What is a ole Pilikia?
While coffee, macadamia nuts, hula skirts and Polynesian tee-shirts all represent Hawaiian culture, there are other gifts that showcase Hawaiian legend and craftsmanship. Traditional Hawaiian gifts represent the beauty of the Islands, the deep Polynesian culture and the history of the Hawaiian people.
The ‘Hongi’ is a traditional Maori greeting in New Zealand used by the Maori people. To hongi you press your nose and forehead together with the nose and forehead of the person you are greeting. Many people of Maori decent prefer to hongi, instead of shaking hands.
When something is ono it is “delicious”. Since Hawaii is a melting post of delicious food (or ono grinds, in Hawaiian pidgin), be sure to look for restaurants that advertise their food as “ono”.
Aloha
Aloha means both “hello,” and “goodbye,” and is used as a greeting when seeing someone for the first time and wishing them well at parting. If someone says “Aloha” to you, say it right back. Mahalo means “thank you.” If someone does you a kindness, don’t be shy about saying, “Mahalo,” to them.
How do you respond to Aloha?
What is the correct response to Mahalo?
‘A’ole pilikia: Pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah. Use this phrase if someone thanks you. It means “you’re welcome.”
