʻohe hana a kaua i ka wā Makahiki.

Nothing is done (no work or war) during the Makahiki.
Reflects the season of peace when battles and heavy labor halted.

I ka wā Makahiki, noho maluhia.

In the Makahiki, there is peace.
Emphasizes the restful, peaceful nature of the season.

I ka wā Makahiki, he wā hoʻomaha nō ia.

In the Makahiki, it is a time of rest.

Ke hoʻokupu ka ʻāina, ulu ka nohona.

When the land offers its gifts, life thrives.
Often applied to Makahiki as a time of abundance and harvest.

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau

‘O ‘Ikuā i pohā kā‘ele‘ele, ‘ikuā ke kai, ‘ikuā ka hekili, ‘ikuā ka manu. 

‘Ikuā is the month when the dark storms arise, the sea roars, the thunder roars, the birds make a din. 

E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi!

Hauʻoli Heleuī – Happy Halloween!

Celebrate with these festive phrases and ʻŌlelo Noʻeau to bring Hawaiian language into your Heleuī celebrations.

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Heleuī Phrases

Hauʻoli Heleuī!

Happy Halloween!

E hele ana au i ka huli palaʻai!

I’m going to look for pumpkins.

E komo ‘oe i ka lole heleuī!

Put on your costume.

He aha ‘oe ma kou lole heleuī?

What are you in your Halloween costume?

‘O wai ‘oe ma kou lole heleuī?

Who are you in your Halloween costume?

Makemake au i ke kanakē!

I want candy!

E makaʻala i nā ‘uhane!

Watch out for ghosts!

He mea hoʻomākeʻaka kēia!

This is funny!

E leʻale’a kākou!

Let’s have fun!

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau

“E akahele i ka ʻuhane i ka pō.”
Be cautious of the spirits in the night.

E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi!